2 · San Diego CityBeat · november 8, 2017
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UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR
Stop. Posting. Bullshit.
P
eople are often surprised when I tell them I find it just as annoying when progressives and liberals call Fox News “fake” when, at the end of the day, MSNBC and CNN make just as many errors as Fox. Fox isn’t fake per se. It’s just propaganda disguised as news and designed to accentuate the viewer’s politics. Sure, one could make the claim that MSNBC is more discerning with what they choose to report, but there’s just as much sensationalism as there is on Fox. It must sound like I’m defending Fox News. Trust me, I’m not. It’s garbage. I’m simply pointing out that one need not be lying to propagate. In the definition of the word, lies or the act of lying is not mentioned when it comes to propaganda. It’s just a matter of cherry-picking information to find convenient narratives. The information and narratives that they think will appeal to their viewers. But that doesn’t mean that information is fake. It just happens to be filtered through a partisan and editorialized funnel. “Fake” is the new “literally.” Fake is a synonym for “I don’t like that.” Fake literally doesn’t mean what it means anymore. The news turned “fake” the day editors, publishers and producers stopped giving consumers the information they needed and decided they could make more money giving people what they want. This week was particularly vexing. Whether it was big stories like the terror attacks in New York and Texas, or non-stories like Trump dumping a box of fish food into a Japanese koi pond, it seemed everywhere we looked someone was posting a story on Facebook or Twitter that later turned out to be bullshit. In the case of the terror attack in Texas, 4Chan pics of Antifa, ISIS and white supremacists were circulated and shared by conservatives and liberals alike, despite the fact that the stories were fake and the terrorist was just some abusive asshole. In the case of Trump’s, eh, fish incident, there was no incident. Reporters for CNN, CNBC and The Guardian took a rather harmless photo op with the Japanese Prime Minister and tried to turn into some kind of disrespectful international incident. In reality, PM Shinzo Abe dumped his food out before Trump did, but by the time that was confirmed, the damage was done. Some of my own friends
posted the misleading stories. Later, when someone pointed out to one of them that the story was misleading, the response was telling: “Whatever. Trump’s still a piece of shit.” I even had a personal experience over the weekend with fake news. Last week, I used this space to talk about San Diego and Chula Vista’s respective bids for Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2). I posted to Facebook and got the normal amount of props and push-back until, on Sunday morning, I awoke to see a story posted by friends all over Facebook from a rather dubious, but nonetheless professionallooking site proclaiming “Amazon chooses San Diego, CA for HQ2.” I did my homework before proclaiming it to be fake. I read the article and checked the sources (there were none), I poked around Google for any other outlets reporting the story (again, none) and then checked verification sites like Snopes and Factcheck.org (nada, although Snopes later confirmed that the story was false). My message to my friends was simple: “Stop. Posting. Bullshit.” Progressives like to think we’re better than our Trumploving relatives and friends—the ones who post those sickening clickbait “articles” spouting nonsense conspiracies. The truth of the matter though is most of my progressive friends are spreading just as much misinformation as some of my redneck relatives. Most of the “news” that came out about Donna Brazile’s book— about the DNC, Hillary and Bernie—was speculative nonsense or only partially based in fact. That didn’t stop all the Bernie bros from sharing a bunch of conjecture from dubious sites. It’s not unreasonable to think that we’re heading in a direction where there will be two kinds of people: those who will believe only what already suits their politics and prejudices and those who are so skeptical of the media that they choose not to believe anything. Both are dangerous, and while I’m not suggesting that my method for fact-checking is the end-all/be-all method of verification, we should all do our part when it comes to examining the flawed journalism that oozes into our daily lives. The desire to “share” can be tempting, but take a couple minutes to do some homework. Poke around. It doesn’t take long and we’ll all be better for it.
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?
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NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 3
UP FRONT | LETTERS
BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS Aaryn, Writing to congratulate you for the CityBeat “The most treacherous lie” column [Oct. 25]. That was so brave and courageous. I saw the next week’s letters from men before I read the column because I don’t always get CityBeat at my library— they go fast! I so hope the assholes resisted responding and you only heard supportive comments. You’re an amazon.
Elizabeth Lunn Serra Mesa
SAVING OURSELVES I am a resident of Barrio Logan, or, to be more specific, I live in the exact building that has been the subject of the recent La Gracia controversy and subsequent implosion. From comments to memes to actual graffiti on my building, this issue has been at the forefront of my mind and even showed up in last week’s issue of San Diego CityBeat [“No gracias,” Nov. 1]. Much like I felt upon reading the initial comments on Jenny Niezgoda’s original Kickstarter campaign, I was taken aback at the blatantly personal attacks that showed up in Alex Zaragoza’s article. A writer who has self-identified as being “into feminism.” The “long, wand-waved locks” of anyone should not ever be a subject of contention, especially in the sexism-filled Trump world
we all currently live in. To tear down another woman on a personal, physical level is despicable and wholly unworthy of anyone who claims to be a feminist. To specify Niezgoda’s resemblance to Blake Lively, as was blatantly included in Zaragoza’s referenced mitú article, diminishes an argument that was entirely worthy without resorting to such sexist pettiness. In all fairness (and to my horror) it is not only Zaragoza who decided that physical attributes were worthy points to specify on. Original social media comments ranged from women angrily declaring Niezgoda a “blonde bitch” with a “Colgate smile” to toxic males proclaiming, “I’d still smash the shit out of you.” A common theme in all of these comments was that Niezgoda classified as a “Becky” also known as THE prime pop-culture example of a strong woman lowering her own standards of decency by publicly tearing another woman down for a man’s mistake. I will never debate the tone-deaf nature of the La Gracia concept and Kickstarter video, but for a self-identified feminist (along with this beautiful multicultural community) to attack a human being on the nature of their hair color and gender is nauseating and beneath the capacity of us all. Find issue in merit (or lack thereof), find a person faulty for their capacity, but never for their aesthetics and certainly not their gender. The longer women tear each other down in these petty, and ultimately superficial ways, the longer we all stay down. I can’t even begin to harness my anger at the inequal-
4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
ity of La Gracia’s concept while I’m busy being this disgusted by my fellow women. We must do better—as if Weinstein and Trump weren’t proof enough—men aren’t coming, we’ve got to save ourselves.
Carolyn Osorio Barrio Logan
WHO WILL STICK UP FOR THE WHITES? I’ve never read a more objectionable article in CityBeat [“No gracias,” Nov. 1]. The author is telling us that white people aren’t welcome in Barrio Logan—not as business owners, not even as chefs! Does she really mean white, because she looks white in her photo. She must mean non-Latino. Let’s follow that system around town: No non-Italians in Little Italy. Only Irish owners of Irish-themed pubs. Ethnic purity will be the rule. The author is happy that the blond entrepreneur was chased out of the neighborhood, presumably losing some of her investment. Was she too white, too affluent or just too pretty and perky to be accepted by the gatekeepers? If it’s OK to mock and shun a white person, can we give the same treatment to an Asian or African-American, if we feel they are guilty of “cultural appropriation”? Thomas Boland Hillcrest [Editor: Dude, “Asian” is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.]
UP FRONT From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News / CityWeek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spin Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Backwards & In High Heels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 4 5 6 7
Well, That Was Awkward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FOOD & DRINK World Fare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Final Draught . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
THINGS TO DO The Short List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
ARTS & CULTURE Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 FEATURE: City Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18 Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22
MUSIC FEATURE: Cold Specks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Notes from the Smoking Patio . . . . . . . . . . . 24 About Last Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 If I Were U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29
LAST WORDS Advice Goddess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
@SDCITYBEAT
NEWS | OPINION By Jamie Ballard and Seth Combs
THE ISSUE: The San Diego Housing Commission voted unanimously to use $6.5 million from its permanent housing fund to staff three temporary tent shelters for seven months. The tents will house 700 people, who will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 120 days. A semi-regular column devoted to our not-so-favorite holes in the road. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “The cost of beds in these tents for a family of four is estimated to be more than $5,000 per month, more than double the average rent for a 3 bedroom unit in San Diego. Even worse, this proposal eliminates $6.5 million in permanent housing projects simply to set up tents for seven months. We are defunding real solutions to use for proven failures.”
—Councilmember David Alvarez, in a press release
“If we want real solutions to homelessness, we have to fund real solutions, not band-aids... How you can approve $6.5 million with no plan and no strategy is beyond me.”
While it’s not so much a pothole as it is an asphalt curb where there should be road, this little doozy of a bump on Landis Street between Nile and Boundary streets recently took down CityBeat’s own web editor Ryan Bradford. Literally. Ryan broke the radius bone in his left elbow after hitting this bump on his bike. Whether the accident was due to the pothole’s surface-of-Mars-like configuration or—as one colleague speculated—the result of a Carl DeMaio hex (Ryan dissed him on Twitter only a few hours before the accident), all we know is that those gas tax infrastructure dollars need to get flowing. Have a pothole in your neighborhood or on your commute that has you fuming and your suspension screaming uncle? Tell us about it. Send location and pics (but really, only if it’s safe to do so) to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com.
—Homeless advocate Michael McConnell, via Twitter
“When you take the chronically homeless person off the street and take care of that person, it saves you all sorts of money that would be spent on the police department, emergency rooms, hospital and ambulances. There’s a strong economic argument to get the most vulnerable people off the streets, and that’s part of what these industrial tents do for us. From my perspective, from a compassionate perspective, we’re saving lives and helping people.”
HAM OF THE WEEK
—Padres’ Managing Partner Peter Seidler, who initially proposed the industrial tent shelters, to the San Diego Union-Tribune
OUR TAKE: A solution must be found quickly to find a different funding stream. Finding a way to get people off the streets is a great idea. But without enough permanent housing, it seems likely that we’ll be looking at the same exact situation in a year. Once the tents presumably close and there’s still not enough affordable housing for those who need it, people will return to living on the street, and the city will have spent millions of dollars with little progress to show for it.
NEWSY BITS 11/01 BEST DAY EVER!
11/02
Covered California enrollment opens, executive director says that in spite of confusion around healthcare, Covered California is “rock solid”
“Mysterious boom” rattles homes throughout San Diego.
E. coli outbreak sickens more than two dozen Marine recruits in San Diego. Bad Halloween candy?
Lakeside continues to live up to its rep as the county’s cat hoarding capital. Authorities confiscated 127(!) cats, mostly black ones, from an L-Side apartment last week, most of which are available for adoption at Bonita and Carlsbad animal shelters.
All the seriousness, silliness and stupidity of the past week 11/03
Disbarred Rancho Santa Fe attorney Todd Macaluso found guilty of conspiring to fly a private plane with more than 3,000 pounds of cocaine from Ecuador to Honduras.
11/04 Somali Family Service of San Diego and Islamic Relief USA host “Day of Dignity” in City Heights, offering blankets, hygiene items and other necessities for people who need them.
11/05
Not to kick em while they’re down, but the San Ysidro School District just can’t seem to get it right. Interim Superintendent Arturo SanchezMacias had to resign over the weekend, after reports that he funneled money from the district to himself. This comes after years of lawsuits, solar panel fiascos and resignations, all to the detriment of the largely Latino student body.
11/06
San Diego Juvenile Hall court launches new program intended to help victims of sex trafficking find their way out of forced slavery.
Councilmember David Alvarez calls for the city to use hotel room tax revenue to create housing for the homeless. Zapf and Alvarez call for a homeless shelter at the old Chargers training facility…
San Diego Housing Commission votes to use $6.5 million from permanent housing fund for tent shelters.
El Cajon homeless crackdown continues, with city now prohibiting church groups and charities from providing potluck-style meals in city parks and public areas.
People throughout San Diego protest gas tax. No one really notices.
San Diego Rescue Mission honors the 116 homeless people who died on the streets over the past year.
11/07
…Meanwhile, County extends Hepatitis state of emergency.
Darrell Issa says he’ll vote no on Republican tax bill. Might be the first and last time we agree with Issa on something.
San Diego County is missing out on millions of federal dollars that could go to feeding children according to San Diego Hunger Coalition study.
FML
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NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5
UP FRONT | OPINION
SPIN
CYCLE
JOHN R. LAMB
Voodoo transparency In darkness one may be ashamed of what one does, without the shame of disgrace. —Sophocles
O
ver the years, locals have split over a host of political hot potatoes, from stadiums and high-rises to how best to pay city workers. However, if we’re to judge by past election results, one thing we can all agree on is the desire to be fully informed when elected officials make critical decisions. Seems logical, right? But here we are sailing into the tail end of 2017, and San Diego still can’t seem to get its collective act together to enforce two wildly successful ballot measures—one from 1992(!), the other from 2004—that attempt to do just that, i.e., educate the masses. Former councilmember Donna Frye, San Diego’s open-govern-
ment samurai, has filed a lawsuit against the city in hopes of defending the virtue of the 2004 measure she helped craft. More than 82 percent of the electorate backed Proposition D, a city charter amendment broadening publicinformation access rules. Frye said an excruciating effort to obtain copies of conflict-of-interest waivers—occasionally issued by city officials to city-hired law firms who also desire to represent a client with a claim against the city—left her no other choice but to sue. “The thing is, I did not want to file a lawsuit,” she told Spin last week. “I really thought we would be able to get to some sort of resolution.” Her travails began in July, when she submitted a public-records request for all city-approved waivers for the past five years. By early October, City Attorney Mara Elliott’s
6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
office closed the request, having released some but not all waivers, according to Frye. Frye’s interest in the waivers was piqued in July when a proposed City Council policy change proposed by Elliott made its way to the council’s Rules Committee. The change, in effect, delegated the decision to release waivers to the discretion of the mayor and city attorney unless four or more councilmembers requested a public hearing on the waiver. “It’s like, really?” Frye said. “You really have like one of these things a year, and you want to set up a whole new procedure where people have to beg to put it on the docket?” In August, a council majority sided with Elliott, ostensibly writing itself and the public out of the waiver-deciding business. Feeling her 2004 ballot measure was under attack, Frye reached out to Elliott in emails and phone calls seeking a remedy. In the end, Elliott argued that the broadening charter amendment Frye fought for didn’t apply to waivers. In an Oct. 12 email to Frye, Elliott offered a counter-proposal to Frye’s insistence that waivers be docketed by the council for public discussion: posting the waiver requests on the City Attorney’s website and adding an “informational
JOHN R. LAMB
Are Mayor Kevin Faulconer and City Attorney Mara Elliott siding with darkness when it comes to shining a light on city business? line item” on council agendas that would provide for public comment and possible future council action. The final straw, Frye said, was an Oct. 30 email from Elliott noting that the proposed options “are not required” under the 2004 charter amendment. “If we ignore the first time they want to ignore a charter amendment when it happens on smaller things, we can extrapolate that it’s only going to get worse,” Frye said. Frye’s attorney in her case, Cory Briggs, said the city attorney’s office has acknowledged it doesn’t know the exact number of waivers issued. “You don’t even know which law firms have done it, because the city attorney’s office can’t keep track of the information,” he said. “And by the way, this waiver is essentially a contract saying it’s OK to harm the city. We’re waiving any potential harm you may cause. Why the fuck would you ever do that?” Briggs said Elliott is also heading down another dark alley over the city’s molasses-like efforts to hone another charter amendment that passed with 86 percent voter approval in 1992. Like the 2004 measure, 1992’s Proposition E garnered no formal opposition. And why would it? It simply required full disclosure of all people doing business with the city and the nature of their financial interest, under penalty of losing that business for failure to fully disclose. The problem—as the San Diego County Grand Jury pointed out in a scathing report in April titled “Stop Kicking the Can Down the Road”—is that not everyone complies, because “charter section 225 contains language that is overly broad, rendering it difficult to enforce and easy to circumvent.” The 1992 measure, touted by
then-Mayor Maureen O’Connor, could indeed have been written better, Briggs acknowledged. However, he argued that the solution proposed by Elliott and approved last week by the council’s Rules Committee isn’t any better. The new language, on its surface, seems to be an improvement: “Prior to entering into a transaction with the City, every person who will be a party to the transaction shall provide the City with the name, identity, and the precise nature of the interest of all persons who are directly or indirectly involved in the transaction.” But Briggs said the definition of “directly or indirectly involved” provided by Elliott is so narrow that “it’s only the people actually communicating with the fucking city, who’s essentially the lobbyist.” Briggs also objected to wording that gives the mayor sole power to reject a transaction if a party knowingly fails to disclose its interests. “Why is it voidable only by the mayor? It’s the city council who’s lied to,” he said. “If the purpose is for there to be a disclosure to the public, why is the mayor the only one to decide? The city council has no fucking oversight.” In response to the grand jury report, Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the city would follow a federal Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure rule. But Briggs said that rule, 16b, only applies to publicly traded firms. “It’s the private entities that we need to be worried about,” he said. Faulconer “has chosen this path on purpose. It gives him an opportunity to tell the public that he’s doing something to address a problem, when, as is so often the case, he isn’t doing shit.” Spin Cycle appears every other week. Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.
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UP FRONT | OPINION
AARYN BELFER
BACKWARDS & IN
HIGH HEELS
A look. A sigh. A good hug.
I
don’t know who she is, but she is out there. Perhaps she is reading this column right now, this woman whom I met once for a brief moment. She’s like me. She is, I’m certain, just like the rest of us ordinary extraordinary women doing our lives, working and raising children (or not) and tending to aging parents. She is moving through the world in seemingly mundane ways among other women doing the same. But the truth is that we are warriors, and it is women warriors who are going to save the world. Something fundamental has shifted. The change is palpable. As a record number of women—20,000 of us around the country—have enlisted to run for office since the Women’s March in January, I am convinced it will be the women who fix this shit. I know this to be true because my connections with other women, like the one who may be reading right now, tell me it is so. Our only encounter took place in the dark of Halloween night in North Park. I was dressed as the Statue of Liberty—only bruised, abused, beaten. My hair was tousled, my crown drooped, my dress was shredded and filthy. I had two black eyes, a gash on my forehead and a bloody nose. I bore the marks of angry fingerprints on my neck from which hung a small cardboard sign. #METOO, it read. The sight of it was almost too much. All night, little kids stared, dumbstruck, trying to make sense of it. This Torch Lady incarnation was not one with which they were familiar. “That’s scary,” said one of my daughter’s friends before she asked what the sign meant. So there I was, as Liberty Enlightening the World with her burned-out torch, when I saw her coming my way. I’d been zig-zagging for an hour across streets, chaperoning a squad of ecstatic, giggling girls just young enough to still love trick-or-treating, but just old enough to be on the cusp of real world brutality and heartbreak. She shuffled toward me on the crowded sidewalk of 28th Street. The first thing I noticed was her long dress—the same mint green color as mine—that swung back-and-forth with each step that drew her closer to me. I thought for a minute I’d met my twin, but then I scanned up to see her face and like the children staring at me throughout the night, I was stopped by the disturbing, grotesque and damaged creature before me. She was hairless, her entire head a bald mass of silicone skin pulled taught and scarred. In the glow
of streetlamps, it glistened with pus and blood and ooze. Her face—a similar and difficult-to-look at landscape that brought to mind fire—had two small gleaming eyes, two little nostrils, and a mouth that somehow seemed detached, like that of a ventriloquist’s doll. This zombie-thing was ominous, disturbing. She walked slow, as if in a trance, and as she passed Vlad (as in Putin, who walked ahead of me by a few steps), her head rolled to one side in a heroin-esque stupor. She kept moving forward and as she recovered and righted herself, our eyes met. Then she stopped. Her beady eyes got as big as they could through her second-skin mask. She scanned my whole body, from the ratty hair down to my feet then back to refocus on the sign around my neck. #MeToo. As the words registered, her masked face softened, her brow wrinkled, and I thought she might cry. She opened her little mouth and gasped, letting out a tiny, high-pitched and sad leak of air. I sighed. “I know,” I said. She tilted her damaged head to one side in sympathy and recognition. And then, at the exact same time and without so much as a hesitation, we moved toward each other with our arms wide, and wrapped each other up in a tragic, tender hug. There we were, two battered strangers on the street holding tight to each other while ghouls and princesses and superheroes and monsters and zombies and unicorns ran past and around us. We held that hug for five seconds, maybe 10. It seemed like our world stopped for a lot longer. We said nothing at all; we just embraced one another, our bodies lifting and dropping together with each breath. I was me and she was her, two humans—two women—dressed in fantastical costumes that held fantastical meaning, just hugging it out in solidarity of so damned much. When we finally let go, she said to me, “That was a nice hug.” “It was a nice hug,” I said. Then she shuffled off in the direction from which I’d come, and I kept moving forward. It was phenomenal. It was a phenomenal moment. In this fucked up world. That women are most definitely going to save.
I bore the marks of angry fingerprints on my neck from which hung a small cardboard sign. #METOO, it read.
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Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week. Write to aarynb@sdcitybeat.com.
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7
UP FRONT | OPINION VOICES
RYAN BRADFORD
WELL THAT WAS
AWKWARD
Timeshare? More like timetake!
I
want to think that I’m a smart person. I want to think that I can navigate the trials and tribulations of life like a normal human being, and that—apart from my shameful love of pop-punk—my existence on this planet is justified. And just when I feel like maybe I’m doing life correctly, I do something like sign up for a timeshare presentation. The worst part is that I saw it coming from a mile away. My wife Jessica and I had just arrived at a beer festival when a young man holding a clipboard approached us. He told us to follow him back to his booth. “You’re going to like this,” he said. I should’ve said no. No stranger with a clipboard has ever offered anyone anything good. The dude said he represented Welk Resorts and wanted to offer me a free vacation of my choosing, and that all I needed to do was put down a $40 deposit, which would be returned to me after my visit to the predestined Welk Resort in Escondido. There it was: the catch. The scam. And yet, I couldn’t stop myself from slam-dunking my credit card right into his hand. It was like being the conductor of a slow-moving train wreck, or an out-of-body experience with my incorporeal self yelling, STOP! I do this sometimes. I entertain the propositions that I know are detrimental to me, because I don’t want to appear rude. It’s my fatal flaw. When the world’s ending, when a great wall of fire is slowly consuming everyone, I’ll be politely waiting in line for my turn to escape. Timeshare Day comes. I’ve built up a resolve not to spend any money, but that begins to crumble the moment we arrive at the Welk Resort. The mountains shimmer in some sort of magic North County mist, and polo’d golfers swing away on the resort’s “award-winning” golf course. I press my nose against the window and yearn. “And it looks like they have a Pizza Hut onsite,” Jessica said. “You sure you left your wallet at home?” Calm yourself, old boy, I think, but still can’t shake the image of celebrating the purchase of a timeshare with a hot P’zone™. We park and a man in a golf cart picks us up and drives us to the Welcoming Center, thereby further removing us from our mode of escape. We sign in and wait in a lobby with about 15 other people—mostly families and elderly. It’s hard to determine if anyone’s here of their own volition, or if they’ve all been duped; we all share the same worldweary dimness. A bunch of Welk agents enter the lobby and descend upon us, their assigned victims. We get Angela, who has the jittery, Type-A, eager-toplease personality common among real estate agents.
We’re taken into a conference room where we sit with our assigned agents and answer guilt-ridden questions about how much vacation we take, our dream vacations, and why we don’t we take more. It’s the opportunity for the agents to connect with their clients, but Angela fucks up her chances by knocking the table with her knee and spilling our coffees. A woman who looks like Liza Minnelli stands at the front of the room. “GOOD AFTERNOON, SAN DIEGO!” she screams. This is Pola. All of us look around to the other members of the group to confirm Pola just did what we thought she did. She screams it again, adding “I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” “Good afternoon,” we mumble. Throughout Pola’s 90-minute presentation, she brings herself to tears not just once, but twice while discussing the importance of spending time with family—at one point invoking the memory of her dead father. I may not have the capacity to be rude to a stranger, but I have no tolerance for emotional manipulation. Pola hugs us all on the way out, and it feels dirty. After the tour of the units, Angela brings us into a room where deals are closing all around us. For each sale, there’s a round of applause, and all the agents stop what they’re doing to join it. It’s creepy as hell, because it’s not excited, sporadic clapping, but synched—like robots clapping the beat to a sinister song. “So,” Angela says, “What’ll it take to get you in a timeshare today?” “We’re not interested,” Jessica says. And I feel like we make our intentions very clear, but we keep having to repeat it—to Angela, to Angela’s supervisor, and then to some last-line-of-defense Lady From Corporate. By the end, they’re offering another free trip to anywhere in Europe, and Jessica looks at them and—with Nietzschean coldness—says: “Nothing is free.” We get our trip (not Hawaii, but Catalina... yay!) and our deposit refunded, but we practically have to rip it out of the Lady From Corporate’s hands. The golf cart ride back to the car is silent. We’re both stewing, thinking of things we should’ve said, should’ve done or not done. And the resort is beautiful, which makes the preceding hours that much worse. After a minute, Jessica leans forward and asks the kid driving our golf cart how the Pizza Hut is. “It’s all right,” he says. “Actually, it’s just kinda like a regular Pizza Hut.” It makes me feel a little better.
When the world’s ending, when a great wall of fire is slowly consuming everyone, I’ll be politely waiting in line for my turn to escape.
8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
Well, That Was Awkward appears every other week. Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com
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UP FRONT | FOOD
BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER
THE WORLD
FARE
A different kind of deli
G
“
ood” and “cheap” are two words used together more frequently than they ought to be when it comes to food. There is, for example, no such thing as “good, cheap sushi.” People have probably died trying to find that particular unicorn. A-Chau (4644 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 111) in Little Saigon, however, proves there definitely is such a thing as good, cheap Vietnamese fare. The cheap part is evident the moment patrons walk in: A-Chau’s a hole-in-the-wall with a deli case and counter. It’s clear from the start it’s either going to be great or really bad. One taste of the egg rolls and patrons will quickly know which. A-Chau offers two different kinds: the more familiar, wonton-wrapped Chinesestyle and the far less familiar Vietnamese rice paper-wrapped cha giò. Both are filled with pork, shredded carrot and rice vermicelli noodles. Both versions are really good. The Chinese-style is what one might expect if they expect egg rolls to be fried perfectly. The rice paperwrapped versions, though, are even better. They certainly don’t look that way: mottled, blistered and, perhaps, slightly discolored. Don’t be fooled; that’s just the rice paper being, once again, perfectly fried. The filling is compact, deliciously moist, and that exterior is fabulously crispy. It’s a mistake to order just one, though it’s not a bad idea to get them as part of the bún thịt nướng cha gi—rice vermicelli noodles with barbecued pork and the Vietnamese egg rolls. A-Chau’s classic Vietnamese fresh spring rolls—pork and shrimp—are good, but not exceptional. The sugarcane spring rolls are more unusual, what with the shrimp’s richness and the cane’s sweetness offering a different look at the idea of fresh spring rolls. A-Chau’s banh mi are nearly as good as the egg
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rolls. A banh mi is just a sandwich on French baguette bread, a legacy of Vietnam’s former colonial occupation. A-Chau’s version features bread that’s a bit less crusty and a bit spongier inside. It’s all the better for it. When it comes to these sandwiches, there are two nearly co-equal standouts on the menu: the barbecued pork banh mi, on the one hand, and the meat loaf and pâté version, on the other hand. The latter may be the most classic banh mi and the way the rich pâté pairs with the acidity of the pickled carrots and daikon radish makes it clear why. The richness of the barbecued pork version functions similarly, with the meat’s fat contrasted by the pickles. Bottom line: both versions work marvelously. A-Chau offers a number of other banh mi sandwiches. The ham and the charbroiled meatball are decent, while the non-charbroiled meatball is a bit less so. It is, ultimately, the bread and those pickles that make them. MICHAEL GARDINER
Barbecued pork banh mi In the end, A-Chau is a little dive run by a mother and son (mother in the back, son out front) that may not look like more than a cheap lunch counter. But what comes out of A-Chau’s deli cases is, with a few exceptions, excellence. It is good. It is cheap. And it shows that cheap and good really can co-exist. The World Fare appears weekly. Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9
UP FRONT | DRINK
ANATOMY OF A COCKTAIL SCENE
BY IAN WARD
BY BETH DEMMON
FINAL DRAUGHT
COURTESY OF COLBY CHANDLER
IAN WARD
Humble beginnings
#18: We all float at West Coast Tavern
W
I
“
love fernet,” said Tony Aversa, bar manager at West Coast Tavern (2895 University Ave., North Park). I used to share his sentiment, but after years of over-imbibing it (to the point wherein, I have even woken up with a Fernet-Branca tattoo on my body and no real recollection of how it got there), it is now a spirit that scares the crap out of me. It was Halloween night and I was sitting at his bar about to drink one of his cocktails, the We All Float. It seemed appropriate for the evening. After all, Halloween is the night that we’re supposed to look our fears in the eyes, and tell them to bugger off. I had been hearing great things about the new cocktail menu at West Coast lately, from several well-respected imbibers about town, and was eager to try its new offerings. Making cocktails, or at least delicious ones, with fernet is no easy task. It doesn’t lend itself to mixing the same way other similar spirits with herbal bitter qualities do. It has a viscosity and a certain sweetness that others don’t, making it trickier to balance, both texturally and in the flavors. It also has a pitch-black color and sadly visuals are a huge part of cocktail making. Fernet, while being aesthetically conducive to mixing with things like straight whiskey cocktails or coffee libations, has a tendency to throw things askew when mixed with citrus. It turns the whole thing, to be frank, kind of a doo-doo brown color. It’s certainly not a shade desired in cocktails and is more suitable in the sewers with the evil dancing clown. However, the fernet float in the We All Float offers a beautiful contrast. It’s reminiscent of another rum cocktail, the Corn N Oil (a personal favorite), in that both have a constant oratory change. There were
WE ALL FLOAT
As prepared at West Coast Tavern 1 1/2 oz. Tanqueray 1/2 oz. Malahat ginger rum 1/2 oz. simple syrup 1/2 oz. lemon juice Float of fernet
Combine the Tanqueray, Malahat ginger rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain in to an old fashioned glass with one large ice cube. Float with fernet.
times that the ginger rum was highlighted, other times it was the citrus, and other times mint and bark. Ginger and fernet are incredible bed-fellows as are ginger and all things with high tones of menthol and baking spice, bringing to mind wonderful aromatic gingerbread, which is perfect for the holiday season. The first round of merriment? I was assured the We All Float will be on the menu throughout the season and available for $7 during happy hour. Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene appears every other week. Write to ianw@sdcitybeat.com
10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
e’re—*hic*—coming to the end of San Diego Beer Week. The annual 10-day festival is put on by the San Diego Brewers Guild and draws approximately 20,000 visitors to hundreds of events from 60-plus breweries in every corner of the county. These stats are a far cry from its humble beginning in 2009. Before Beer Week there was Guild Fest, but before Guild Fest there was hardly a Brewers Guild at all. The group officially started in 1997, but within a few years had dwindled to nearly nothing due to lack of unity. It took the Association of Brewers (now the Brewers Association) selecting San Diego as the host city for the national Craft Brewers Conference in April of 2004 to reassemble the fractured group of just over 20 breweries. Their aim was to present a singular face of San Diego beer. Colby Chandler, Vice President and Specialty Brewer at Ballast Point and the Brewers Guild president from 2004 to 2010, reminisces about the era. “It was like herding cats,” recalls Chandler. “[But] I herded the cats to get the ball moving in a positive direction.” Chandler also credits fellow Guild members, including Shawn Dewitt (former Guild Vice President), Dave Moore (the Guild’s longtime general counsel), Melody Crisp and Neva Parker for their joint efforts in consolidating the local breweries. By November 2004, Guild Fest was up and running. But as interest in craft beer swelled, so did the number of attendees and demand for a larger event. Soon, many in the beer scene, as well as Chandler, realized that San Diego’s lack of an official beer week stifled its ability to remain a competitive force in the craft beer industry. There were several disorganized attempts to launch different versions of a beer week during that time, but Chandler says that it “seemed silly to have these different entities working
Colby Chandler towards the same goal.” Chandler says he assembled the different factions together in 2009 and, with $50,000 from the San Diego Tourism Marketing District, launched the first San Diego Beer Week to encapsulate Guild Fest. That first year, there were maybe two to three events per day (as opposed to around ten times that today). There were fewer breweries involved, and that meant fewer rules and fewer opinions on what constitutes “craft” beer. Today, Brewers Guild president Jill Davidson cites “collaboration and celebration of our community” as important aspects to Beer Week. However, who comprises that community remains hotly debated. Despite his role in orchestrating the start of Beer Week, today Chandler is excluded from officially participating due to Ballast Point’s controversial $1 billion takeover by New York-based Constellation Brands in 2015. According to the Brewers Guild, membership is limited to independent beer-based businesses whose leadership structure is San Diego-based. “I can’t attend the fest I started. It’s sad,” he comments dryly. While non-independent Ballast Point is out, Chandler remains positive about the craft spirit and growth of Beer Week. “It’s always been—and still is—all about San Diego beer," he says. "We’d still like to celebrate with the Brewers Guild if they’d have us.” Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com, check her out on Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or via Twitter at @delightedbite.
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SHORTlist
EVENTS
ART
the
THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE
COORDINATED BY
SETH COMBS
SAN DIEGO
EAST OF WEST
It seems like a new film festival pops up every week. Some come and go and some are just too specific when it comes to the theme. But for nearly two decades, the San Diego Asian Film Festival has taken a seemingly specific theme and expanded it to include selections that viewers might not automatically expect. That is, it doesn’t just include films and docs from the countries of East Asia (Japan, China, Vietnam, etc.), but rather of all the countries of Asia (ex: India, Iraq, Bangladesh, among others). There are also films from or starring Asian Americans. With this curatorial outlook, it’s no wonder that the fest has become the largest international film showcase on the West Coast. “One of the main goals has always been to really capture the breadth of Asian film,” says Brian Hu, artistic director for the festival. “We really look for a diversity of styles. We’ve really beefed up the areas of experimental film, documentary and retrospectives of older films… It has a full picture of what’s happening in Asian cinema.”
NORTH PARK
TEAM WORK
Highlights include an opening night screening of Oh Lucy!, a dramedy from Japan about a Tokyo woman trying to find her way through middle age via an English class taught by a charming American. We’re also excited to see They, the debut from Anahita Ghazvinizadeh about the struggles of a young trans Iranian-American. And the trailer alone for A COURTESY OF SDAFF Better Man, a documentary about a woman who confronts her abusive exboyfriend 20 years later, had some CityBeat staff tearing up at their desks. All in all, the selection of over 100 screenings is so varied, there’s surely something that will appeal to anyone who likes going to the movies. The San Diego Asian Festival takes A Better Man Film place at various venues throughout San Diego from Thursday, Nov. 9 to Saturday, Nov. 18. There are also opening and closing night parties, as well as panels and an awards gala. Prices range from $12 for individual screenings and $60 for a six-pack of screenings, to $295 for a festival pass. See festival.sdaff.org for full schedule and times.
LOGAN HEIGHTS
MODERN FAMILY
Beer Week is winding down, but there’s one more event readers should seek out before falling into hops-induced hibernations. Karl Strauss’ annual Collabapalooza embodies the familial spirit of the local beer scene with one-of-a-kind and super-rare brews. These pours include Strauss collaborations with Fall Brewing (“Boats & Lederhosen” German Pilsner), AleSmith (“Shisho Fine” English Ale) and Nickel Beer Co. (the highly buzzed-about “Trip Mo” IIPA). There will also be food available from Mastiff Sausage Company (them pork nugs tho), Doggos Gus and more. Tickets range from $40 to $55 and include unlimited 2 oz. pours and a commemorative glass. It all happens from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Observatory parking lot (2891 University Ave.) with proceeds benefitting the San Diego Brewers Guild and the North Park Main Street Association. karlstrauss.com
What role do families play in our lives? Several people will address this, and other questions about families through personal storytelling as part of The New Narrative series. The program takes a look at the standard narrative of American culture—go to college, get a job, get married, buy a house, have kids, etc.— and highlights people who are changing that narrative to suit their life. This reading includes speakers sharing stories about multiracial families, aging parents, ostracization and reconciliation with families and more. Speakers include Ri Parrish, Alana Kalinowski and Eric Boyd, among others. It all takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 at Bread & Salt (1955 Julian Ave). Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and can be purchased at thenewnarrative.org. COURTESY OF NEW NARRATIVE
HZapatista Mayan Art Project at Chicano Park, Barrio Logan. Schools for Chiapas invites community members to learn about and participate in a collaborative art project with Mayan students and Zapatista education promoters in Chiapas, Mexico. From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. 619-232-2841, schoolsforchiapas.org HAnything for Salinas at Machete Beer House, 2325 Highland Ave., National City. As part of San Diego Beer Week, the brewery will feature art inspired by the iconic red low rider in Selena and beers from Monterey and Salinas. Opening from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Free. 619-773-6986, facebook.com/ events/151821788759240 HCarolyn LaFrance: Prints at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The San Diego artist and architect Carolyn LaFrance will exhibit a recent series of prints inspired by nature and wildlife she encounters every day in her garden and surroundings. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Free. 858-4545872, ljathenaeum.org HOcular Evidence at Quint Projects, 5171-B Santa Fe Street, Bay Ho. A solo exhibition of paintings and cyanotypes by Ryan McGinness, who will speak at the opening. Works on view include his Studio Views to Signals, Skateboards, Mindscapes and Black Holes. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 858454-3409, quintgallery.com HAlchemy: Handcrafted Illustrations at Thumbprint Gallery, 920 Kline St., La Jolla. A group exhibit of eight artists and counting who specialize in creative illustration, using wire, wood, string and other mediums. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 858-354-6924, thumbprintgallery.com Mermaid Art Show at La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan, Barrio Logan. This themed, group show revolves around the mythical and cultural symbol. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 61902557056, labodegagallery.com HArt in the Age of X at San Diego City College’s City Gallery, 1508 C St. AH 314, Downtown. A group show featuring works by Doris Bittar, Richard Gleaves, Michele Guieu, Anna O’Cain and Nada Shalaby. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. facebook.com/ events/396856460730690 If Our Days Won’t Last at Distinction Gallery, 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. This exhibit, curated by Jon Jaylo, features 21 international oil painters and sculptors. Many of the artists will be present at the opening, which will also have live music and beverages. Opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. distinctionart.com Braceros: Capturing History Through Our Stories at Bread & Salt,1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. As part of its first publication, The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center invites community members to share their family’s stories as related to the Bracero Program from 1942 to 1964. From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Free. 619-851-4083, facebook. com/events/377488959354117
BOOKS Kathryn Sermak and Danelle Morton at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The journalist and co-executor of the Bette Davis Estate will sign and discuss Miss D & Me: Life with the Invincible Bette Davis. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Free. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com Charlie Lovett and Shannon Baker at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The two
Collabapalooza @SDCITYBEAT
The New Narrative Series
H = CityBeat picks
mystery writers will sign and discuss their latest novels, The Lost Book of the Grail (Lovett) and Dark Signal (Baker). At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Free. 858-2684747, mystgalaxy.com HDavid Coddon at The Ink Spot, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 16, Point Loma. CityBeat’s theatre critic will do a “wine and sign” appearance to promote the release of his new book, There and Back Again. At 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. sandiegowriters.org HPamela Samuels Young at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The L.A.-based lawyer and NAACP Image Award-winner will sign and discuss her latest thriller, Abuse of Discretion. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HJoseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The hosts of the popular podcast Welcome to the Night Vale will sign and discuss their new novel It Devours!. At 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HScott Kelly at Shiley Theatre, 5998 Alcala Park, Linda Vista. Warwick’s presents this appearance from the beloved astronaut who will be discussing his new book, Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery. Admission price includes a pre-signed copy of the book. At 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. $32.27-$42.27. 858454-0347, warwicks.com HMarlene Wagman-Gellert at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The writer, whose work has appeared in the Union-Tribune, will sign and discuss her new book, Still I Rise: The Persistence of Phenomenal Women. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-4540347, warwicks.com
DANCE Homegrown at White Box Live Arts, 2590 Truxtun Road #205, Point Loma. San Diego Ballet presents a new production that is choreographed around a mid-‘70s compilation of local songs released by local radio station 101 KGB. At 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $25. 619-2947378, sandiegoballet.org
FILM HTony: The Movie at Grassroots Oasis, 3130 Moore St., Old Town. A screening of a film focusing on homelessness in San Diego and what can be done about it. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the subject and director of the film. From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. hhweek.org HArt & Astronomy at The Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. An encore presentation of A New Stellar Order, a film about NASA science illustrator and fine artist Melissa Walter. Plus a Q&A with the artist, the filmmakers and a Fleet astronomer. From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. $5-$10. 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org
FOOD & DRINK HSan Diego Beer Week at various locations. Celebrate San Diego’s thriving craft beer culture with a ten-day, countywide festival that features tastings, pairing dinners, workshops, beer garden events and more. See website for full list of events, locations and schedule. Various times. Through Sunday, Nov. 12. $45-$100. sdbw.org HWomen in Beer Week at Small Bar, 4628 Park Blvd., University Heights. A special event highlighting the hard-working women in the beer industry, with food and beer specials. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. 619-795-7998, smallbarsd.org
EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11
EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 HBeer without Borders at ChuckAlek Biergarten, 3139 University Ave., North Park. A beer event featuring local collaborations between La Casa Del Lupulo MX, Machete Beer House and Seven Grand San Diego. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Loza family, whose daughter Sarah was recently diagnosed with cancer. From 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Free. 760-440-5205, chuckalek.com HCollabapalooza at Observatory, 2891 University Ave., North Park. Karl Strauss’ annual beer fest includes one-of-a-kind and super-rare brews with collaborations with Fall Brewing, AleSmith, Nickel Beer Co. and more. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Brewers Guild and the North Park Main Street Association. From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $40-$55. karlstrauss.com San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival at Marina Park, 500 Kettner Blvd., Downtown. Join over 150 wineries, breweries and spirit purveyors, along with 60 of San Diego’s best restaurants for the annual wine and food celebration. Various prices and times. See website for full schedule. From Sunday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 19. sandiegowineclassic.com HTaste of University Heights at Buddha’s Light Bookstore and Tea Room, 4538 Park Blvd., University Heights. The 12th annual creative and culinary arts celebration features a self-guided walking tour of University Heights eateries and food samples from over 15 restaurants including Meraki Café, Red House Pizza, Madison and more. From noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $20-$25. uhcdc.org HOB Restaurant Walk at Ocean Beach, Newport Ave. & Abbott St., Ocean Beach. The annual walk has over 40
restaurants and local businesses serving up samples of food and other treats. Proceeds support the OB Food and Toy Drive. From 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. $25. oceanbeachsandiego.com
MUSIC HFaith & Freedom: An Evening of Sacred and Patriotic Masterworks at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Bankers Hill. The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Chorale will perfor Veteran’s Day selections including “God Bless America,” “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” and a spirited new arrangement of the “American Armed Forces Medley.” At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $25-$35. 619-432-2244, sdgmc.org San Diego Women’s Chorus: Elements at University Christian Church, 3900 Cleveland Ave., University Heights. The San Diego Women’s Chorus will be presenting songs inspired by earth, air, fire and water. VIP attendees have the option of sitting in a reserved area. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $20-$30. 619-291-3366, sdwc.org Chinary 75 at Conrad Prebys Recital Hall, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. A two-night concert series in celebration of the life and work of composer Chinary Ung. Two dozen guest artists are slated to perform Ung’s works alongside UC San Diego Faculty and Graduate Students. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 and Wednesday, Nov. 15. Free-$15.50. musicweb.ucsd.edu Rene Marie and Experiment in Truth at The Auditorium at Scripps Research Institute, 10620 John Jay Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. This installment of JAZZ at TSRI features the Grammy-nominated vocalist and her band who borrows elements of folk, R&B and other genres. At 7:30 p.m.
12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
Wednesday, Nov. 15. $30-$35. 858-4545872, ljathenaeum.org
PERFORMANCE HDown the Rabbit Hole at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Mythbusters alumni Kari Byron, Tory Belleci and Grant Imahara’s new stage show where they investigate weird and wonderful events from pop culture, science and history. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. $30$147. 619-570-1100, broadwaysd.com HAs One at Joan B Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., Rolando. The San Diego Opera’s presents this new opera that follows a transgender woman throughout the course of her life. At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $35-$160. sdopera.org
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HThe New Narrative Presents: Family at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Speakers will share stories about the changing concepts of family and the cultural, personal and social dynamics that drive them. Speakers include Ri Parrish, Alana Kalinowski and Eric Boyd. From 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. $15-$20. thenewnarrative.org Poetry & Art at San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Readings from authors Tomas Gayton, Jim Moreno and Chris Vannoy with special guest poets Sharon Elise and Ying Wu. Plus, a live mural painting by Jose Hugo Sanchez and Hugo Crosthwaite. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Free-$5. 619 236-0011, sandiego-art.org
POLITICS & COMMUNITY Hold Onto Your Butt Day + Beach Cleanup at Ladera Street Parking Lot, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach. An event to educate the public on negative impacts of cigarette litter on the environment, followed by a beach cleanup at Sunset Cliffs. From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 858622-9661, sandiego.surfrider.org Prevent Cruelty California Campaign Kick Off at 2201 Adams Ave., University Heights. A kickoff event for a coalition working to end the confinement of farm animals in cages. Vegan food will be available from Grains Cafe. From 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Free, but RSVP is requested. preventcrueltyca.com
SPECIAL EVENTS HVeteran’s Day Parade at North Embarcadero, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. A parade honoring San Diego men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Takes place on Harbor Dr. and West Broadway. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 619-6866200, sdvetparade.org Veterans Day Aboard the USS Midway at USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown. A day to honor those who have served our country, with a parade, blood drive and a salute to service festival with food and entertainment. Military veterans and their families also receive free admission to the museum. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. 619544-9600, midway.org HLiberty Station Band Review at Liberty Station, Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. The Veterans Day celebration will feature performances by more than ten Southern
California high school marching bands, followed by a festival featuring food, live music and other entertainment. At 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. libertystation.com HAlpine Up & Downhill at Blind Lady Ale House, 3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. The eighth annual 60-mile bike ride out to Alpine and back, with a midday stop at Alpine Brewing Company for beer, fries, salad and pizza. Participants are advised to bring helmets and plenty of water. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $40. 619-255-2491, blindlady.blogspot.com Fundraiser for Refugees from Burma in SD at Art Produce, 3139 University Ave., North Park. The Karen Organization of San Diego is celebrating six years of outreach and support for refugee families from Burma. The event will feature music, appetizers and beer along with fresh produce grown by the Karen community. From 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. 619582-0783, karensandiego.org
TALKS & DISCUSSIONS HVanishing Art Space and Venues in San Diego at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Panelists from SDSU, Bread & Salt, Arts District Liberty Station, Glashaus and more will discuss the decreasing availability of local art spaces. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. Free. facebook.com/events/128293531225959 Behind Farm to Table: The Labor of Farming at Kitchens for Good, 404 Euclid Ave., Suite #102, Lincoln Park. A panel discussion on some of the challenges of farming, and how San Diego can ensure farmer welfare and well-being. Panelists include Eric Larson, Mike Ground and Al Stehly. From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. Free. 619-450-4040, kitchensforgood.com
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november 8, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 13
THEATER COURTESY OF LAMB’S PLAYERS THEATRE
Everyone’s in the spirit in Smoke on the Mountain
Smoke near the water
C
onnie Ray’s Smoke on the Mountain is one of the most widely produced shows out there, especially in rural American towns. And why not? It’s set in rural America in 1938 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in a North Carolina burg whose principal economic engine is the local pickle factory. This revival-meetin’ musical is also a favorite of Lamb’s Players Theatre, which has staged Smoke on previous occasions, with the latest production being the first staging at its current Coronado venue. This is the sort of theater-going experience where audience members are encouraged to clap along and stamp their feet. There’s a loosely crafted plot about the Sanders family singers/players revving up the congregation at a church service presided over by the Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe (Brian Mackey). The Sanders arrive late after a bus mishap, but still in good humor and perpetually imbued with the spirit of the Good Book. The thin story’s one discernible conflict is the reverend’s mid-show disapproval of any dancing in his church, but this is resolved quickly, perhaps too quickly. The narrative could really be tossed out altogether, confining Smoke on the Mountain to its musical performances. Many of the songs are the kind that Andy Griffith favored back in Mayberry when the tone of his TV show turned spiritual, or of the knee-slapping variety typical of Baptist churches. The Sanders family, portrayed here by Rik Ogden, Beau Brians, Deborah Gilmour-Smyth, Annie Buckley and Katie Sapper, is all rather vanilla except for Steve Gouveia as Stanley Sanders, who brings a welcome brooding intensity to the party. Gouveia, who delivered a creepy tour de force earlier this year in Cygnet Theatre’s bodacious Shockheaded Peter, is Smoke on the Mountain’s one textured character. When he sings solo, he brings to mind the jagged edges of the great Steve Earle. His second-act monologue about a prisoner and a child is beautifully honest. And, in this show’s one departure from utter cleanliness, he gets to stomp off the stage muttering “Shit.” Not the wisest thing to do at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Smoke on the Mountain runs through Nov. 19 at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. A post-holidays encore run of the show will begin Jan. 11 and continue until Jan. 28. $32-$64; lambsplayers.org
Theater reviews run weekly. Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.
14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
—David L. Coddon
OPENING: Living on Love: In this musical comedy, a diva attempts to make her maestro husband jealous when she discovers he’s fallen for his ghostwriter. Written by Joe DiPietro, it opens Nov. 9 at the Broadway Theatre in Vista. broadwayvista.biz The Moors: The West Coast premiere of Jen Silverman’s dark comedy about two spinster sisters who share a 19th century mansion with their brother and other assorted characters. It opens in previews Nov. 9 at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. diversionary.org Falling: A family with an autistic son struggles to adjust their everyday lives when a relative comes to visit. Presented by InnerMission Productions, it opens in previews Nov. 10 at the Diversionary Black Box in University Heights. innermissionproductions.org Fly by Night: A “metaphysical musical” about young love set in New York City during the 1965 blackout. Directed by Manny Bejarano, it opens Nov. 10 at the Coronado Playhouse. coronadoplayhouse.com Making God Laugh: Sean Grennan’s dramedy follows one family’s holiday gatherings over the course of 30 years. Directed by Brent Stringfield, it opens Nov. 10 at the PowPAC Community Theatre in Poway. powpac.org The Season of Love: James Caputo’s play with four separate stories about two people connecting on the importance of love. Presented by Scripps Ranch Theatre, it opens Nov. 10 at the Legler Benbough Theatre in Scripps Ranch. scrippsranchtheatre.org Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class: A spinoff from the musical Nunsense, this musical features the nun star of that production performing and teaching a variety of cabaret classics. Directed by Kate Hewitt, it opens Nov. 10 at the OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. onstageplayhouse.org Romeo and Juliet: Arguably Shakespeare’s most famous play tells the tale of two teenagers who fall in love despite their families being at war. Presented by The Old Globe and the USD Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, it opens Nov. 11 at The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org What of the Night?: Playwright Maria Irene Fornes’ Pulitzer finalist takes place over 60 years and tells the tale of four families, each dealing with different kinds of poverty. Directed by Katie Pearl, it opens in previews Nov. 11 at the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at UC San Diego. theatre.ucsd.edu The Diary of Anne Frank: The stage adaptation of the inspirational true story of a young girl hiding from Nazis in WWII Amsterdam. It opens Nov. 12 at the Moxie Theater in El Cajon. moxietheatre.com
For full listings, visit “Theater” under Culture at sdcitybeat.com
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TORREY BAILEY
Ismahan Abdullahi at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
CITY HEIGHTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 @SDCITYBEAT
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 15
Owner of Pack Ratt Records and Junk “Records were the first thing I ever collected,” says Pack Ratt Records and Junk (4746 El Cajon Blvd.) owner Mikey Whaley, better known as Mikey Ratt. “That and Hang Ten t-shirts. We would go to thrift stores and not hope to find one, but hope to have enough money to buy all of them.” His collections, which also include racing stripe jackets, skateboards, Devo memorabilia, surf trunks and more, are a testament to his infatuation with both surf and punk culture. Raised in La Mesa, he would skate to El Cajon Boulevard, into Hillcrest, over to Ocean Beach and back. “I’m a product of my upbringing in San Diego and seeing all these cool little places that disappeared,” Ratt says of the record shops and comic book stores he would skate past. His dream is to open a museum dedicated to lowbrow San Diego art and lifestyle spanning the ‘40s to the ‘90s. “I want to highlight the underground guys who innovated weird stuff, but didn’t get much credit for it. Or, they got credit for it, but they were so sketchy that people didn’t want to be connected.” He’s off to a good start with a vintage skateboard exhibit in the back of his shop. “[San Diego] has its grit and place in history.”
16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
Director of Civic Engagement and Community Partnership at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans “One of the things that I realized growing up is that if I don’t use my voice, then others are going to use it for me,” says Ismahan Abdullahi of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (4089 Fairmount Ave., panasd.org). In 1992, Abdullahi and her family left their native country of Somalia after her father was killed. “When fear is driving you, and you don’t know the uncertain path that you are embarking on, that uncertainty becomes more of a hope than the fear you’re leaving behind,” she says. They sought refuge in San Diego knowing there was a growing Somali community. She’s now committed to helping fellow immigrants transition into their new American lives, unifying the international community and defeating hate crimes. This year, she trained 32 refugees to become civic engagement leaders through advocacy, phone banking, understanding voter data and community organizing. “We’re making sure that as a refugee, our struggle is one.” At least one in every 40 San Diegans is a refugee, she says, with City Heights being home to many. “What I think is beautiful about this space is that it is not only multilingual and multicultural, but it provides an opportunity for people to have shared conversation and learn from one another.”
Owner of City Farmers Nursery The slogan, “A little bit of country in the heart of the city,” is a wholly accurate description of City Farmers Nursery (3110 Euclid Ave., cityfarmersnursery.com). From the street, the one-and-a-half-acre nursery appears deceptively small, but onsite there are rows of plants, livestock, a fishpond and a beehive. There’s also a bonsai garden where visitors come solely to decompress, a mini concert stage and more. Not to mention that owner Bill Tall lives on the property. The land is self-sustaining to the point that he once didn’t go to the grocery store for over a year. “I’m living the dream,” PHOTOS BY TORREY BAILEY he says. “My hobbies are gardening, cooking and woodworking, and I get to do all of them.” Tall bought the land for $5,000 when he was 18 years old. It now also houses Nate’s Garden Grill, a restaurant dedicated to Tall’s dad. Heading into its 45th anniversary, Tall says the nursery is hitting its prime thanks to his aversion to chemicals and the popularity of organics. “The interest in gardening has grown a lot in the past five to six years. The time now when food is becoming unhealthy, even tainted sometimes, people start questioning it.”
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TORREY BAILEY
It seems almost like some kind of miracle that the Tower Bar—the iconic, colorful City Heights institution that’s topped by a 100foot pylon at 4757 University Ave.—is still standing. The second oldest bar in San Diego, having opened in 1932 (one year before The Waterfront, but nearly 50 after Tivoli), it’s evolved into a staple of the San Diego punk scene, having hosted countless local and touring bands from garage rock to black metal. Yet it was originally built as a drive-in soda fountain when it first opened. While the building has long remained in the family of originally owner David H. Ryan, its business has changed over a dozen times over the years, its ground floor hosting a long list of different restaurants to, eventually, the punk rock club that stands today. Its legacy was almost cut short in 1964 when a car ended up plowing through one of its walls, though after some renovations, the bar reopened and made it another 50 years before being struck— again—by a car earlier this year. Yet while the Tower Bar (thetowerbar.com) might show its scars, and has been jokingly dubbed “the original hole-in-the-wall,” it’s still standing tall.
Tower Bar
—Jeff Terich MICHAEL GARDINER
Pho dac biet
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NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17
TORREY BAILEY
Hidden among City Heights’ cement and grittiness, there is an 8-mile-long canyon trail. Manzanita, Hollywood, Swan and 47th Street Canyons are the four valleys that make up this out-of-place splotch of nature. In 2012, the organization San Diego Canyonlands (sdcanyonlands.com) embarked on clearing what was once used as an illegal dumping grounds and, in turn, marked permanent trails, uprooted invasive species, added bridges and landscaped the area with native plants. It wasn’t until this past April that the trails connected all four canyons. City Heights community organizer Linda Pennington points out scrub oak, lemonade berry and other native plants as often as she points out the homes of her friends and neighbors. She was essential in the trail improvement process, citing the importance of bringing a sense of the outdoors to the neighborhood. “A lot of our City Heights kids have never even been to the beach,” Pennington says. Yet, the trails have a distinguished sense of city living. There are several murals by street artist GLOW, also known as Gloria Muriel, as well as a drought-tolerant garden with several installations by local artists. Overall, the revitalization of the canyons has been a community effort. Just to make
City Heights Canyon Loop the trailheads, tens of volunteers created designs that were turned into tiles thanks to glass artist Vicki Leon and mosaic artist Brennan Hubbell. Then, they were welded together into columns by Ironworkers Local 229. Now, San Diego Canyonlands is turning toward encouraging the rest of the community to break the trails in.
18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
—Torrey Bailey
TORREY BAILEY
I can’t remember where I first heard the area between Interstates 15 and 805 referred to as “The Wine Glass.” Maybe it was some hotshot real estate agent trying to ascribe a hip name to the area like SoHo or TriBeCa in New York. There’s also a good chance that I made it up. Just look at the map though! Follow the two highways south until they meet, pretend El Cajon Blvd. is the wine, and voilà—it looks like a wine glass! Don’t tell me not to make The Wine Glass a thing. I’m making it a fetching thing, and here are some of the treasures found within: Treasure Trove (3538 University Ave.): This place lives up to its name, and browsing feels like a visit to an eccentric museum. It’s rife with furniture, paintings and the most impressive coin collection I’ve ever seen. Plus, owner James Hill has been running the store for 56 years, and is super knowledgeable about the history of the neighborhood. Noelia’s Party Boutique (3703 University Ave.): This place has the best, most colorful piñata selections I’ve ever seen. Yes, I’m 4 years old and piñatas still impress me. Soda Bar (3615 El Cajon Blvd.) and SPACE (3519 El Cajon Blvd.): There are many places you can bar hop, but venue
Treasure Trove hop? These two indie clubs are only a block apart, which is rad when they both have great shows happening simultaneously. Teralta Park (40th St. and Orange Ave.): It’s a freaking park built over a highway. A miracle of engineering!
—Ryan Bradford
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november 8, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 19
20 · San Diego CityBeat · november 8, 2017
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CULTURE | FILM
Brothers in arms
Last Flag Flying
Richard Linklater’s war drama finds peace in the prickly bonds of friendship by Glenn Heath Jr.
W
hen the film world expects Richard Lin- trasting advice at Doc, a man who is so forlorn from klater to bob, the Austin-born auteur likes experiencing consecutive losses that he hardly has to weave. Boundary-pushing experiments the strength to speak. Cranston’s rowdy impulsivein genre (A Scanner Darkly), storytelling (the Before ness and Fishburne’s subdued forcefulness are directtrilogy) and cinematic form (Boyhood) populate his ly indebted to the original characters played by Jack nearly three-decade career. But Linklater has also Nicholson and Otis Young, whereas Carell makes the been equally adept at churning out thoughtful enter- character of Doc all his own. The trio’s various adventures and pitfalls lead them taining products that call to mind classic Hollywood’s into airplane hangars filled with the coffins of Ameriheartfelt subversiveness (see School of Rock). A road trip comedy with ripe anti-establishment can soldiers and bus stations lurking with cartoonish leanings, Last Flag Flying falls squarely into this lat- Homeland Security agents. Notions of patriotism, serter category. Set stateside in 2003 while America’s vice and brotherhood begin to evolve past surface level invasion of Iraq rages on, the film reunites three old representations found in rousing recruitment slogans military buddies who shared many a volatile mo- and the brash monologues of commanding officers. No longer impressionable young ment while serving together soldiers, Sal, Doc and Muelin Vietnam decades before. ler have the life experience to While not firmly a sequel to LAST FLAG FLYING call out hypocrisy and injusHal Ashby’s seminal counDirected by Richard Linklater tice when they see it. terculture masterpiece The Starring Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston As more time passes, LinLast Detail, as many original klater gives these men the press junkets suggested, the and Laurence Fishburne space to further excavate two are thematically and Rated R each other’s lives. How everyideologically connected. Call one has evolved (or hasn’t) them cinematic brothers in arms—some character names have changed, but their becomes a key point of contention, especially between distinct personalities and complexities remain in tact. Sal and Mueller, who often perform like competBeginning with an old-fashioned crane shot one ing sides of a Greek Chorus living inside Doc’s head. might find in a 1940s melodrama, Linklater intro- “We were all something once,” one character laments. duces Larry “Doc” Shepard (Steve Carell) as he walks Memories of past triumphs and tragedies are always solemnly down the rain-drenched streets of Norfolk, informing the present. Without depicting combat, Last Flag Flying, which Virginia. He enters a dank tavern owned by Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston), and the loud-mouthed proprietor opens Friday, Nov. 10, examines the immeasurable doesn’t initially recognize his long lost friend, who personal cost of war at the human level. It shows spequietly sits with the unassuming presence of a man cial affection for friendships developed between soldiers under stressful circumstances, but also potent hoping to momentarily disappear. Last Flag Flying gives the two the opportunity to anger toward those military institutions that do them relive old times, but after a night of hard drinking Doc disservice by fabricating heroism to cover up mishaps asks Sal to drive him out of town for a surprise road and bad timing. Questions of purpose and identity inform genuine trip. Their destination is the Baptist church of Reverend Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne). Upon arriving, feelings of guilt that cannot be explained away. This both Doc and Sal are shocked to find their once hard- comes to pass most powerfully in the funeral service drinking friend is now a devout agent of God. Here, the scene where Doc finally discovers a sense of closure film finally unveils Doc’s rationale for their impromptu that transcends the military’s standard “thoughts and reunion: His young son has died in action, and he would prayers” response. For a modern film to complicate the definition of patriotism in such profound ways like their help handling the burial at Arlington. Linklater and co-writer Darryl Ponicsan (author of feels revolutionary. the source novel) navigate external conflicts and internal doubts that arise from this request. Sal’s mis- Film reviews run weekly. chievous devil and Mueller’s stoic angel chirp con- Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com
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NOVEMBER 8, 2017· SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21
CULTURE | FILM
The Square
Highbrow
S
ocietal outrage becomes a primal force that aggressively confronts art world elitism in Ruben Östlund’s new satire The Square. This process plays out through the eyes of Christian (Claes Bang), the hard partying chief curator for a fictional modern art museum in Stockholm. Many of the exhibits are exercises in human behavior, a theme that spills out to scenarios that occur in the real world. In one such instance, Christian’s wallet is stolen after he’s conned into a game of fabricated chivalry. Taking personal offense, he employs a colleague to help track down the culprits. What begins as a fun prank quickly escalates into a dangerous scenario. Östlund favors numbingly long takes that almost always emphasize the potential for off screen threats, a feeling that is directly tied to Christian’s fear of lower classes and the tangible social limitations that rule their lives. The Square rides sidecar with Christian through numerous conversations and conflicts that thrive off the same anxiety. A onenight stand with an American journalist named Anne (Elisabeth Moss) devolves into a terribly awkward argument foregrounded by a leaning tower of stacked chairs. Recurring images and sounds involving primates foreshadow an extreme performance piece involving chimpanzee mimicry at a museum gala, turning the ornate interiors into a warzone. Östlund’s previous film Force Majeure employs absurdist comedy and grand visuals to reveal the glaring hypocrisy of modern masculinity. The Square, which opens Friday, Nov. 17, is often humorless and just as arrogant as its lead character. Relevant themes such as economic inequality, media sensationalism and institutional rot are pummeling and obvious, much like the thumping house music that opens the film. It all adds up to a series of gags (some of them impressively staged) that interrupt and distort the apathetic normalcy of modern life, but to what end?
—Glenn Heath Jr.
El Que Busca Encuentra: As children, Marcos and Esperanza met by chance when they both got lost at the Azteca soccer stadium, and they fell in love. Now they’ve gone 20 years without seeing each other, but both of are suddenly stirred by memories of their long-lost love and decide to seek each other out. Part of the Hola Mexico Tour screening Friday, Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 16 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. God’s Own Country: A young man who works on his family’s remote sheep farm in Northern England meets a Russian migrant worker and begins an illicit affair. Opens Friday, Nov. 10 at the Ken Cinema. La Delgada Línea Amarilla: Antonio (Damián Alcázar), a one time construction foreman fallen on hard times, works with four novices painting a line on a very long stretch of Mexican road before the rainy season sets in. Part of the Hola Mexico Tour screening Friday, Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 16 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Last Flag Flying: Richard Linklater directs this road film about three Vietnam vets (Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne) who reunite when one of them loses his son in the Iraq War. Murder on the Orient Express: Director/star Kenneth Branagh adapts Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery in this big budget thriller set entirely on a train. Stars Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley. Novitiate: Set in the early 1960s and during a time of pivotal ideological change, a young woman training to be a nun struggles with issues of faith, her sexuality and the changing face of the church. Opens Friday, Nov. 10 at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas. San Diego Asian Film Festival: Featuring 150plus films over the course of 10 days, this film festival showcases Asian and Asian-American stories by filmmakers from around the world. Screens from Thursday, Nov. 9 through Saturday, Nov. 18, at six venues around San Diego country. Sin Muertos no Hay Carnival: In Guayaquil, Ecuador, a young man attempts to evict the many squatters who have settled on the land he has inherited from his father. Part of the Hola Mexico Tour screening Friday Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 16 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Sueño en Otro Idioma: A young linguist travels to a remote jungle in Mexico to research and save a mysterious indigenous language. Part of the Hola Mexico Tour screening Friday Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 16 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Tempestad: A woman is imprisoned for a crime she did not commit while another is reluctant to give up the search for a kidnapped daughter. Part of the Hola Mexico Tour screening Friday Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 16 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. The Square: A Stockholm museum curator gets tangled up in a series of uncomfortable scenarios at work and in his personal life. Directed by Ruben Östlund. Opens Friday, Nov. 10, at Angelika Film Centers—Carmel Mountain.
OPENING Daddy’s Home 2: Of all the movies that didn’t need a sequel, this comedy staring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg about competing dads had to be at the top of the list.
22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
For complete movie listings, visit Film at sdcitybeat.com.
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NEVA WIREKO
MUSIC
Cold Specks or much of her career, Ladan Hussein went out of her way not to reveal too much about herself. Though she’s a singer/songwriter, she chose to perform under the name Cold Specks because she was uncomfortable using her own name. And in most of her songs, she made a point to distance herself from the subject matter, consciously creating music that wasn’t directly representative of her own life or who she is. After a few years, Hussein took a step back and realized that all these efforts were unnecessary. And for that matter, the various layers of identities she created for herself became too difficult to unravel. “I was always attracted to musicians like Bat for Lashes and Flying Lotus, so I called myself Cold Specks,” she says. “But people are nosy, so they wanted another name behind the name I already came up with. So I came up with another fake name behind that, Al Spx, because of [punk band] X-Ray Spex... I’m a big Poly Styrene fan. It was just a collection of pseudonyms. It just became so confusing.”
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Fool’s Paradise, released in September via Arts & Crafts, is an album that reflects Hussein’s own period of self-discovery and expression after a long period of putting up barriers around her identity. The album features some of the most personal songs that she’s written to date, including “Witness,” a song about the hopelessness amid a chaotic geopolitical climate, while “Exile” features a prayer recited by her mother. It’s not necessarily an album in which everything is easily spelled out in plain language yet nonetheless contains some of the most revealing songs of her career. It also features some of the most intimate sounding music she’s written. Fool’s Paradise, Hussein’s third album, is a much quieter and more spacious record than its predecessor, the more guitar-driven Neuroplasticity. Instead, the album is defined by its gauzy synthesizers and gentler melodies, which make them feel much more intimate. It’s not a coincidence that Cold Specks’ most personal album is the one that’s the starkest, though the shift in approach is also partially the result of Hussein’s own short attention span.
“I came off of touring the last record, which was a very loud record with a loud band, and immediately I wanted to strip everything back,” she says. “It was grueling and hard on my voice, and I just grew tired of it. I think the records are so different because when I finish it, I tour it endlessly. And I get so bored so easily. It’s a very conscious decision to make it sound different, because I think I am trying to challenge myself in some way. But I also just get very bored.” Hussein, who lives in Toronto, comes from a Muslim family of Somali immigrants, and Fool’s Paradise reflects that heritage, particularly in the title track, which she describes as a song “about detaching from a crumbling world.” It’s the first Cold Specks song in which she sings in Somali. Toward the end of the track, she chants the name “Araweelo,” who is a legendary Somali queen who was one of the country’s first female mon-
archs, as well as a ruler who became known for castrating male prisoners. The track also features the phrase “kala garo naftaada iyo laftaada,” which is an expression that Hussein heard often in her own family. “The title track, ‘Fool’s Paradise,’ is the only time I sing in Somali. The phrase I sing is a Somali idiom that my grandmother used to say: ‘Understand the difference between your bones and your soul,’” she says. “So I found myself singing those words—to understand the difference between your bones and your soul—around the time the Muslim ban happened, when I wrote the song. I found my grandmother’s words just came out naturally. “I’m sure there’s a religious meaning originally behind it,” she adds, explaining her interpretation of the idiom. “For me it’s more about self-care and detachment, and nurturing my soul.” While Hussein largely looked inward on her latest set of songs, she did take influence from some outside sources and past collaborators. Cold Specks has worked with a long list of other artists over her career, including Swans and Moby. Prior to this album, she appeared on the track “Dead Editors” by Massive Attack, and the experience fed into her own creative process. “A lot of the songs and sounds on this record... came to life after sessions with Massive Attack. And I’m sure that spoke to my songwriting process. On ‘Solid,’ for instance, I wanted specifically something that reminded me of [Massive Attack’s] ‘Safe from Harm,’” she says. The experience of making Fool’s Paradise was one that led Hussein to both appreciate herself and be less guarded about who she is. She’s also comfortable letting that go when the music hits someone else’s ears. This is music that’s very personal to her, but she says it’s up to the listener to determine what it means to them. “I can just make the best art I can possibly make,” she says. “Once it’s out there, it doesn’t belong to me. If people want to listen to it and enjoy it, that’s cool. Just listen to it and let it soothe you.” Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com and follow him on Twitter at @1000TimesJeff.
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23
MUSIC
AFTER HOURS: ABOUT LAST NIGHT
NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO
In control
LOCALS ONLY
—Jeff Terich
IN EARS WE TRUST
A
recurring feature in which we ask local musicians, promoters and others about the music they’ve been digging lately.
Cochinita Cohina, Vaginals: Nostalghia. “I was able to catch this neo-goth band during the summer when they opened for the Tones on Tail reunion show (as Poptone). Their lead singer’s vocals had a surprisingly complex range of styles, which was refreshing to hear.” Glendon Romett, Quali: Canicular Days and Relax/Relapse by Dråpe. “Both of their albums are phenomenal. Dråpe combines unique pop structures with washing guitar tones and great musicianship.” Marie Haddad: Hot Thoughts by Spoon. “I’m a few months late in picking it up, but I’ve been listening to it a lot lately. I love the direction they went with this one—the synthy layers and vibe. Takes me on a little adventure in my mind every time I put it on.” Rain Pesebre, Con-tact: Morningside by Fazerdaze. “It’s a solo project
24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
by a lady named Amelia Murray. The drums have a sampled quality to them and don’t intrude too much with the textures of the guitars and the vocals, which are blanketed in layers and intertwined seamlessly. She does so much with minimal elements.” Drew Andrews, Bit Maps: Sonic Youth’s discography. “I’ve been on a personal kick of making my way through every Sonic Youth LP. My personal faves are tied between the concept-perfect Sister, and the more reined-in and melodic Rather Ripped. If you look around at America, at the utter Twilight Zone-y attempt at the ‘square-ing’ of society, Sonic Youth is a rad reminder that urban dissonance and noise and improv and recklessness are a much needed middle finger against rising fascist normalization.” Mike Turi, Dream Joints: Dream Telephone by Frankie & the Witch Fingers: “On record and live the band has a 13th Floor Elevators meets Oh Sees vibe. Delivering an exciting sound with great textures and composition.”
Fazerdaze
—Jeff Terich
—Torrey Bailey
@SDCITYBEAT
MICHI PHOTO BY JOSSETTE MICHELLE AESTHETIC ARTS | FAZERDAZE PHOTO BY MARK PERKINS
V
inyl Junkies founder Eric Howarth and The Casbah house in South Park opened up. Ironically, the house is on owner Tim Mays are opening up a new record store the same block where M-Theory’s original location was. AfGRANT REINERO ter seeing the space firsthand, Mays and in South Park. The Vinyl Junkies Howarth decided to make it the site of the Record Shack (2235 Fern St.) will have its Record Shack. grand opening on Friday, Nov. 24. Howarth “We did a walkthrough of the space, has been running the Vinyl Junkies Record and it was just a matter of getting in there Swap, a “mobile record store” which takes and doing a little work,” Mays says. “It has place bi-monthly at The Casbah, for four the storage space that we need. I think years. He also previously owned M-Theory the neighborhood is ripe for this kind of Music and was initially looking for a new thing.” business partner without actually taking In addition to being a retail vinyl shop, the step of opening a new retail location. the store will be a ticket outlet for The He eventually warmed up to the idea. Casbah. Right now, they’re buying collec“People ask me if I miss having a record tions, and interested parties can reach out store and I always say ‘hell no!’” says Howto them at records@vinyljunkies.net. But arth, laughing. “With a mobile record store, the idea is to stick to a curated, high-qualI always had some flexibility. But I told Tim ity collection of records. I was open to the possibility. I came to the “We’re going to focus mostly on used conclusion that if we hired some people to Tim Mays and Eric Howarth records and some select reissues,” says run it, and Tim and I share some of the reHowarth. “It’s a limited space, so you want sponsibilities, we could make it work.” An opportunity arose when a retail space inside of a to use it as best you can.”
T
he past year has been a big one for Michelle Schonberg, otherwise known as Michi (soundcloud.com/ michimeow). The UC San Diego graduate entered college with plans to be a doctor, but took a chance on music technology. One month after graduation, the laptop she used for writing music and DJ performances was stolen. While it sucked at the time, she says the theft did lead to a chain reaction of opportunities that saw her doing the audio engineering for live shows at clubs Michi like Blonde Bar. These gigs ultimately led to her being handpicked for sound control at multiple festivals. One of those festivals was the weeklong Global Eclipse Gathering in Oregon where she stepped in at the last minute to take charge of the two main stages. “I was able to go in there when they needed me and do what I had to do to make the show go on… It was a really humbling experience and it was a lot of work, but it was amazing,” Schonberg recalls. Michi considers the Global Eclipse Gathering to be a turning point in her career, yet much of her focus remains on DJing and songwriting. She plans to take advantage of the festival off-season to return to producing house and techno. Within the next few months, she will be wrapping up two EPs—one that is darker and another that is more melodic. With those releases, she hopes to capitalize on some of the contacts she made this summer. “[The releases] are on my short term goal list, and I’m very excited for it to happen.” Michi has also teamed up with Zain Effendi, a film score composer who worked alongside Hans Zimmer for The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. “He’s taken me under his wing, but since I am very knowledgeable with what I do, we work really well together and are embarking on a bunch of music projects together,” Schonberg says. While she can’t yet reveal those projects, she’s staying busy by continuing her residency with Alpha Hyper, a local collective whose events showcase underground techno talent. While she isn’t booked that often, she is making a rare appearance at Spin Nightclub (2028 Hancock St.) on Friday, Dec. 15. She says each time she takes to the decks, she strives to be just as inspiring as some of the other female DJs she’s seen over the years. “When you meet another female DJ, there is an instant connection,” Schonberg says. “It’s really beautiful, the support that exists within that close-knit community.”
@SDCityBeat
november 8, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 25
MUSIC
JEFF TERICH
IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8
PLAN A: Nite Lapse, Midnight Opera, Ingemar, Snapghost, DJ Brandy Bell @ SPACE. Nothing like a set of danceable, funky pop music to get the week going right. Nite Lapse have sweet grooves and laid-back dance rhythms for days. BACKUP PLAN: Hovvdy, Parker Posey, Tanya Ayer, Boxx Office @ Soda Bar.
THURSDAY, NOV. 9
PLAN A: Cloakroom, Battery Point, Little Heroine @ Soda Bar. Cloakroom’s Time Well is one of my favorite albums of the year, an epic blend of post-hardcore, shoegaze and sludge that’s simultaneously melodic and massive. Their hooks are heavenly, even though their guitars are colossal. PLAN B: Hamilton Leithauser, Courtney Marie Andrews @ Belly Up Tavern. Hamilton Leithauser used to front The Walkmen, but he’s transitioned to more of a classic pop sound in the vein of Roy Orbison. I dig it. BACKUP PLAN: Polish, Bosswitch @ Bar Pink.
BACKUP PLAN: Roadkill Ghost Choir, The Artisanals @ Soda Bar.
SUNDAY, NOV. 12
PLAN A: Battalion of Saints, Opposition Rising, The Cryptics, PSO @ Soda Bar. A band of local hardcore punk old schoolers, Battalion of Saints are still bruising after all these years. If the heavier, louder shows from earlier in the week weren’t enough, make this night a priority. BACKUP PLAN: Lion Cut, Sssnake, Necking @ The Casbah.
MONDAY, NOV. 13
PLAN A: Cold Specks, LA Timpa @ Soda Bar. Read my feature this week on Canadian singer/songwriter Cold Specks, whose new album Fool’s Paradise is honest, atmospheric and gorgeous from front to back. PLAN B: Citizen, Sorority Noise, Great Grandpa @ The Irenic. Citizen and Sorority Noise are a couple of excellent indie rock bands COLIN MAY
FRIDAY, NOV. 10
PLAN A: The Heavy Guilt, Oh Spirit!, Johnny and Molly of Communist Daughter @ The Casbah. After returning to the stage earlier this year, The Heavy Guilt are ready to release a new album. This release show should be a good opportunity to hear what they’ve been working on the past couple years. PLAN B: Dead Leaf Echo, Hexa, Black Mare, Fivepaw @ Whistle Stop. New York shoegazers Dead Leaf Echo make some pretty music with lots of noisy effects, and locals Hexa and Fivepaw are worth being there early. BACKUP PLAN: D.R.I., Deathwish, Steeltoe, Big Scary Robot, The Thrill Killers @ Brick by Brick.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11
PLAN A: Bastard Noise, Age of Collapse, INUS, Nerve Control @ SPACE. Every band on this bill is going to destroy. In particular Bastard Noise, who live up to their name with malevolent bursts of piercing static and horrific screams. Saturday night’s never been so painful. PLAN B: The Blasters, The Sleepwalkers @ The Casbah. The Blasters have been making roots rock and rockabilly for decades, and it’s aged well after nearly 40 years. Far better than what passes for Americana right now.
26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
Cloakroom that have spent their share of time with the Brand New and Jimmy Eat World catalogs. What that means is that they’re essentially emo bands, albeit with excellent guitar melodies and vocal harmonies. BACKUP PLAN: New Crimes, Ash Williams, Que Oso @ The Casbah.
TUESDAY, NOV. 14
PLAN A: Crowbar, Tombs, Incite, Godhammered @ Brick by Brick. For those who don’t recognize the name, Crowbar are a veteran sludge metal group from New Orleans who’ve been making noise for more than two decades. They rip, but generally at low BPMs. BACKUP PLAN: Dani Bell and the Tarantist, Edwin, The Morning Yells @ Soda Bar.
@SDCITYBEAT
MUSIC
CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!
Homeshake (Observatory, 12/20), Zhu (Observatory, 12/29), Luna (Casbah, 1/14), Beat Farmers Hootenanny (BUT, 1/20), DVSN (Observatory, 1/29), Howard Jones (BUT, 2/5), Lights (Observatory, 2/7), Miranda Lambert (Viejas Arena, 2/15), Crooked Colours (Soda Bar, 2/25), Snarky Puppy (BUT, 2/26), Thurston Moore Group (Casbah, 2/28), Theo Katzman (Soda Bar, 3/2), 311 (HOB, 3/5), Queens of the Stone Age (Observatory, 3/21-22), Phillip Phillips (BUT, 3/22-23), Weezer, The Pixies (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 8/11).
GET YER TICKETS Mogwai (Observatory, 11/20), New Found Glory (HOB, 11/25), Syd (Observatory, 12/2), Dag Nasty (Soda Bar, 12/4), Prophets of Rage (Observatory, 12/7), Pere Ubu (Soda Bar, 12/8), Pig Destroyer (Brick by Brick, 12/8), Jamila Woods (Soda Bar, 12/9), The Slackers (Casbah, 12/12), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/12-13), METZ (Casbah, 12/13), The Album Leaf (Casbah, 12/15), Julien Baker (Irenic, 12/15), Cake (Observatory, 12/16), Jay-Z (Viejas Arena, 12/19), X (Observatory, 12/22), Ozomatli (Music Box, 12/22-23), The English Beat (BUT, 12/22-23), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (BUT, 12/27), Cherry Glazerr (Observatory, 12/27), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/28), Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (BUT, 12/29-
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30), Third Eye Blind (Observatory, 1/1), T.S.O.L. (Casbah, 1/4), DJ Quik, Warren G (Observatory, 1/5), Willie Nelson (Harrah’s Resort, 1/6), Milky Chance (HOB, 1/8), K. Flay (Observatory, 1/13), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (HOB, 1/15), Kris Kristofferson (BUT, 1/15), Josh Ritter (BUT, 1/16), Wolf Parade (Observatory, 1/23), Converge (Brick by Brick, 1/27), St. Vincent (Observatory, 1/27), Killswitch Engage, Anthrax (HOB, 2/13), Mary Timony plays Helium (Casbah, 2/15), Dan Auerbach (Observatory, 2/19), Superchunk (Casbah, 2/21), Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled (Viejas Arena, 2/26), Margo Price (BUT, 3/3), Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (HOB, 3/31), Los Lonely Boys (BUT, 4/22), Weird Al Yankovic (Humphreys, 5/12), Franz Ferdinand (Observatory, 5/13).
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8 Will Hoge at Belly Up Tavern. Foxtrax at The Casbah. Hovvdy at Soda Bar.
THURSDAY, NOV. 9 Cloakroom at Soda Bar. Hamilton Leithauser at Belly Up Tavern. Tedeschi Trucks Band at Civic Theatre. David Ramirez at The Casbah. Dope, (hed) p.e. at Brick by Brick.
FRIDAY, NOV. 10 Amine at Observatory North Park. Deer Tick at Belly Up Tavern. D.R.I. at Brick by Brick. The Heavy Guilt at The Casbah. Astronautalis at Soda Bar.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11 Pine Mountain Logs at Belly Up Tavern.
Roadkill Ghost Choir at Soda Bar. The Blasters at The Casbah.
SUNDAY, NOV. 12 Nahko at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Battalion of Saints at Soda Bar. Lion Cut at The Casbah.
MONDAY, NOV. 13 Cold Specks at Soda Bar. Death from Above 1979 at House of Blues. New Crimes at The Casbah. Citizen at The Irenic.
TUESDAY, NOV. 14 The Sounds at Observatory North Park. Bernard Collins and the Abyssinians at Belly Up Tavern. Gavin Turek at The Casbah. Dani Bell and the Tarantist at Soda Bar. Crowbar at Brick by Brick.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15 Exhumed at Brick by Brick. Iron Chic at Soda Bar. Fall Out Boy at Viejas Arena. Gary Numan at Observatory North Park. San Pedro El Cortez at The Casbah.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Ariel Pink at Belly Up Tavern. Tera Melos, Speedy Ortiz at The Casbah. Chad VanGaalen at Soda Bar.
FRIDAY, NOV. 17 Mayhem at Observatory North Park. Mild High Club at The Irenic (sold out). Brian Regan at Balboa Theatre. Boris, Torche at The Casbah. Diarrhea Planet at Soda Bar.
MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27
MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 SATURDAY, NOV. 18 Guttermouth at Brick by Brick. Brujeria at House of Blues. Trevor Hall at Music Box. Gin Blossoms at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Michl at SPACE. Blank Banshee at The Casbah. Hibou at Soda Bar.
SUNDAY, NOV. 19 Blues Traveler at House of Blues. Korey Dane at Soda Bar. Black Pistol Fire at The Casbah. Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties at The Irenic. Gin Blossoms at Belly Up Tavern (sold out).
MONDAY, NOV. 20 Mogwai at Observatory North Park. Jenny and the Mexicats at The Casbah. AJ Froman at Soda Bar.
TUESDAY, NOV. 21 GWAR at House of Blues. Kishi Bashi at Music Box. The Myrrors at Soda Bar.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 Tribal Theory at Belly Up Tavern. The APX at Soda Bar. Deorro at Observatory North Park.
FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Tennis at Music Box. Barb Wire Dolls at SPACE. Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys at The Casbah. The Creation Factory at Soda Bar. Fortunate Youth at Observatory North Park.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25 New Found Glory at House of Blues. The Young Wild at The Casbah. Snow tha Product at Music Box.
SUNDAY, NOV. 26 ‘The Last Waltz’ w/ Mrs. Henry at Belly Up Tavern. Ninet Tayeb at Soda Bar. New Found Glory at House of Blues. Gayle Skidmore at The Casbah.
TUESDAY, NOV. 28 Giraffage at Observatory North Park. Matthew Logan Vasquez at Soda Bar. Morgan Saint at The Casbah. Tori Amos at Balboa Theatre. Guns ‘n’ Roses at Valley View Casino Center.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 The Pack A.D. at The Casbah. Trophy Eyes at The Irenic. Chasms at Soda Bar. Tim Minchin at Balboa Theatre.
THURSDAY, NOV. 30 True Widow at Soda Bar. Collie Buddz at Observatory North Park.
DECEMBER FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Fallujah at Brick by Brick. The Heavy Guilt at Soda Bar.
SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Sports at Soda Bar. Syd at Observatory North Park. Darkest Hour at Brick by Brick. Blitzen Trapper at The Casbah.
SUNDAY, DEC. 3 L.A.M.F. at Belly Up Tavern.
MONDAY, DEC. 4 Wheeler Walker Jr. at Observatory North Park. Dag Nasty at Soda Bar.
28 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
TUESDAY, DEC. 5 Murs at The Casbah. Nicole Atkins at Soda Bar.
rCLUBSr
710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Fri: Niki J Crawford, Lyrical Groove. Sat: Raggabond. Tue: Drednotz. Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘Far Out’ w/ DJ Tramlife. Thu: ‘Retrobox’ w/ DJs Greyboy, Mark Quark, Chris Lopez. Sat: ‘Juicy’ w/ Mike Czech. Sun: ‘Chvrch’ w/ DJs Karma, Alice. American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Bobby Lee. Fri: Bobby Lee. Sat: Bobby Lee. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Thu: Pancho Villa’s Skull. Fri: Amy Guess, Alpine Circuitry, Daytrip. Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘Shock’ w/ DJ Old Man Johnson. Thu: Polish, Bosswitch. Fri: DJ Mike Delgado. Sat: The Milkcrates DJs. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath’. Mon: Thugwave DJs. Tue: The Garners, Thee Unsound. Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown. Fri: Robotaki. Sat: Billy Kenny. Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Mojo Jackson Duo. Fri: Moonage Daydreamers. Sat: dB Jukebox. Sun: Sam Bybee. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Will Hoge, Dan Layus. Thu: Hamilton Leithauser, Courtney Marie
MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
Gary Numan plays Nov. 15 at Observatory North Park
@SDCITYBEAT
MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Mochilero All Stars. Sun: Claudia Gomez, Sole Collective.
Andrews. Fri: Deer Tick, Solomon Georgio (sold out). Sat: Pine Mountain Logs. Sun: Nahko – My Name Is Bear (sold out). Tue: Bernard Collins and the Abyssinians, Reggae Angels, DJ Rashi.
Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Ikon. Sat: Obscene. Sun: Gareth Emery. Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: DJs John Joseph, Kinky Loops. Thu: DJ Kiki. Fri: DJs Dirty Kurty, Will Z. Sat: DJs K-Swift, Taj. Sun: DJs Hektik, Nick Ayler.
Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Thu: Uptown Rhythm Makers. Fri: The Hot Mustard Show. Sat: Fanny and the Atta Boys, Jillian Calkins.
Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Shark Jones. Fri: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess. Sat: TikiTronic.
Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’ w/ Norman H. Fri: The Jack Moves. Sat: Sydney Blu, Red Alien, Arielle Z. Sun: SadGirl, Paranoyds, Fresh Brunettes, Bloody Death Skull. Mon: EZTV, Nic Hessler, Bad Vibes. Tue: ‘T is 4 Techno’.
Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Fri: Rip Carson. Sat: Gino and the Lone Gunmen. Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., San Diego. Thu: Jimmy Ruelas.
Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Fri: ‘Club Musae’.
Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Hovvdy, Parker Posey, Thanya Iyer, Boxx Office. Thu: Cloakroom, Battery Point, Little Heroine. Fri: Astronautalis, Chris Farren. Sat: Roadkill Ghost Choir, The Artisanals, Los Platanos. Sun: Battalion of Saints, Opposition Rising, The Cryptics, PSO. Mon: Cold Specks, LA Timpa. Tue: Dani Bell and the Tarantist, Edwin, The Morning Yells.
Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Thu: Dope, hed p.e., One Inch Punch, Warpath, Van Brando. Fri: D.R.I., Deathwish, Steeltoe, Big Scary Robot, The Thrill Killers. Sat: Bloodletting, Archspire, Defeated Sanity, Dyscarnate, Visceral Disgorge, The Kennedy Veil. Tue: Crowbar, Tombs, Incite, Godhammered. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: Foxtrax, The Brevet, Titus Haug. Thu: David Ramirez, Molly Parden. Fri: The Heavy Guilt, Oh Spirit!, Johnny and Molly of Communist Daughter. Sat: The Blasters, The Sleepwalkers. Sun: Lion Cut, Sssnake, Necking. Mon: New Crimes, Ash Williams, Que Oso. Tue: Gavin Turek.
SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. Fri: Oceans Ate Alaska, Invent Animate, Dayseeker, Afterlife, Here from the Start. SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Nite Lapse, Midnight Opera, Ingemar, Snapghost. Thu: ‘Slappers Only’. Fri: ‘The Meaning of Love’. Sat: Bastard Noise, Age of Collapse, INUS, Nerve Control. Sun: ‘November Spawned a Monster’.
Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Fri: Cover Conspiracy. Sat: January Berry. Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Downtown. Fri: Charles Owens and Marshall Hawkins. Sat: Robin Adler and Dave Blackburn.
Tori Amos plays Nov. 28 at Balboa Theatre
The Field Irish Pub, 544 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Gary Flick. Fri: Midnight Ride. Sat: Blue Jean Simmons. Sun: Eric French. Mon: Joseph Carroll. Tue: John Rankin.
Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: Johnny Gates, Troy Ramey, Savannah Philyaw. Fri: Dead Seahorse, Dave Humphries. Sat: Pete RG, Donnis Trio, Lee Coulter. Sun: Chris Trapper, Alana Sweetwater.
F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: DJ Oasis. Sat: Louie Mole. Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Romeo Reyes. Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Ride the Mule. Thu: DJ Yodah. Fri: ‘Good Times’. Sat: ‘Rock Star Saturday’. Tue: Taco-Billy. The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach. Wed: LoveSurrender, Jamacha Project, Sweet Tooth, Modern Public, Jasmine Bailey. Thu: Sandollar, Audiopharmacy. Fri: Wise Monkey, DJ Ofier. Sat: Linked In, DJ Omz. Tue: Zaboomba. Hooley’s, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Fri: Chris Fast Band. Sat: Kevin Begin. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Jerry ‘Hot Rod’ Demink. Fri: The Front Bottoms, Basement, Bad Bad Hats. Sat: Jarabe de Palo. Sun: $uicideBoy$. Mon: Death from Above 1979, Beaches. Tue: Robin Henkel. Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: The Emergency Exit. Thu: Bumpasonic. Fri: Detroit Underground, Y3K. Sat: Beta Maxx, Tradewinds. Sun: Cerissa McQueen, Jason Brown. Mon: Sue Palmer. Tue: Missy Andersen. The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park. Mon: Citizen, Sorority Noise, Great Grandpa. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: ‘Radioactive’. Thu: ‘Digital Cocoon’. Fri: Oscuro. Sat: Trent Cantrelle. Sun: ‘On Tha 1’. Tue: A Time to Kill.
@SDCITYBEAT
Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: Fish & JG. Thu: Jackson & Billy. Fri: Stilettos. Sat: Ron’s Garage. Sun: Ron’s Garage. Tue: Glen Smith. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Andy & Nathan. Fri: Dueling Pianos w/ Don L & Nathan. Sat: Jesse Cantlay Band. Sun: Ria Carey and Don L. Tue: ‘Dueling Drag Divas’. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Fri: Crooked Crown, Low Points, The In-Itself. Sat: ‘Club Sabbat’. Sun: ‘The Playground’ w/ DJ Heather Hardcore. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Jim Allen. Fri: Jessica Lerner. Sat: Leo Rising, Jerome Dawson. Sun: Tony Ortega Jazz Jam. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Wed: Astra Kelly, Jeff Berkley, Podunk Nowhere, Rosa’s Cantina. Thu: The Floozies, Funk Hunters, Maddy O’Neal. Fri: Matisyahu, Zion I, Orphan. Sat: Goapele, Dr. Alicia Gwynn, Cerissa & 332, Devan Moncrief, Grace Carrillo. The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘One, Two, Three’ w/ DJ EdRoc. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs Adam Salter, EdRoc. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs Kanye Asada, Gabe Vega. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ w/ Tribe of Kings. OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Tritonal. Sat: Borgeous. Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Thu: Steph Johnson. Fri: Zzymzzy Quartet. Sat:
Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri: Lucent. Sat: Sante & Sidney Charles. Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Wed: ‘Dreams’ w/ DJs Adam Salter, Ikah Love. Sun: ‘Too Sad to Be Mad’ w/ Jason Stanley. Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Sat: Goya, In the Company of Serpents, Cryptic Languages. Sun: Pants Karaoke. Tue: RVIVR, Cruz Radical, Se Vende. Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: Chad and Rosie. Thu: Kenny and Deez. Fri: Coriander, Chad and Rosie. Sat: Coriander, Chad and Rosie. Sun: Chad and Rosie, Jen Hecht Duo. Mon: Lauren Leigh and Sam. Tue: Evan Diamond Goldberg. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Thu: The Fremonts. Fri: The Siers Brothers. Sat: Detroit Underground. Tue: Charles Burton. Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Wed: Witch Ripper, Fermentor, The Floor Is Lava. Thu: Karaoke. Fri: The Electric Healing Sound, Bella Lugosi, Of Ennui. Sat: Rom Baro, Bucket Flush, Cochinas Locas. Sun: Struckout, Midnight Block. Mon: Windermeres, Wicked Bears, Punch Card. Tue: FLQ, Nerve Control, Pathetic Society. U-31, 3112 University Ave., North Park. Wed: ‘Yes Lawd’. Thu: ‘Boom Boxx Thursday’. Fri: Camron Zibaie. Sat: DJ Bacon. Sun: Skanks Roots Project. Tue: ’31 Flavors’. Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. Thu: Johnny Tarr Quartet. Fri: Dead Leaf Echo, Hexa, Black Mare, Fivepaw. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’ w/ DJs Dimitri, Rob. Mon: ‘Electric Relaxation’. Tue: ‘Videodrome’. Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Wed: Kingsland, A Little Bit Louder. Thu: Magic City Hippies. Fri: DJ Williams’ Shots Fired. Sat: Kweko, Bomb Squad. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: Rebirth Brass Band.
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29
LAST WORDS | ADVICE
AMY ALKON
ADVICE
Pic Me!
GODDESS
I’m a newly divorced woman trying some online dating sites. Because I read your column, I understand how men prioritize beauty. I’m an attractive woman, but I often photograph terribly, and I’m thinking of spending some money and having a professional photographer shoot some pics in a studio. Would this be a good investment? I feel like I’d have a better shot if I had really great photos. —Unphotogenic Being somewhat vain, I fear the candid camera. In fact, I not only favor the posed photo but tend to stick (rather aggressively) to a single pose—the one that doesn’t make people wonder whether I eat oats out of a burlap bag. On online dating sites especially, appearance drives whom we choose or lose. Not surprisingly, marketing researcher Jonah Berger reports that “most online contexts,” including dating sites, “are dominated by posed photos,” as opposed to the candid kind—to the point where the main leisure activity in North America appears to be standing in a bathroom making duck lips for the camera. Berger notes that people tend to assume that others will find them more likable and worth getting to know if they present “a curated, polished version of the self.” Yet in his research, it was the candid pix that made people more interested in “being friends with or going on a date” with the person pictured. Those he surveyed also reported feeling “more connected” to those in the candid photos and liking these people more overall. “Candid photos made photo targets seem more genuine,” Berger explains. They “seem to provide a glimpse into what someone is truly like, an unvarnished perspective on how they look and behave when others aren’t looking.” However, there are times when candids are less advisable. For example, Berger found that employers on LinkedIn were more interested in hiring someone who used a posed photo. Sadly, it seems the candid “Here I am at 1 in the morning drinking my sixth glass of chardonnay” does not scream, “Hire me!” But getting back to online dating, let’s temper Berger’s findings with what we all know: The hotter you look the more replies you’ll get on a dating site. So, because you’re somebody who often photographs “terribly,” your best bet is getting photos taken that appear to be candid. You do this by having a photographer or friend shoot you “in action”—in other
words, appearing not to notice the big honking lens or the iPhone right in your face. Plan to shoot a ton of photos and at least a few will catch you looking babealicious. This should help you bridge the photogenic fairness gap—how there are those the candid camera loves and those it loves to make look like ringers for Winston Churchill.
Who Will Stop The Wane? I’m happily married. My wife is beautiful. She used to put a lot of effort into her appearance, but she now wears sweats and T-shirts everywhere, and she never wears makeup or does her hair. I felt really bad about this on our recent date night, when she just put her hair in a ponytail and wore a slouchy army jacket. I want her to keep making an effort to put herself together for me. How can I offer her constructive criticism without making her mad?
I suspect the term “constructive criticism” was coined by someone who went through life without ever encountering another human being.
30 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 8, 2017
—Bummed
You come up behind a ragged, disheveled person standing on the corner and put a dollar in the Starbucks cup they’re holding—and then you realize your error: “Oops! Hi, honey!” I suspect the term “constructive criticism” was coined by someone who went through life without ever encountering another human being. As I explain in my book, Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck, here in the real world, “criticizing people doesn’t make them change; it makes them want to clobber you.” That’s because our ancient fight-or-flight system is a little one-note—juicing us to respond to a verbal attack as if it were an attack by some dude running at us with a bloody spear. So, though it isn’t unreasonable to want your wife to make an effort on date night, you should focus on what you do want to see rather than what you don’t. For example: “Honey, you’re so beautiful, and when it’s date night, it would make me so happy if you did your hair and wore a dress. And I’ll wear whatever you want.” And to get her to make more of an effort day to day: “I love you so much, and I want to be sure we keep the romance alive.” Make clear that you aren’t expecting her to do the dishes in an evening dress and a tiara. You’d just be thrilled if, from time to time, the thigh-highs could be fishnets instead of, well, hip waders. (c)2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol. com (advicegoddess.com).
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november 8, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 31