San Diego CityBeat • Nov 11, 2015

2 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

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November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

Up Front | From the editor

Political will and homeless veterans

V

eteran’s Day is an appropriate trating. One main issue is the availability of rental units. Our clients often have issues that might make holiday to take stock of a dire situation a property manager hesitant to rent to them. We have facing too many of our city’s heroes who many veterans with rental assistance and a case manserved in the armed services: homelessness. There are too many veterans living on our ager without a front door to walk through. The secstreets. Compared to other U.S. cities, San Diego ond issue is coordination between all the [local] agenlags in implementing proven steps that can end vetcies. Even though we have improved coordination, there is still much that needs to be accomplished.” eran homelessness.

This issue has gotten heaps of national attenWhat about good-faith help from the politition, and it’s inexcusable that a Navy town like San cal realm? Many local leaders in the effort to end Diego is failing to create a safety net homelessness are fearful of criticiztheodore w. lee / flickr for former warriors and protectors ing the elected officials who might who’ve fallen on hard times. be key in getting funding for their There have been several multiprograms. year, national initiatives launched “If a politician is prepared to put the muscle of the office into this efthat attempt to address this issue, such as The Mayors Challenge to End fort that can be tremendously powVeteran Homelessness, 25 Cities and erful,” says Jake Maguire, national Zero: 2016. All three slightly overlap, spokesperson for Community Soluwith backing coming from the Obama tions and Zero: 2016. “New Orleans Administration, the U.S. Department Mayor [Mitch] Landrieu went out of Housing and Urban Development and said which heads do I have to and the Veterans Administration. crack here to get us all together, and Let’s focus on Zero: 2016. In Ocworking together? The mayor set a clear goal.” tober 2014, 75 communities, including San Diego, signed on to particiHas San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer set a clear goal? “The mayor pate in Zero: 2016’s goals of ending remains committed to finding perveteran homelessness by the end of manent solutions to homelessness 2015 and homelessness in general with an emphasis on helping homeone year later.

There are 26 cities on track to less veterans,” spokesperson Craig functionally eradicate veteran homelessness at the Gustafson wrote in an email. Gustafson notes that end of the year, according to Community Solutions, the city funded a 350-bed shelter, with 40 percent the New York City-based nonprofit social services of beds dedicated to veterans, at an annual cost of organization that coordinates Zero: 2016. That $2 million, and the mayor also invested $400,000 in list includes Houston, Phoenix and New Orleans, a Homeless Management Information System. which have already announced success. San Diego Few, however, think the mayor is willing to is not on the list. And not close. “crack some heads” to kick start a strong, willful San Diego County’s 2015 WeALLCount survey push to end homelessness. reported 631 unsheltered homeless veterans. Add “Mayor Faulconer has definitely let homeless750 sheltered vets and the number of homeless vetness fall by the wayside,” says San Diego mayoral erans bumps to 1,381. It’s projected 1,400 new and candidate Gretchen Newsom. “It’s not a priority. recurring veterans will also enter homelessness This needs more attention all year, not just on Veteran’s Day, and yes, as mayor I would leverage all this year.

A Zero: 2016 dashboard of progress for cities the regional assets and make this a main priority.” shows San Diego placed about 100 veterans per Asked if San Diego lacks the political will in the month in housing this year, well below the local mayor’s office to end veteran homelessness, McCo“take-down target” of 450 per month. nnell, the local head of Zero: 2016 replied by email: “We can always use more political will.”

“We are slowly increasing our veteran housing placements,” says Michael McConnell, San Di —Ron Donoho ego’s regional lead for Zero: 2016. “The pace is frusWrite to rond@sdcitybeat.com This issue of CityBeat is dedicated to all who dropped godless red cups of caramel macchiatos when the missile test lit up town.

Volume 14 • Issue 14 Editor Ron Donoho Music Editor Jeff Terich Arts Editor Seth Combs Web Editor Ryan Bradford Art director Carolyn Ramos Columnists Aaryn Belfer Edwin Decker John R. Lamb Alex Zaragoza

Contributors David L. Coddon, Beth Demmon, Andrew Dyer, Tiffany Fox, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Peter Holslin, Jessica Johnson, Scott McDonald, Jenny Montgomery, Susan Myrland, Chad Peace, Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Tom Siebert, Jen Van Tieghem, Amy Wallen

Senior account executive Jason Noble Account Executives Beau Odom, Kimberly Wallace, Isaac Aycox Accounting Kacie Cobian, Sharon Huie, Linda Lam

editorial Interns Torrey Bailey, Nancy Kirk

Human Resources Andrea Baker

Production Manager Tristan Whitehouse

Vice President of Finance Michael Nagami

Production artist Rees Withrow

Vice President of Operations David Comden

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Publisher Kevin Hellman

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San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents copyright 2015.

4 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

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November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

UP FRONT | LETTERS

NON-AMBULATORY After reading your article in the October 28 issue of CityBeat [“Rural/Metro crashes out of compliance”], I thought you might appreciate my experience with Rural/Metro.

My event took place on April 15 of this year on First Street between by Ralph’s Supermarket. At that time, as well as now, I was/am disabled and I walk with the aid of a walker with four wheel, due to my degenerating hip. Prior to my incident I was one of the homeless living/ sleeping near the Convention Center. Doing as many homeless people do, my buds and I woke up thirsty. We pulled our cash for inebriation deliberation. I was elected to enter Ralph’s for said purchase, because of having an ID. As I was walking across the G St. sidewalk directly in front of Ralph’s near First Street I noticed that the sidewalk was soaked, presumably in an attempt to clean it. With a premonition I thought: I hope I don’t slip. The doors opened and I noticed no entrance mat to wipe my feet.

Well, within two steps I slipped, falling with total weight on my right knee. Not good. I was wondering how bad my condition was, with a concern for my bilateral knee replacements.

Eventually, I stood without much help from the Ralph’s crew, who were more worried about covering their asses as opposed to the extent of any injury I had. Although I hurt, I was able to complete my mission. (What a trouper, thank you.) While imbibing with my mates, the pain increased and it was obvious that I needed hospital care.

Eventually, the ambulance showed, after a friend called. The ambulance crew told me to

6 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

take the bus or a cab and they drove away leaving me stupefied. Can you believe this? I couldn’t.

Thank the Lord one of my crew found San Diego’s HOT team and they transported me to Hillcrest in the back of their van. During this time, my pain was increasing and my ability to bend my right knee was lessening as time passed.

To end this tale of woe, I was finally diagnosed with a fractured femur next to my right knee implant. Thank you, Rural/Metro for you concern and assistance.

It wasn’t so much the wait for the ambulance as it was, “Walk to a bus stop and take care of yourself.” If I could, I would. It was only a fractured femur. Shake it off.

Greg Kowalski,

San Diego

ON THE

COVER

WE WANT

FEEDBACK Did you read a story in San Diego CityBeat that made your blood boil, or caused you to laugh so hard you pulled a muscle in your stomach? If something inspires you to send us your two cents we welcome all letters that respond to news stories, opinion pieces or reviews that have run in these pages.

We don’t accept unsolicited op-ed letters.

Email letters to editor Ron Donoho at rond@sdcitybeat.com, or mail to 3047 University Ave., Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92104.

For letters to be considered for publication you must include your first and last name and the part of town where you reside.

Dusdin Condren shot this week’s cover photo of Yo La Tengo. Condren is a freelance photographer and writer whose work has appeared in The Wire, Design Bureau and The FADER. He’s also designed artwork for The War on Drugs, Viet Cong and Phosphorescent. Yo La Tengo is headlining the San Diego Music Thing festival this week, and their new album, Stuff Like That There, was released in August via Matador and features covers of songs

by The Cure and Hank Williams.

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Up Front | opinion

spin

cycle

john r. lamb

Ethics and the city attorney race The Devil makes his Christmas pie of lawyers’ tongues.

—English proverb

B

y the day, Spin Cycle is gaining more appreciation for the work of attorneys in our midst. Where else can a weekly columnist of twisted mind unearth such rare earthy samples of literary gold in a town with a mayor who’s button is perpetually stuck on replay?

Yes, there was Mayor Kevin Faulconer this week—in full photo-op mode sporting a pristine apron and smile while serving a milestone senior meal—repeating his long-ago-tired mantra about the hapless, injury-plagued Chargers and the city’s equally hapless pursuit of a new stadium deal with the disinterested team.

Fair deal for taxpayers…Fighting to keep the team. Frankly, Spin Cycle didn’t even bother scribbling down what Faulconer actu-

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ally said, given his tendency to wax humdrum. (Wonder how that will play this week in the Big Apple in front of the NFL overlords. Offoff-off Broadway is Spin’s guess.)

It was also fun to see momentum build for activist attorney Cory Briggs’ Citizens Initiative to boost the city’s hotel tax and reform how that money is spent, including a hesitant nod from the normally stoic San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board with a snarky “deal with the devil” chaser.

But fear not, our legal practitioners have arrived in time to entertain us with their…words!

Let’s peer into the smoldering cauldron of what promises to be one of the more entertaining political races in 2016 San Diego: the battle to replace termed-out City Attorney Jan Goldsmith.

In one corner at this early stage, you will find the relatively quiet campaigns of Republican Robert Hickey (a deputy district

attorney unable so far to garner the endorsement of his boss, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, probably because he endorsed her opponent when she last ran for reelection) and Democrat Mara Elliott, a Goldsmith lieutenant.

In the other corner, however, stand two Democrats whose backers appear ready to tear at each other’s throats: Rafael Castellanos, a port commissioner and commercial attorney with a land-use bent, and Gil Cabrera, a private attorney and former chairman of the San Diego Ethics Commission.

It is Cabrera’s relationship with the latter campaign oversight agency that has the Castellanos camp in a tizzy of late, with little evidence of any impending let-up.

In an unusual Oct. 1 letter to the Ethics Commission, Castellanos requested that the commission “recuse itself from the 2016 campaign for San Diego City Attorney.” He argued that Cabrera’s service on the board from 2005 to 2010, his occasional work as an “outside consultant” since then, and his relationships with current staff members who worked under him should remove the commission from “any oversight” of the race “to eliminate even the possibility of unfairness and bias in the workings of the commission.”

In the letter, Castellanos sug-

gested that the state Fair Political Practices Commission “can easily step in and provide the necessary enforcement of local election laws. All campaigns would still be subject to the same reporting and campaign finance laws.”

The only problem with that?

San Diego’s campaign laws are tougher than the state’s and would not be enforceable without special state legislation, according to the FPPC and the commission’s general counsel.

Commission attorney Christina Cameron, in a Nov. 2 memo, said the city’s Municipal Code “contains numerous provisions that are applicable only to elections held in the City of San Diego which the FPPC could not enforce. Accordingly, if the entire commission were disqualified or recused itself, there would be no local oversight of the city attorney race.”

There are no campaign contribution limits for local candidates in state law, Cameron noted as an example. “Therefore,” she wrote, “if the FPPC were the sole agency responsible for oversight of the 2016 city attorney race, the individual contribution limit and numerous other local campaign laws could not be enforced by the FPPC.” In order to enforce local campaign laws, special state legislation would be required, a rarity, she added. Last week, the commission agreed, rejecting the call to recuse. According to folks attending that meeting, the commission’s newest member—attorney, La Mesa City Councilmember and former local Republican Party bigwig Bill Baber—made the most impassioned case, saying to do so would send a signal that there’s “no sheriff in town.”

Jay Wierenga, communications director for the FPPC, confirmed Cameron’s contention.

“The FPPC has not and does not have the authority to take over enforcement of local election laws for a local ethics agency,” he said in an email, “except where we have express statutory authority to provide such enforcement and a contract to do so.”

This is occurring in San Bernardino County and will soon in Stockton, but Wierenga added, “In essence, the Legislature has to pass a bill to give us the statutory authority.”

Spin reached out to Castellanos to discuss this, but he referred questions to Bill Wachob, his campaign consultant. Wachob didn’t mince words.

Wachob noted that the commission’s executive director, Stacey Fulhorst, has already recused herself from oversight in the city attorney’s race (Cameron has

taken over those duties), so “if it was good enough for her…we wanted to make that good enough for the entire commission. We believe the relationship is too close.

We’re trying to eliminate the appearance of any impropriety.”

Asked what prompted the letter, Wachob—a long-time veteran of the local political landscape—launched into an attack on early complaints already filed against the Castellanos campaign, citing “minor things like not listing our contributors in alphabetical order. Campaigns are difficult enough. They don’t need to be harassed with stuff like that.

“We’re certainly in support of both the spirit and the letter of the ethics laws and fully expect to comply with all aspects of those laws, but we don’t want to be unfairly scrutinized as well.”

Then he let slip a political reality. “Unfortunately, ethics commissions have become political footballs,” he said. “I’ve done it, and every other consultant does it. They use the ethics commission so they get an article, and then they use the article in paid advertisements. That’s the only reason we’re having a conversation. We just want to limit the amount of opportunities that Cabrera has to do that.”

For his part, Cabrera denied being the source of the early complaints and questioned his opponent’s grasp of the law. “Had this request been granted, our local campaign-finance laws (like campaign contribution limits/bans on organizational giving) would not have been enforced in our election,” he wrote to Spin. “I’m disappointed someone who seeks to be the city’s chief legal counsel would have wanted all of our local laws ignored.”

As for his relationship with the commission, Cabrera said only one commissioner remains from his time of service and “the only staff member I had a supervisory relationship with has voluntarily recused herself to avoid any appearance of conflict.”

Wachob countered that no one is suggesting that candidates be immune to local laws, saying, “That’s absurd.” He added that FPPC oversight “happens all over the state” but couldn’t immediately provide examples. He later referred Spin to former FPPC executive director Wayne Ordos in Sacramento.

Ordos, while noting some issues could be resolved through the FPPC, said a blanket recusal would be problematic. “I may have given Bill a misimpression. I’m not sure it could happen,” Ordos said.

Spin Cycle appears every week.

Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

Up Front | Opinion

Aaryn Belfer

Backwards & in

high heels

We’ve passed the mini dorm tipping point

M

y husband and I bought our small-butmighty home in the blandly named College Area in 2002. Newly married and in a fortunate position to buy thanks to a generous loan from my mother (that’s an example of generational wealth unavailable to many people of color, but I digress), we opted to stay within our means.

We bought near San Diego State University because it was what we could afford. The neighborhood itself was meh, lacking the walkability that would come to define Normal Heights, South Park and Golden Hill. But we dug the diversity those communities lack. Generally speaking, we found our neighborhood to be a mostly pleasant, copacetic mix of families, students and elderly homeowners.

Mike and Bev, a professor and his wife, lived just to the west of us. He would sneak cigarettes while pacing up and down the sidewalk. Across the street lived Marybelle, a retired fashion and costume art professor who’d become bedridden in her old age, but whose home was an incredible treasure trove of her previous life. Off our backyard was Joel, a single guy living in the home his grandmother had left him. And around the corner lived our neighbor, Gordon, a gentle octogenarian whose daily walk right down the middle of our street took him to and from Marie Callender’s where he’d go for a slice of pie like he used to do with his wife before she passed.

But one day, Gordon stopped walking. He, too, had died and his home was sold. The new owners converted the garage into a bedroom and paved over a portion of the front lawn to create more parking spaces. Marybelle died, too. Much to our relief, a family bought her house. But after two years, they moved out, chopped up some bedrooms, and (illegally) converted the garage before renting the property out to eight tenants. Joel sold his grandmother’s place and moved to a condo. Now it’s an annual revolving door for five tenants. And when Mike retired, he and Bev sold to investors who divided the living room and bedrooms, et voila! Sleeping capacity more than doubled.

And this is how, house-by-house, block-byblock, with the blessings of the city, the entitlement of SDSU and decades of poor planning by both, the single-family character of our community has been decimated.

In “‘Mini-dorms’ Prompt Outcry” in The San Diego Union-Tribune last week, San Diego Councilmember Marti Emerald said the College Area is reaching “a tipping point where the existing singlefamily character of the community is lost forever.”

Note to Marti: We have already tipped. Where this community was once accessible to young families and particularly for renters of lower socio-economic backgrounds, greed has shut them right out. Rent

collected from a half-dozen students dwarfs that from any family.

This U-T article, a redux of the 2007 coverage revealing that SDSU’s golf coach and his former assistant were slumlords of at least 12 properties, stated that there are 813 mini-dorms in the College Area today, with 135 of these horror shows built in the last three years. A map accompanying the online version of the story says it all.

Just to underscore the kind of civic oversight there is for such proliferation, I offer you 5033 63rd Street. Last year, investors leveled a single-family home two doors from where Gordon’s now-trashed house stands. In its place, they erected a two-story monstrosity. Still under construction as I type, this apartment building (let’s not play) comes complete with a paved backyard to accommodate nine off-street parking spots. That would be nine parking spots where a century-old oak tree once stood. City records show the permit for the mini-dorm has the word “mini-dorm” in the title of the approved application.

Wait—what?!?

Meanwhile in IronicLand, the City’s Development Services website states that mini-dorms are “a complex problem that cannot be solved by the city alone. It will also require cooperative participation by responsible landlords and tenants, local colleges and universities, and communities to protect the character of single dwelling unit neighborhoods, while still meeting the housing needs for all segments of the population.”

And over in NIMBY World, city officials are consumed with how to regulate, fine and tax the menacing citizens in every neighborhood who dare to rent a room or a granny flat as a short-term rental.

The mind: She reels.

I can hear readers responding with the oh-sohelpful, “Well, what did you expect? It’s the College Area.” But living in proximity to college students isn’t really the issue. That’s actually okay, as most of them are respectful and down with being good neighbors. Sort of like most of the people who visit San Diego and choose to stay in short-term Airbnb rentals. Sure, some people are simply jerks (see mini-dorm proprietors); that’s what happens when humans do their human-y thing.

The issue is an opaque permitting process that has thrown our RS-1-7 zoning under the party bus, and a perverse lack of both oversight and punishment of bad actors.

I think about this when I pass Gordon’s house now, the two cars parked where his lawn used to be and another parked on what’s left. I imagine he would be distressed about what’s happened to his once-lovely home, in his once-quaint neighborhood.

“

The single-family character of our

“

community has

been decimated.

8 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week. Write to aaryn@sdcitybeat.com.

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Up Front | Food

by michael a. gardiner

the world

fare

Innovative ramen grounded in tradition

T

he tonkotsu style dominates San Diego’s ramen scene. That milky-white, meaty broth made from slowly boiled pork bones is certainly a powerhouse. But there’s more to ramen than this one classic, Japanese style. The opening of the first American outpost of Tokyo-based Nishiki Ramen (8055 Armour St., Suite 201A) in the Convoy District gives us a rare chance to explore the edges of ramen world.

The best bowl of ramen at Nishiki is the miso ramen. It proves that non-tonkotsu ramen has a lot to offer. The dish is gorgeous.

There’s a single spear of brilliant green asparagus shooting across the bowl, contrasting with the red of chili threads and a grape tomato and the white of the impossibly thinly sliced onion. The broth is more elegant than powerhouse, light with a pleasant saltiness.

The dish pleased the palate and pleased the eye.

But the star of the bowl, indeed, the star of all Nishiki’s bowls, is the noodles. Nishiki makes the organic whole-wheat alkaline noodles daily in-house. The noodles— thinner for the miso ramen than the others—are firm and chewy, almost bouncy in texture. As you slurp through your bowl the noodle in the broth subtly thickens the soup.

The signature “Nishiki Ramen” broth is as close as Nishiki’s comes to tonkotsu. But chicken takes center stage. As profound as the meatiness of the broth may be, it lacked salt and, hence, a sense of satisfaction. Like the miso ramen, it was an attractive dish. The garnishes of baby corn, okra and grape tomato popped visually and gave the presentation drama.

While Nishiki’s ramens are grounded in tradition they are not exactly traditional—and some-

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times not close. The dishes depart from tradition particularly in the garnishes. Okra is not exactly a traditional ramen garnish. And while corn off the cob is used in some regional variations, baby corn is rare.

The strangest of Nishiki’s offerings is the ramen del sol, a completely vegetarian affair. This dish is a good idea taken over the top. The first thing you notice is the sliced raw tomato. In ramen world, that’s not promising. Next you notice the raw arugula. In a ramen? Why? And a broth that suggests vanilla? Really? The noodles are good. I’ll give it that. But the overall effect is, frankly, weird. Every spoonful was a struggle.

But while the ramen del sol showcased the hazards of innovating in the key of ramen, Nishiki’s other inventions worked well. If veggie madness killed the del sol, creative use of vegetables Michael A. Gardiner

Miso ramen in other dishes elevated them. The menu is short now, but all chicken-based broth, a seafood ramen and a ramen twist on Sichuanese dan dan noodles are on the way.

If those menu additions are at the del sol level that’s not a good thing. If they’re more like the other bowls that’s better. And it will further show San Diego the ramen world goes far beyond tonkotsu.

The World Fare appears weekly.

Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

Up Front | Food

by ron donoho

urban

eats Miracle cures through cheese

I

t was getting close to noon on a Saturday in Little Italy. I was cranky, partly because I was walking with a limp. Not because I am old, but my right knee is. (Meniscus, who needs it?) My girlfriend and I were hungry and confused, surrounded by foodstuffs beckoning to us from booths at the Mercato on Cedar Street, San Diego’s best weekly Farmer’s Market.

There were a hundred hunger solutions. Fresh sea urchins. Crepes. Panini.

Ceviche. Beef Jerky.

Hummus. Cheesecake. Peanut brittle.

That’s when we spotted…the booth.

My gal Jules and I looked at each other.

In tandem, we both looked over at the booth. We swung our glances back, locked eyes, nodded and whispered “cheese” in unison.

Jules skipped and I hobbled over. The booth belonged to The Cheese Store of San Diego. The guy doling out samples was wearing dark shades.

He was friendly, passing us half a dozen cheeses, as well as salami for me. Jules is a vegetarian.

We’d overstayed our welcome, but I had my eye on one more cheese—an unusual looking red-tinged piece. Red dragon cheese, it turns out, is buttery and spicy. It’s Welsh cheddar with wholegrain mustard seeds and contains Welsh ale.

I tasted it, made a num-num noise and probably rolled my eyes.

“Oh yeah, that cheese really tastes great with turkey,” the booth guy said. At that point, it’s possible the skies opened, angels sang and the sun formed a spotlight there on the red dragon samples.

10 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

A sandwich? With turkey and this heavenly cheese? Where could that possibly be available?, I wondered.

“We sell that sandwich at our store just up the street,” the booth guy said. I looked at him like I was a six-year-old and he’d just pulled a quarter out of my ear.

It didn’t matter that my femur and tibia were scraping bone on bone. We were going to The Cheese Store.

I told the lady behind the counter at The Cheese Store (1980 Kettner Blvd.) that the Mercata booth guy tipped us to the Holy Grail of turkey-and-cheese sammies.

She smiled. It turns out he’s not just a booth ron donoho guy. That’s her husband. Marci and Aaron Flores married in June 2014 and signed a lease for the store the same month.

Jules and I sat down at a wooden table inside the pristine white store.

Marci brought Jules a mixed green salad with stracciatella, a soft, fresh cheese best known as the center of a burrata.

This treasure-filled The Turk salad came with colorful rainbow radishes, avocado, strawberries, walnuts and a meyer lemon vinaigrette.

The sandwich is called The Turk. The Diestel turkey breast is served warm. Diestel turkeys are humanely raised, are fed a 100-percent vegetarian diet and have no nitrates. Along with the red dragon there are pickled onions, avocado and aioli, served compactly between a pretzel-bread roll. This perfectly warmed combination melted in my mouth. What a densely delicious find. I was so excited I took a bite before taking a photo (note chewed sandwich photo).

Walking out of The Cheese Store there was a renewed skip in my step. It was as if the red dragon had made a beeline to my achy knee and was temporarily acting as cartilage.

Urban Eats appears every other week.

Write to rond@sdcitybeat.com.

#SDCityBeat

Up Front | Drink

final

by beth demmon

draught Just in time for Fall

O

ver the past year, thirsty patrons have gathered in a cement-lined, yet warmly cozy auto repair warehouse turned tasting room near the northern end of 30th Street. Here, they sip craft creations from Fall Brewing Company (4542 30th St.), a brewery well known within county limits but generally absent from the list of San Diego’s major players.

With a space decked out in clashing designs ranging from neon punk rock posters to artfully polished reclaimed wood and metal, it’s hard to pinpoint the desired clientele. But this subtle anarchy tends to leave drinkers with a sense of inclusion rather than snobbish exclusion. This oddly comforting duality of identity carries over to the branding itself. With multiple logos adorning shirts, growlers and pint glasses, mods and rockers alike are sure to find something that fits their fancy at Fall Brewing.

Perhaps that’s the beauty of Fall. It’s not quite sure what it is, which lends an unusually high level of flexibility when it comes to brews. Like any self-respecting San Diego brewery, Fall has its fair share of pale ales and IPAs, but with a consistently revolving cask list and usually at least one semi-offbeat draft, such as nosehair-burning “Mittens” Smoked Schwarzbier (5.3 percent ABV) or tartly biting “Jazz Hands” Berliner Weisse (3.4 percent ABV). You won’t have to flip through the same selections every visit.

Fall Brewing’s success can be traced back to its world-class team, spearheaded by co-owner/ brewmaster Ray Astamendi, formerly of Left Coast Brewery, St. Archer, Mission Brewing and Maui

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Brewing Company. As far as the first year went, Astamendi says, “We were not prepared for the reception that we received from the [local] community, as well as San Diego as a whole. In our first 11 months, we sold over 1,600 barrels of beer.”

As per Fall’s beers, I generally find myself opting for the “2 a.m. Bike Ride” coffee and vanilla bean stout, made with coffee from local favorites Dark Horse Coffee Roasters. At 5 percent ABV, it’s always a seductive surprise (especially on nitro, it’s liquid velvet). For days when I prefer a yang to the yin, the nimbly named “A Beer Named Sue” California Common (5.3 percent ABV) satiates me pint after pint. However, I can’t heap endless praises to the entire catalog. I found the “Unicorn Stampede” red ale to be a bit muddled in comparison with other beers in that style. But overall Fall tends to deliver solid representations of styles across the board.

Plans for 2016 include a potential barrel-aging facility and new tasting room in South County as well as the kickoff to a bottling program. With a palatable portfolio and an address on Beer Street, Fall Brewing will likely not repeat its first year’s success. Rather it’s poised to dominate the midcity drinking market and beyond. Feeling inphotos Courtesy of Fall Brewing Company

Kegs at Fall Brewing Company spired by patron saint Joe Strummer, I’m letting fury have the hour to give myself time for a pint of what it has on cask.

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

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

Up Front | technology

by tom siebert

all things

tech

On the brink of altering human DNA

N

ot long after starting this tech column gig, I was talking to a bunch of people around town about Internet security, how bad it is, masking your ISP and whether it’s even worth it, and other tasty tidbits the government and corporate spies don’t like. One of the guys (and, yes, it’s almost always guys—not saying this is a good thing, just the way it is) I was speaking with told me something very much along the lines of: “Something else you should look into, which nobody is really writing about but there are some companies involved with it around town, are the great breakthroughs being made in the field of genetic editing, the way they can alter human DNA. That’s going to change things for humanity at least as much as the digital revolution did.”

I wish I could remember who told me that, because I would credit them, and apologize for not following up. In the past month or so, I’ve been seeing more and more people writing cautionary pieces about “genetic editing” in Wired and elsewhere, and the leading research scientists who created a significantly simplified process to democratize the DNA-altering sciences work at UC San Diego.

“There is a revolution going on in the field of genetics, and all biology in general,” said Prashant Mali, an assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. “New technology has come forward allowing many to make strides [to] study varying aspects of DNA and genomes.”

On a geek level, what Dr. Mali and his team at UCSD have developed is a new and greatly improved way to simplify the altering of DNA, which is done by a powerful gene-editing tool called CRISPR. CRISPR is a technology that can do a search-and-replace inside sections of DNA, turning genes on and off, or remove harmful mutations and replace them with helpful ones.

It can also replace normal ones with superior ones. Which, in theory, could make people immune to certain diseases. Or develop super-athletes. Or super-soldiers (calling Steve Rogers!).

Because, according to Wired, what the UCSD technological advancement really does is create the potential for the rise of people who develop gene-editing techniques and experiences out of their garage, in the same way guys like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates did. Except they won’t be tinkering with impersonal electronics. They’ll be making and altering the actual experience of human life.

Dr. Mali acknowledges the dangers and concerns, but also says that his peers are equally aware and on guard.

“I think the field has been very cognizant of dangers, things are not going to creep up on us, scientists are being very proactive,” he said.

“There have already been conferences and discussions and scientific journalists, leading scientists have very much come forward and said we need to be very responsible with any new tech.”

Dr. Mali pointed out the very fact mainstream

12 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

publications are writing about genetic engineering is a good sign. I agree with to a certain point— making more people aware of what’s going on is always a good thing because knowledge is power and freedom.

But what do we do with this? Are we relying on science to be responsible? Who is going to monitor the smart, rebellious layman scientist working out of a garage and attempting to create the first DNA altered Frankenstein and be a modern-day Prometheus? Perhaps we will yet get to see how that “playing God” thing ultimately works out.

To return to the guy who originally mentioned DNA editing as a huge, under-reported piece of news that more in society should be paying attention to, when I start to peel the onion back on what’s happening it speaks to a larger issue facing humanity when it comes to technology. Is the rapid pace of technological change genuinely becoming a danger to mankind because the scientific jumps are out-leaping the ethical ones?

People talk about technology all the time, but mostly the conversation relates to social interaction and business. Like me when the original guy mentioned genetic editing, I blew it off because it wasn’t something I understood and it wasn’t what I was writing about. Once I finally started to dig around, though, I realized the import. But most of you will probably be like me. If you’ve even gotten this far.

#SDCityBeat

EVENTS

SHORTlist

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

SAN DIEGO

BITES AND FLIGHTS

chelin star chefs, but there’s also taco and beer tastings that won’t break the bank.

While most food fests only last for an “We have unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, afternoon, the weeklong San Diego but it’s very important that people know that they Bay Wine + Food Festival is can have these experiences for serious palates. Even Mi- COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL without dropping a ridicuchelle Metter, co-producer lous amount of money,” says of the event since it first beMetter. “We have an amazgan in 2004, honestly can’t ing cross-section of events. believe how much the fest Everything from fine dining has grown over the years. and truffle dinners to local “It was a really modest taquerías and craft beer tastbeginning,” says Metter. “We ings.” had about 60 wineries, 30 Events start at $45 and chefs, and a couple thousand the full list can be found at attendees. Plus, it was only sandiegowineclassic.com. two days. It was a nice little The Fest also has an altruistic start, but it has grown into angle, with funds from ticka world-class celebration of ets going toward culinary and food and wine.” enology scholarships for upBeginning Monday, Nov. and-comers in the local scene.

16, with an Opening Feast at For Metter, it’s a worthy inBracero Cocina de Raiz (1490 vestment if that student sticks Kettner Blvd.) and culminataround and continues to help ing on Saturday, Nov. 21, the local culinary scene shine. with a Grand Tasting Event Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill tacos “What we always hoped to at Embarcadero Marina Park at the Taco TKO event and the do was to create an event that San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival helped put San Diego on the North (400 Kettner Blvd.), the Festival has dozens of culinary map,” says Metter. “More importantly, we events to choose from throughout the week. Sure, want to help nurture homegrown talent, because there’s the $425, multi-course dinners from Mi- they’re the ones who’ll put San Diego on that map.”

1

POINT LOMA

2 ART SAILS

Earlier this year, Ship in the Woods, a nonprofit art collective, lost its residency at the North County location where it had shown some innovative exhibits over the years. But save your tears, because Ship lives on! Apart from a new location (to be announced in 2016), the art collective will present Convergence, a site-specific, immersive exhibition located at and in partnership with Cabrillo National Monument. In addition to musical performances by The Donkeys, Pall Jenkins and Preston Swirnoff, attendees can expect literary performances, cinematic projections and art installations—all working in conjunction with Cabrillo’s majestic vantages. The opening reception goes down on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 4 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $15. The exhiitself, COURTESTY OF THE ARTIST bition which features experimental, nature-based work from artists like Lael Corbin, Scott Polach and dozens more, will be up through Nov. 29. shipinthewoods.com “No Man is an Island”

by Ruben Ochoa

#SDCityBeat

LIBERTY STATION

3 POKER FACE OFF

If you’re all worked up about the World Series of Poker’s Main Event but didn’t make the cut, consider trying to take down fellow sharks at the MO Stacks 3 Charity Poker Tournament. Cards start flying at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens-Liberty Station (2816 Historic Decatur Rd. #116) in Point Loma. The $50 buy-in includes a beer and apps, and buy-in money goes to Movember, the nonprofit that raises money for prostate and testicular cancer awareness and research by getting men to grow mustaches during the month of November (Full disclosure: CityBeat editor Ron Donoho organizes this event). Costumes are encouraged and prizes (no cash) will be awarded to final table participants. Onsite tournament registration starts at 5 p.m., but pre-register to guarantee a seat at mobro.co/rondonsd.

Dirty Manila at UCSD Visual Arts Facility Performance Space, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla. MFA candidate Lucas Coffin presents his video installation which reflects imagery from everyday experiences and uses secondary education as a site of intervention. At 5:15 and 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. 858-534-2230, visarts.ucsd.edu Constellations and Other Devices at Brokers Building, 402 Market St., Downtown. This new exhibition from Dan Camp features five large-scale oil paintings depicting the Constellations of The Pleiades, The Big Dipper, Cassiopia, and more.

Opening from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Free. dancampstudio.com Art Riot Exhibition at Escondido Municipal Gallery, 262 E. Grand Ave., Escondido.

The art show highlights artists’ ability to create change and represent a movement through their artwork. Features work from Lisa Bebi, Colton Holloman, Nancy Jennings, and over a dozen more. Opening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

Free. 760-480-4101, escondidoarts.org Bright Lights and the Big City at La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. This exhibit highlights the work of Pamela York, a photographer of architecture and cityscapes from California and New York to Asia and Ireland.

Opening from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-459-0831, pamelayorkphotography.com HCellar 3 Art Opening at Green Flash Cellar 3, 12260 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway.

This art installation showcases artist Monica Hoover, a freelance fashion, product and fine art photographer. Includes live music by SKIPJACK and food from Green Flash Bistro Truck. From 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-622-0085, greenflashbrew.com HCharles Moxon at Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas. Works from the British artist who specializes in portraits reminiscent of 17th Century Dutch Old Masters, to which he adds observational detail and a touch of contemporary photorealism. From 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14. $5. 760-436-6611, luxartinstitute.org HConvergence at Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Peninsula, Point Loma. Art collective A Ship in the Woods hosts this site-specific, immersive exhibition that includes live bands, literary performances, cinematic projections and art installations from dozens of artists. Opening from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $15. shipinthewoods.com HEloise Duff: Where We Went at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The La Jolla-based illustrator will showcase 30 drawings inspired by her extensive travels all over the world. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org Genesis at Thumbprint Gallery, 920 Kline St. #104, La Jolla. A solo exhibition featuring new works by painter Jacki Geary, who continues with her “dirty/ pretty” style that explores the complex dualities of women. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. thumbprintgallerysd.com HNew Paintings by Kim Reasor at Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., North Park. New works from the realist painter, who is known for her brilliantly lit landscapes that celebrate the beauty of the ordinary. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 619-584-4448, artproduce.org HNOSHUAWITHJOSHUA at The Rose Sidebar, 2215 30th St., Joshua Krause

The MO Stacks poker tournament

H = CityBeat picks

will showcase his large-scale collage works made from vintage book parts and paper. All pieces are priced to sell and a portion of sales will benefit the International Rescue Committee. Opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 619-281-0718, facebook.com/ events/415219478673997 Ray at Night Art Walk at North Park.

North Park’s monthly art walk returns with open art galleries, food trucks, and live music performances by local bands.

Takes place in the heart of North Park along 30th St., University Ave., Ray St., and more. From 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. rayatnight.com HRecent Acquisitions at the Athenaeum at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The Athenaeum showcases selected acquisitions to the permanent collection of artwork and artists’ books. Artists include Tom Driscoll, Amanda Farber, Joseph Huppert, and dozens more. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-4545872, ljathenaeum.org HWandering in the Dream Field at Sparks Gallery, 530 6th Ave., Gaslamp.

A group show featuring San Diego artists who explore subconscious thoughts, dreamlike scenes, and surreal visions.

Artists include bd dombrowsky, Gregory Bada, Jo Palasi, and more. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 619696-1416, sparksgallery.com HWhite Flag at Glashaus, 1815-B Main St., Barrio Logan. A solo show of paintings by Scott Zagar who uses a variety of mediums including oil, encaustic, acrylic and bleach. Themes addressed include abstraction, symbolism and immigration.

Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. scottzagar.com

BOOKS HJérémie Guez at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The rising star of contemporary French noir will be promoting the highly-anticipated first English translation of his work, Eyes Full of Empty. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Free. 858268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Michael Stanley at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The writing team of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollop will sign and discuss A Death in the Family, the fifth in the award-winning series featuring Detective David “Kubu” Bengu of the Botswana Criminal Investigations Division. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. 858-2684747, mystgalaxy.com Taffy Cannon at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. The Carlsbad author will discuss her latest book, Beat Slay Love: One Chef’s Hunger for Delicious Revenge. At 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Free. 760-602-2049, carlsbadca.gov/ services/departments/library/about-us/ pages/dove-library.aspx HBarney Frank at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The former Massachusetts Congressman discusses his memoir, Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $20.50.

858-457-3030, lfjcc.org HLiz Goldwyn at D.G. Wills Books, 7461 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The author and filmmaker will sign and discuss Sporting Guide, an imaginative, illustrated recreation of an 1890s Los Angeles pocket guide. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

Free. 858-456-1800, dgwillsbooks.com Star Wars Psychology at Mysterious

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

THEATER

DAREN SCOTT

Co.’s production downtown, Eileen Bowman knocks it out of the park. Her alternating flammability and vulnerability as the beloved but broken Judy transcends an overlong script with many foreseeable plot turns. And when she becomes Judy the front-and-center performer she belts out standards like “Come Rain or Come Shine” with deepseated passion and swirling torment, all without doing a caricatured Garland impersonation. Jeffrey Jones (as selfserving fiancé Mickey Deans) and Cris O’Bryon (as Garland’s pianist for the London engagement dramatized in the play) offer sturdy support. This is, however, Bowman’s gig and, from somewhere beyond the rainbow, the immortal Judy Garland’s, too.

End of the Rainbow runs through Nov. 29 at the Lyceum Space in Horton Plaza, downtown. $16-$52. intrepidtheatre.org *** As long as we’re talking about Judy Garland, why not bring up a musical retelling of The Wonderful Wizard Oz with all new songs? True, Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown did it 40 years ago with The Wiz, and that worked out pretty well. Lamb’s Players Theatre may not have a Wiz on its hands with Jon Lorenz’s Oz, but theatergoers should keep an open mind. This world-premiere take on L. Frank Baum’s classic tale of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man (here, the Woodsman) and the Cowardly Eileen Bowman as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow Lion unfolds to a more contemporary score that mines a variety of genres. There’s no “Over the Rainbow” in the A dark End of the Rainbow ho-hum collection of songs, but there is a Latino Lion he survived a cyclone in The Wizard of Oz, but Judy (Fernando Vega), a mountainous Woodsman (Bryan BarGarland could not survive the train wreck that was a barin) and a Wicked Witch of the West (Deborah Gilmlife devastated by alcohol and drug abuse, and by the our Smyth) who is more drama queen than wicked. The pressures of the kind of superstardom we take for granted first act needs far more action—does each character need today. The last few months before Garland succumbed, at his or her own song? But the special effects and the happy age 47, are dramatized in Peter Quilter’s sometimes har- commotion pick up in Act 2. Most welcome of all, at the rowing End of the Rainbow. As Garland in Intrepid Theatre

S

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. Dr. Billy San Juan, Jenna Busch, Alan Kistler, and other contributors will discuss Star Wars Psychology: Dark Side of the Mind, which centers on “Superhero Therapy.” At 4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

Wallace Nichols at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The marine biologist and researcher will be discussing and signing his new book, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. At 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. $15. 858-534FISH, aquarium.ucsd.edu

Jennifer Teege at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The German-Nigerian author will discuss, My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers her Family’s Nazi. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Free. 858-457-3030, lfjcc.org

Wally Rudolph at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The author and Sons of Anarchy star will talk about his new novel Mighty, Mighty, a modern day fable set in a crumbling metropolis riddled with urban poverty and violence.

At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Free.

858-454-0347, warwicks.com

HRussell Moore and Allison Hopelain at The Chino Farm, 6123 Calzada del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe. The duo stops by to promote their cookbook, This is Camino, about the fire-based cooking of Camino restaurant in Oakland. Includes music by Prairie Sky and food samples inspired by the book. At 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Free. 619-889-2271, goodearthgreatchefs.com

Adam Brookes at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The thriller author and former correspondent for the BBC will be promoting Spy Games, the second in the series featuring Philip Mangan, a foreign correspondent and sometimes spy. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Free. 858268-4747, mystgalaxy.com

Alex Sheshunoff at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The travel writer will speak about and sign his book, A Beginner’s Guide to Paradise, the “true story of how a quarter-life crisis led to adventure, freedom, and love on a tiny island in the Pacific.” At 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 16. Free. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com Mitch Albom at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The bestselling novelist of Tuesdays with Morrie will discuss his latest novel, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, about a war orphan sent to America only to become one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Price includes copy of book. At 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. $32. 858-457-3030, sdjbf.org

Kristin Higgins at Barnes & Noble Mira Mesa, 10775 Westview Pkwy., Mira Mesa.

The New York Times bestselling author signs her newest novel, If Only You Knew, alongside a cheesecake sampling. From 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Free.

858-684-3166, barnesandnoble.com Caitlin O’Connell at Tierrasanta Seventh-day Adventist Church, 11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Tierrasanta. The author discusses her research on the African bull elephants’ social world, which is featured in her new book, Elephant Don. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. $10-40. 858576-9990, adventuresbythebook.com

COMEDY Improvisational

14 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

Comedy

Show at

Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Ave., Hillcrest. Outside the lines performs familyfriendly comedic sketches that are created on the spot and based on audience suggestions. From 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $10. 619-296-5662, facebook.com/OTLImprov Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. What appears to be most of the cast of Grown Ups perform standup comedy and funny bits. At 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 18. $35-$80. sandiegotheatres.org

FASHION HFashion Whore at Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., Normal Heights.

The monthly fashion event features locally made crafts and a runway show with designers like Metalle Clothing, Cindy’s Swinwear, Kotton Candy Co. and more.

From 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $5-$8. 619-501-9831, facebook.com/ events/491431867705312

FOOD & DRINK Taste of Opera: Don Quixote at Solare Ristorante , 2820 Roosevelt Road, Point Loma. S.D. Opera’s head of Education and Outreach, Nicolas Reveles, will guide patrons through Tosca and Madama Butterfly while Solare Chef Katherine Emmenegger prepares Spanish flavors.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. $50. 619-270-9670, sdopera.com Hoptastic Voyage IPA Beer Release at Kilowatt Brewing, 7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa. The brewery will release three variations on their Hoptastic Voyage, a single hopped IPA, to celebrate San Diego Beer Week. From 3 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Pric-

end it turns out the whole thing was not a dream.

Oz runs through Nov. 22 at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. $24-$78. lambsplayers.org

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING: The Oldest Boy: Two parents have to decide whether to let their threeyear-old son go to India to become a Buddhist master. The play combines theatre, puppetry and dance, and opens Nov. 12 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown. sdrep.org H.E.R.O.E.S. The Play: A play set in the future where the government starts to combat overpopulation in scary new ways. Written by awardwinning poet Gill Sotu, it opens Nov. 13 for three performances at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center in Encanto. jacobspresents.com Indecent: This world premiere musical centers on the controversial ’20s debut of the Broadway play, God of Vengeance. Written by Paula Vogel, it opens Nov. 13 at the La Jolla Playhouse. lajollaplayhouse.org Vonya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: Things get heated in this dramedy about two middle-aged stepsisters dealing with a sudden visit from their other sister and her new boy-toy. Written by Christopher Durang, it opens Nov. 13 at the Coronado Playhouse. coronadoplayhouse.com As You Like It: One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, this one also involves cross-dressing and the power of true love. Performed by students from the Old Globe/USD M.F.A. Program, it opens Nov. 14 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org Rhinoceros: This three-act play cleverly criticizes the rise of fascism with a story about a small French town where the inhabitants mysteriously turn into rhinoceroses. Written by Eugène Ionesco, it opens Nov. 14 at UC San Diego’s Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre in La Jolla. theatre.ucsd.edu

For full listings, please visit “T heater ” at sdcitybeat.com

es vary. 858-715-3998, facebook.com/ events/1624784051119981 HBaja Beer Craft at Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Meet the brew masters behind the emerging Mexican hand-crafted beer movement, taste their wares and pair them with BajaMex food from Chef Chad White of Comùn Kitchen & Tavern. At 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. $25. 619-239-0003, mingei.org HCheese and Beer Festival at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens-Liberty Station, 2816 Historic Decatur Rd #116, Point Loma. The second annual festival features beer pairings from Stone Brewing Co.’s Bill Sysak, live music, games, a takehome glass and, naturally, tons of cheese.

From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $45$75. 619-269-2100, sdcheesefest.org Helm’s Brewing Anniversary at Helm’s Brewing Company, 5640 Kearny Mesa Rd., Kearny Mesa. The third anniversary celebration features 20 specialty beers, food, raffle prizes, and more. From noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858384-2772, helmsbrewingco.com Coffee, Donuts and Stout at Benchmark Brewing Company, 6190 Fairmount Ave., Grantville. This pairing event features coffee from Westbean Coffee, donuts from Donut Panic, and stouts from Benchmark Brewing Company. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15. Prices vary. 619-7952911, benchmarkbrewing.com HSan Diego Homebrew Festival and Competition at Observatory North Park, 2891 University Avenue, North Park. The first annual fest includes unlimited tastes of beer from 30 San Diego homebrewers as well as five local licensed breweries.

Proceeds benefit the Jefferson Elementary IB STEAM Magnet. From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. $20-$35. 619239-8836, sdhomebrewfest.com HSan Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival at various locations. This 12th annual

event, taking place from Nov. 16 to 22, is an international showcase featuring winetasting seminars, cooking classes, wine and food tastings, and more. See website for full schedule of events. Various times. $45-$425. sandiegowineclassic.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS HSoLo Holiday Shopping Party at SoLo, 309 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach.

Peruse the North County boutique’s unique selection of gifts and books while enjoying a glass of wine and the music of Big Boss Bubeleh. From 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. 858-794-9016, solocedros.com HHoliday Bazaar at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. The fifth annual event features local artists selling handmade wares such as paintings, jewelry, photography, mosaics, and more. Hosted

by San Dieguito Art Guild. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. sandieguitoartguild.com HOld Globe Christmas Tree Lighting at Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. The 10th annual lighting includes a tree from scenic designer John Lee Beatty. The tree will be located in the center of the Globe Plaza and the event includes a special live performance by members of the Grinch cast. RSVP required. At 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Free.

619-231-1941, theoldglobe.org Fantasy on Ice at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma.

The annual skating rink features holidayrelated activities and performances, as well as handmade goods and artwork for sale. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. $12-$40. 619-573-9300, ntclibertystation.com

#SDCityBeat

EVENTS HThe New Narrative Presents: COMMUNITY at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Speakers from the arts, non-profit, business, academia, activism, and neighborhood communities share their stories, insights and conflicts on the theme of “Community.” Speakers include Drew Douglas, Sharna Langlais, Bucky Montero and more. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. $10-$15. thenewnarrative.org

SPECIAL EVENTS HThe Art of Peace at Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace, 5998 Alcala Park, USD, Linda Vista. This symposium will include playwrights, filmmakers, poets, musicians, visual artists and academics who are mobilizing the creative power of the arts to break the cycle of conflict. From

Wednesday, November 11 to Saturday, November 14. See website for full schedule. Various times. Free. 619-2607509, sandiego.edu HVeteran’s Day Parade at North Embarcadero, 1000 North Harbor Dr., Downtown.

A parade honoring San Diego men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year celebrates the “70th Anniversary Of World War II and America’s Greatest Generation.” Takes place on Harbor Dr. and West Broadway. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Free.

619-686-6200, sdvetparade.org HDogFest Walk ‘N Roll at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma. The community dog walk and festival raises money to provide trained assistance dogs. Kid and dog-friendly activities

will be available. From 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14. 619-573-9260, cci.org Sunset 5K Walk at Fletcher Cove, 111 S. Sierra, Solana Beach. This year, the annual 5K run or walk will add children’s games and new activities. Proceeds support San Diego County Medical Society and the foundation’s diabetes prevention efforts. From 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $35-$45. SB5K.org HSan Diego Music & Sports Combine at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. This new fest includes sporting activities and games, as well as live music, a beer and wine garden, and much more. A portion of proceeds benefit music, sports and community ser-

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

“Lucy in Full Fat Suit” by Charles Moxon is on view at the artist’s solo exhibition opening from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Lux Art Institute (1550 S. El Camino Real) in Encinitas.

MUSIC HSan Diego Music Thing at Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park.

The annual two-day music and media conference includes interactive and roundtable sessions with panelists and featured speakers. There will also be trade shows, parties and concerts all over San Diego.

See website for schedule. Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 14. $30-$65.

619-296-2101, sandiegomusicthing.com HCuarteto Quiroga at The Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla. The acclaimed Spanish string quartet will perform selections from Beethoven, Haydn and Joaquin Turina. At 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. $36$54. artpower.ucsd.edu SDYS Anniversary at Casa del Prado Theatre, 1650 El Prado, The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory celebrates their 70th Anniversary with selections from Beethoven, Bach, Tchaikovsky, and more. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. $10-$20. 619-239-8355, sdys.org Jacobs Masterworks Series: The Art of Music at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. The concert features conductor Johannes Debus and includes music from Rachmaninoff, Schoenberg, Respighi and Debussy. From 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $20-$96. 619235-0804, sandiegosymphony.com Patricia Racette: Diva on Detour at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. The opera singer will perform cabaret favorites like “I Got Rhythm” and “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and others

by Sondheim, Porter, Gershwin and Piaf.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $25-$75.

619-570-1100, sdopera.org Matthew Ennis at Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. The saxophone player showcases his original, contemporary, and classical pieces for the Fall 2015 Concert Series 60th anniversary. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Free.

619-236-5800, sandiegolibrary.org SDYS Music Education Concerts at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. The annual concert features performances by intermediate wind ensembles and honors local music educators. From 1 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday,

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Nov. 15. $10-$30. 760-839-4190, sdys.org Dan Reagan Quartet at The Studio Door, 3750 30th St., North Park. The twotime Grammy Award-winning trombonist premieres his new quartet featuring guitarist Louis Valenzuela, bassist Mackenzie Leighton, and drummer Isaac Crow. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. $5. thestudiodoor.com

PERFORMANCE HLilith at Calit2 Auditorium, Atkinson Hall, UCSD campus, La Jolla. This experimental opera from Anthony Davis and Allan Havis explores the ageless erotic myth of Lilith, the woman who preceded Eve in the Garden of Eden. At 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. music.ucsd.edu HDido and Aeneas at Smith Recital Hall - SDSU, 5500 Campanile Dr., SDSU Opera takes Henry Purcell’s baroque opera and sets the famous story at the White House in the near future. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. $10-$20. music. sdsu.edu

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HSo Say We All: I Fought the Law at Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. A pop-up gallery storytelling showcase (think of it as a grown-up version of show-and-tell) where writers will share a 5-10 minute true story that touches on the theme of “I Fought the Law.” From 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. 619-2365800, sosayweallonline.com

POLITICS & COMMUNITY International Climate Change Conference at World Resources Simulation Center, 1088 3rd Ave., Downtown. The international conference will focus on renewable energy and Greenhouse Gas reductions and screen two short documentaries about CO2. From 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 11. $5-$10. 619-8655904, wrsc.org

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 vice scholarships for local schools. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. $40.

619-573-9300, musicsportscombine.com Potluck Medical Cannabis Expo at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, 1441 Quivira Road, Mission Bay. This biannual event encompasses all facets of the industry. This Expo will be for both C2C (Caretaker to Caretaker) and C2P (Caretaker to Patient). Includes exhibits, Prop 215 area, live music, raffles, food trucks and more. From noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15. $22. 508-748-0816, potluckexpo.com HMovember North Park at Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park. The charitable event will feature three live bands, local beer, specialty mustache-inspired cocktails, food from North Park restaurants, a mustache competition, and more. All profits go to the Movember Foundation. At 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 17. Suggested donation.

619-269-8820, movembernorthpark.com MO Stacks Poker Tournament at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens-Point Loma, 2816 Historic Decatur Rd #116, Point Loma. The Texas Hold-Em tournament offers participants Stone beer and appetizers with buy-in. Benefits “Movember” charities for men’s health related to prostate and testicular cancer. From 5 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. $50. 619-2692100, rondonoho.wix.com/mopoker

SPORTS The Main Event II at Hall of Champions, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park.

This formal event features live professional MMA fights, cuisine from top-rated local restaurants, and custom cocktails.

Supports Noah Leatherby, a 4-year-old boy who has a rare form of cancer. From 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Friday, Nov. 13. $100. 619-234-2544, nightout.com

WORKSHOPS

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS

Adult Writing Workshop at La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla. Local author Caitlin Rother leads a writing workshop for adults, which is followed by a signing of her tenth book, Then No One Can Have Her. From 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-552-1657, lajollalibrary.org

HVisiting Artist Lecture: Judith Barry at MCASD - La Jolla, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. The award-winning artist will discuss her installations that involve architecture and design, film and video, performance, sculpture, photography, and new media. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. $5-$15. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org

BioDays at Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista. The two-day camp teaches teens how to care for wildlife, feed animals, and prepare their diets through real life experience. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15. $126$140. 619-409-5900, thelivingcoast.org

Don Norman at Mandeville Auditorium, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. The Director of the Design Lab at UCSD will discuss how design thinking can help drive both incremental and radical innovation within a company. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. 858-534-TIXS, designlab.ucsd.edu

Fundamentals of Biomimicry: Design from Nature at La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla. This workshop will use nature as inspiration for architectural designs and products. From 1 to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14. Free. 858-552-1657, sandiegolibrary.org

Journalism in the Post-Kardashian Era at Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, Point Loma, Point Loma. A panel of local media experts will look at the prevalence of celebrity media and offer advice on how traditional media might compete. Takes place in the Fermanian Conference Center. From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. 619-8492200, sdpressclub.org HTwo Scientists Walk into a Bar at various locations. Fifty scientists will appear at 25 bars across San Diego County to drink beer and answer any sciencerelated questions patrons might have.

See website for list of participating bars.

From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Free. rhfleet.org

16 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

Gifts of the Night Writing Retreat at The Ink Spot, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd., Barracks 16, Suite 202, The writing class is led by writer and teacher Judy Reeves and uses dreams as inspiration for creative work. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. $75-$90. 619-696-0363, sandiegowriters.org Night of Writing Dangerously at Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village.

National Novel Writing Month participants are invited to bring works in progress for workshopping. Refreshments, encouragement and electrical outlets provided.

From 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

Free. 619-236-5800, sandiegolibrary.org

“Los Olivos De Cielo” by bd dombrowsky is on view at Wandering in the Dream Field, a group show opening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14, at Sparks Gallery (530 Sixth Ave.) in the Gaslamp Quarter.

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courtesy of Special Collections & University Archives at San Diego State University Love Library

Culture

Return to Jonestown Four decades after the Peoples Temple tragedy, survivors speak out via SDSU exhibition

by Torrey Bailey Peoples Temple passport photos

L

aura Johnston Kohl is recounting the months she spent as a member of the Peoples Temple before Nov. 18, 1978, when 900 of her friends and family died in the largest mass suicide in American history. Almost 37 years later to the day, history’s inclination to overlook Peoples Temple members triggers tears in her eyes as she scans a collage featuring hundreds of the members’ passport photos. She says she recognizes every single one of their faces.

“Jim was not the only one who died. He was a conman,” says Johnston Kohl, referring to Peoples Temple leader Jim Jones. “He had conned all of us, but there were all these people who really sacrificed so much.”

It would be easy to assume Johnston Kohl, as a former member of one of the most infamous cults in history, would resemble a zombified devotee. She does not. Johnston Kohl lives in San Marcos, works as a sixth grade teacher and is a freethinking optimist. Still, her fondness for Jonestown defies expectation.

Just before our interaction, I ascended four floors of San Diego State University’s Love Library, up to what Special Collections Division head Rob Ray refers to as “the attic.”

There, an exhibit called Peoples Temple at Jonestown: Interpretations of Jonestown in Art, Photography, Sound, Film and Words is on display. Inside, glass cases showcase lots of photos, but somehow my eyes immediately landed on the photo. The infamous TIME Magazine photo in which hundreds of lifeless bodies lay in the dirt. Ray noticed my line of sight and ushered me away from it, stating that photo is saved for last because that November day is not what Peoples Temple is all about.

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“What you’re faced with in Jonestown is interpretation,” Ray says. “Everything you conclude about Jonestown depends on what you think it was and what happened there.”

For those who don’t know or remember Peoples Temple or Jonestown, here’s a quick debriefing: Jim Jones led a racially mixed group of followers who were pushing back against the social injustices of 20th century America.

Jones lured nearly 1,000 of them to travel to Guyana in the summer of 1977 to partake in an agricultural project and to build a utopian community called “Jonestown.” There, in rural South America, the members farmed, constructed and operated the community while Jones binged on drugs.

Then there was Nov. 18, 1978 a.k.a. White Night, when he ordered the death of visiting Congressman Leo Ryan and NBC TV crew personnel.

This was followed by the mass “revolutionary” suicide of more than 900 Peoples Temple members by drinking cyanide-laced Flavor-Aid. Johnston Kohl remembers it differently.

“I have wonderful memories of Jonestown, and part of it is probably because I wasn’t there on the 18th,” she says.

Johnston Kohl wrote about her experience in Jonestown Survivor: An Insider’s Look. “That would have knocked me for a loop. But while I was there, I was happy living in Jonestown.”

And while Jones has always been the face of the movement, it took decades for the surviving members of Peoples Temple to start telling their stories.

“We know what color underwear Jim wears, what he torrey bailey had for breakfast that day, but we know so little about those 917,” Johnston Kohl says.

She calls her survival a fluke, since she was in the neighboring town of Georgetown that day. She says she didn’t realize Jim Jones was insane until the day after the mass suicide.

Filled with audio tapes, exploitative books and movies, survivors’ personal reflections, artwork and photos, the exhibit at SDSU is an attempt to explain Laura Johnston Kohl the Peoples Temple to the world, and also to the survivors themselves. It’s set to end Nov. 20, but Ray hopes to extend it until the end of the year or move it to a more populated library section.

jonestown CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

Culture torrey bailey

Robert Ray, Head of Special Collections and University Archives at San Diego State University

JOnestown CONTINUED from PAGE 17

His favorite pieces are four vibrant oil paintings by Terry Gordon, who lost relatives in the tragedy. There’s also the “Jonestown Carpet,” which contributing artist Laura Baird crafted over a period of 10 years.

The bulk of the carpet imitates the TIME Magazine photo, but the carpet’s border is purposely left unfinished, representing the inconclusive story of Jonestown. “[This exhibit] is like the unfinished part of Laura’s carpet,” Ray says. “It’s never going to be over for me, it will never end... trying to understand.”

Johnston Kohl donated scrapbooks, original Peoples

18 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

Temple pamphlets and memorial information to the exhibit, but it’s her personal reflections on SDSU’s online archive, Alternative Considerations of Jonestown and Peoples Temple ( jonestown.sdsu. edu) that expose a melting pot of confusion, fondness, betrayal and realization.

With more than 4,000 miles standing between Jonestown and San Diego, SDSU isn’t an obvious choice for an exhibit like this, but the ties are stronger than the residency of one survivor.

Site Manager and former SDSU Religious Studies Professor Rebecca Moore’s two sisters were in Jones’ inner circle. One of

them, Carolyn Moore Layton, was the former wife of Larry Layton, the only man convicted for the events of White Night. The second sister, Annie Moore, is rumored to have been the one who mixed the “Kool-Aid” and was behind the bullet put through Jones’ head on the final day.

Johnston Kohl and a group of about 15 other survivors may be getting a shot at closure. They are in the preliminary stages of partnering with PBS to film a documentary about their return to Jonestown. For Johnston Kohl, she would appreciate the opportunity to see Jonestown once more and say goodbye, but not everyone has the same idea of closure.

“It’s not like we get along. We’re not all kissy-huggy,” says Johnston Kohl. “We all have different points of view of what happened, and we’re all really strong willed.”

Despite their varying personalities and mix of opinions on what happened in Jonestown, their commitment to demystifying what did happen will help fill the void left by the deaths of the other members.

“This whole exhibit shows that we weren’t silent when we came back,” says Johnston Kohl. “We didn’t just shove it. We talked to people. We allowed people to tell the stories. I think it’s an ongoing exhibit because it hasn’t really ended.”

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Culture | Art courtesy of the athenaeum

Seen Local life times

A

few years ago, Eloise Duff’s son began insisting she document her life. He had a sense his mother kept notes and journals of her very eventful life, but Duff says he probably didn’t have any idea what she’d end up churning out.

“I had always saved a folder from every trip we ever took,” says Duff, referring to her and her husUntitled band’s extensive travels throughout their life together. “I had all the details of the trips and, as I started to children, she kept up with the illustrating by doing write more, I thought that the stories would be great freelance technical illustrations. She says she landed with pictures.” these jobs by basically going door-to-door to compaInspired by an ink drawing class she took at the nies, portfolio in hand, asking if they needed help.

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library Not being tied to a particular comseth combs (1008 Wall St.), Duff soon had 145 ilpany afforded Duff and her husband lustrations to accompany her writplenty of opportunities to travel. And ings, which she eventually published travel they did. From a trip east to west together in a book. A selection of the across the Arctic Circle to trips to Tibet drawings—which includes a street and the Hunza Valley of Pakistan, some band playing in Leningrad or penguins of the places they chose to visit seemed marching in the Arctic—will be on disunusual to others. play at the appropriately titled Eloise “My husband was a scientist, a physicist, Duff: Where We Went exhibit which so he’s not really interested in places like opens Saturday, Nov. 14 from 6:30 to Paris and Italy,” says Huff. When asked is 8:30 p.m. at the Athenaeum (ljathenaeshe plans to continue to do the illustrations um.org). now that she has an art show and a book This is Duff’s first solo show, but under he belt, Duff says she isn’t sure. she has worked as a commercial art“That’s an interesting question,” she ist for most of her life. She moved to Eloise Duff says. “My husband and I have 45 big phoNew York City in the ’40s and found a to albums so there are plenty of pictures job as an art director at the national headquarters I could use for inspiration. Maybe I’ll go back and do for the Girl Scouts. After meeting her husband, she some from one of the more unusual trips.” moved to San Diego in 1951. In between raising two

—Seth Combs

tnt is done

B

ack in 2002, the Museum of Contemporary Art was looking for a way to get new visitors out to the museum’s downtown location while also appealing to its regular patrons. The first Thursday Night Thing (TNT) was held in August of that year and, since then, the triannual night has become one of the museum’s more popular events with younger crowds and established members mingling over cocktails, art activities and live music.

But according to MCASD Communications and Marketing Manager Leah Straub, the July TNT was the museum’s last one. Rather than publicizing this fact and letting the event go out with a bang (pun intended), Straub says MCASD simply felt the event had run its course and wanted to come up with new and exciting ways to get people out.

“Every couple of years our programming shifts a bit and right now we’re looking at how to offer more access on a regular basis,” says Straub via email. She acknowledges that while TNT was a popular event, it didn’t really encourage people to come out beyond the night it was held and that the museum was much more interested in “having people visit consistently throughout the exhibition as opposed to focusing our efforts on three big nights per year.”

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One of these offerings will be a monthly event called Downtown at Sundown. Starting Thursday, Nov. 19, and to be held every third Thursday thereafter from 5 to 8 p.m. The Sundown event is similar to TNT in that it will include gallery tours and live performances, but it will also see MCASD partnering with neighboring businesses to create more of a community-wide art event. Places like Stone Brewing and The Flight Path Bistro will offer drink and app specials during the evening and the SDSU Downtown Gallery, which is a block away from MCASD, will also be open in the evening.

What’s more, much like MCASD-La Jolla’s monthly Shore Thing event, the Sundown night will include free admission to the museum, whereas TNT was a ticketed event. There’s TNT even a pop-up book truck and a monthly book club that will meet in MCASD’s readingROOM. “We’re grateful for everyone who supported TNT over the years,” says MCASD’s Deputy Director of Art and Programs, Kathryn Kanjo. “And we’ll look forward to welcoming them on a more regular basis to a lively downtown district.”

—Seth Combs November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 19

Culture | Voices

ryan bradford

well that was

awkward

Julian’s Apple Days Festival is hyper quaint

I

don’t know what’s on the inside of my lower lip. trip to Julian feel a little bit like The Twilight Zone.

It looks like a blister, but it doesn’t hurt. The Oh, and I also love Julian for its enthusiasm-thatlack of pain is reassuring, as it doesn’t seem borders-on-hysteria for apples. necessary to go to the doctor, but the comparable I look up at the historic hotel’s sign and read grossness of the affliction keeps me from looking “Free Wi-Fi.” I can’t help feeling an acute sting of it up online, because the first step toward realizing hate at it for taking me out of the fantasy. My tongue bodily grossness is acknowledging body grossness. finds its way back to the lip.

But then, I do look it up. “Mucocele” seems *** to fit the symptoms. A mucous cyst. Which is The next morning, the hotel serves waffles with good because they’re benign and reported to browned apples on top. go away on their own. It’s bad because there “What if I asked for no apples in this town?” Jesare few things less sexy than a mucous cyst. sica asks.

And sexiness is key, because my wife, Jessica, and I We both agree: “Jail.” are on our way to Julian for a getaway to celebrate A hotel employee appears to clear our plates, as our wedding anniversary. A couple weeks prior, she if joking about apples is akin to summoning Candyadmitted “dreading” our anniversary, which, honman in this town. Her brusque, off-kilter skittishestly, is a totally legit thing to dread. Besides Valenness seems to be the product of working in this untine’s Day, there isn’t another day where the natural canny place. affection inherent in a relationship “You going to Apple Days Festifeels more forced. val?” she asks. “It’s just out at the But you can’t just abandon these winery. It’s real fun.”

The town feels traditions, no matter how comShe doesn’t even have to qualify mercially co-opted or hegemony the “fun” of Apple Days Festival. like a Disney park She could’ve said just said “Apple reinforcing they are. It becomes my mission to give Jessica a decent Days Festival” and we’d have asked, where Big City anniversary, to force her to see how “Where??” It sounds like a fake folk can dabble great our relationship is. event—the peak exploitation of I suspect the stress of this misJulian’s quaintness. If this were a in quaintness. sion has manifested in the form of movie, this is the type of event that the mucocele. Having experienced the mayor would insist on upholdeverything from prolonged eyelid ing despite the sheriff warnings of twitches to armpit acne, I’ve realized that my body’s a dangerous animal that poses a threat to attendees. just full of surprises during periods of duress. That “It’s our busiest day of the year!”

I can’t leave it alone long enough for it to go away is Yes, of course we’re going to Apple Days Festival. a sign of my perpetual nervousness.

We drive to Menghini Winery, about three miles The smooth drive on Interstate 8 becomes the out of town. Attendants direct us to the overflow winding 79. High desert heat overtakes the saltiness lot. Apple Days has just begun and it’s already overof the city. I keep tonguing the cyst. flowing with apple enthusiasts.

There’s really no reason I choose Julian as the Being at a festival solely devoted to apples, I unplace to spend our anniversary—it doesn’t hold any dergo this remarkable transformation where I sudkind of special meaning for us. To be honest, there denly can’t care about anything besides apples. How might be more selfishness in this choice than I care could anyone ever think to eat another non-apple? to admit. Having grown up in a place with actual There’s an apple pie contest. There’s an apple orseasons, I still bristle at the thought of embracing chard where you can pick your own apples. There’s San Diego’s lack thereof. I will never get used to it. even apple beer! I drink the apple beer. It’s 10 a.m.

I will ride my high horse into a stack of seasonal People sit on hay bales in the shade. Pumpkins litter the grass. Kids throw beanbags at carnival games.

Starbucks cups—our only real method of determinThere’s even a fiddler providing music. The MC for ing what time of the year we’re in—before I sing the the festival, Riley Boland—a youngish, townie-like praises of Endless Summer. fellow—stokes my applethusiasm by pretending Julian, on the other hand, has seasons! Sort of! not to hear us when he asks if we’re excited about This getaway, in my mind, is an effort to evoke the Apple Days. nostalgic romance of seasonal change in Jessica.

“I can’t hear you!” he says.

Plus, Julian is quaint as fuck, and if the combina“Gaaah!” we yell, rabid with apple fever. tion of romance, nostalgia and quaintness doesn’t It’s the autumn I’ve always wanted. The lip thing smooth over the idea of another year spent with me, is still there, but it feels a little smaller than the day then I’m screwed. before. I quickly forget about it. I look to Jessica.

We pull up to the Julian Gold Rush Hotel in the She’s smiling. golden afternoon. I love Julian—both for its beguil“We should make this a yearly thing,” she says. ing small-townness and the unsettling inauthen“C’mon. Let’s go pick some apples.” ticity that underlies such feeling. The town feels like a Disney park where Big City folk can dabble Well That Was Awkward appears every other week. in quaintness. That exaggerated charm also causes Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com. an eerie cognitive dissonance, which makes every

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“

20 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

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Culture | Film

All the Pope’s Men

Spotlight

Boston Globe reporters unravel abuse cases involving Catholic priests

by Glenn Heath Jr.

S

am Fuller’s Park Row and Alan J. Pakula’s All the for a working space devoid of micromanagement.

President’s Men are proof positive that investi- Each character thrives within the team construct, gative journalism makes for more exciting cin- with only a few minor disagreements thrown in for ema. Like great mysteries, these tense workingman dramatic intent. Nothing’s personal, except the story. procedurals unfold through the slow reveal of critiParalleling this theme, McCarthy gives his actors cal information, building toward resolutions riddled plenty of room to explore the quirks and idiosyncrawith moral ambiguity. They retain added resonance sies of these real-life journalists. Ruffalo seems espedue to their parallels with ongoing current events. cially game to go full method with his portrayal of the Thomas McCarthy’s no-nonsense drama Spot- twitchy Rezendes, the rebel of the bunch. When Roblight boils this process down to its base elements. inson sends him out to interview a hard-nosed lawyer It takes out all of the virtuoso style and pacing and played by Stanley Tucci who’s defending upwards of replaces it with pure workmanship, ethics and ne- 80 abuse victims, Rezendes jumps at the challenge, gotiation of fact. Beginning in July saying, “I like characters.”

2001, the film centers on a small If the Globe’s journalists are degroup of dedicated Boston Globe termined to shed light on an epic reporters known as “Spotlight” display of injustice, the Catholic spotlight who specialize in lengthy investiChurch is painted as equally adaDirected by Thomas McCarthy gative pieces targeting everything mant about sweeping the truth unStarring Mark Ruffalo, from police corruption to political der the proverbial rug. Yet there are Michael Keaton, malfeasance. very few actual showdowns in the Rachel McAdams Led by legendary workhorse traditional sense, which gives the and Brian d’Arcy James editor Robby Robinson (Michael film an added sense of realistic tenKeaton), the team is made up of sion. Instead, the accumulation of Rated R tenacious reporters who eat, sleep facts and evidence takes precedent. and breathe the job. Mike RezenSince Spotlight—which opens Frides (Mark Ruffalo) is a loner, livday, Nov. 13—takes place with one ing off of boiled hotdogs and pizza delivery. Sacha foot in the analog world and one in the digital, this Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) and Matt Carroll (Brian makes for an intriguing time capsule of our not-sod’Arcy James) both have families but are rarely seen distant past that still seems ancient. in that environment. Spotlight is all about being on In the end, getting at the truth may offer a momenthe job at all times, so McCarthy rarely cuts away to tary victory of conscience, but there’s always more to explore his characters’ other selves. be done. McCarthy hammers this point home with a When incoming Editor-in-Chief Marty Baron final scene that segues to another unseen chapter of (Liev Schreiber) tasks Spotlight with investigating archiving, researching and defending more victims abuse cases involving local Catholic priests, the team as they find the courage to come forward. discovers a much more elaborate and wide-reaching Spotlight gets bogged down in ponderous speechweb of corruption that reaches to the upper echelons ifying in the final act, but it’s still a fine addition to of the church. One shred of information leads to an- the newspaper film canon nonetheless. There’s a lot other, and eventually the reporters are embroiled in to be said for a movie this interested in the stress of a full-on battle with Boston’s most trusted institu- mental exertion. It’s literally all work and no play, tion and a beloved local Archdiocese. exemplifying the kind of extreme dedication that Spotlight stands out from other newspaper films broke a decade-spanning case wide open. by examining the strength of efficient top-down leadership. Baron may call the shots initially, but his pro- Film reviews run weekly. fessional respect for Robinson and Spotlight allows Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com.

#SDCityBeat

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 21

Culture | Film

Midnight madness

K

urt Russell’s loudmouthed truck driver Jack Burton is just a tourist in John Carpenter’s 1986 supernatural action film Big Trouble in Little China, which involves (for starters) exploding green flames, warring Chinatown street gangs and time traveling ancient warriors. But for any of this insane fantasy to make sense to Western ears, narrator Egg Shen (Victor Wong) falsely paint him the hero.

That’s just not the case, though.

Burton simply gets swept up in an ongoing battle for supremacy happening behind the façade of San Francisco’s trademark tourist destination. “I’m a reasonable guy, but I just saw some unreasonable things,” he says after witnessing an act of Chinese black magic that defies Western rationale. Juxtapos-

22 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

the director’s other work. Violence is both silly and gruesome; an early sequence involving a gnarly street fight gives the opening of Gangs of New York a run for its money.

Thematically, history is respected but the conventions of standard narrative storytelling are thrown to the wind.

All of this contradiction makes for a startlingly joyous revisionist Big Trouble in Little China Western that, as one wise man says, ing perception and reality through “can shake the pillars of heaven.” cultural tradition and mainstream

—Glenn Heath Jr. ignorance is just one of the film’s many virtues.

Carpenter and Russell had Opening worked together on two masterpieces before, the great horror re- Barista: Five top baristas push it to the make The Thing and scathing social limit one more time while competing in critique/survival yarn Escape From a national coffee competition. Screens through Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Digital New York. But Big Trouble in Little Gym Cinema in North Park.

China, which screens at 11:55 p.m.

By the Sea: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Saturday, Nov. 13, as part of the Ken star in this 1970s-set drama about a marCinema’s Midnight Film series, de- ried couple slowly growing apart while visconstructs Russell’s role as a lead- iting the South of France. ing man, turning him into comic re- Love the Coopers: Four generations of lief in service of an Asian-American the Cooper clan get together during Christbadass named Wang (Dennis Dun). mas and hilarity ensues. Stars making appearances purely for the paycheck include Carpenter’s trademark style is John Goodman, Amanda Seyfried, Olivia still present, including the moody Wilde, Marisa Tomei and Diane Keaton. synthesizer score that comple- My All-American: A college football coach ments the film’s crisp pacing and (Aaron Eckhart) leads his team to a champislaphappy action. Yet Big Trouble in onship season only to experience the toughLittle China’s irreverent and schiz- est challenge of his life immediately after. oid nature stands out in relation to Sex, Death and Bowling: This family dra-

ma finds an 11-year-old setting out on a

quest to win a local bowling tournament.

Opens Friday, Nov. 13, at the Reading Gaslamp Cinemas.

Spotlight: Investigative reporters from the Boston Globe seek to uncover the truth behind the Catholic Church’s cover up of molestation cases involving local priests.

Trash: Three boys from the slums of Rio de Janeiro find a wallet in the local trash heap, changing their lives forever. Directed by Stephen Daldry of Billy Elliot fame.

Screens through Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

The 33: Based on true events, this drama centers on the 33 Chilean miners struggling to survive while trapped underneath the surface of the Earth after a devastating collapse.

The Assassin: Hou Hsiao-hsien’s beautiful and dense ode to the Wuxia film follows a trained killer’s journey back home to fulfill one final mission. Winner of the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The Dinner: Two brothers must face the reality that their children are involved in a gruesome attack in this drama from Italy.

Screens through Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

The Hallow: A family isolated on a remote Irish island must square off against some demonic forces of evil. Screens at 10 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13, 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 18.

For a complete listing of movies, please see “Film Screenings” at sdcitybeat.com under “Events.”

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 23

Dusdin Condren

Music

From left: Dave Schramm, Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and James McNew o La Tengo just might be the best cover band in America. There’s just one catch: They’re not actually a cover band.

For 31 years, the Hoboken, New Jersey, band has been steadily amassing a sizable catalog of wonderfully fuzzy indie rock. The majority of it is original songs such as the noisy shoegaze rockers of 1993’s Painful or the dreamy lullabies of 2000’s And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. But in 1990, the band released the album Fakebook, which included unique takes on songs by Cat Stevens, Daniel Johnston, John Cale and NRBQ. And with that, they began an ongoing tradition of incorporating covers into their repertoire.

Every year, guitarist Ira Kaplan, drummer Georgia Hubley and bassist James McNew play an all-request covers show for publicly supported radio station WFMU, the shambolic, hilarious highlights of which were compiled for 2006’s Yo La Tengo is Murdering the Classics, including Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” Archie Bell and the Drells’ “Tighten Up,” and “Meet the Mets.” Then in 2009, they released the self-referentially titled Fuckbook, an album of covers as their garage-rock alter-egos, The Condo Fucks. And in between, they worked covers by the likes of The Beach Boys and Anita Bryant.

In August, Yo La Tengo—who headline San Diego Music Thing this week—released the third covers album to bear their name (and fourth overall), Stuff Like That There, which also includes guitarist Dave Schramm. This time around, they’re tackling songs such as Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love.” It’s a loose and freewheeling collection of songs, and yet it feels just as representative of the band’s character as any of their other, originals-heavy studio albums. In an email interview conducted while the band was on tour in Europe, McNew explains that covers are a crucial part of the band’s identity.

“Playing covers is just a part of who we are as a band,” he says. “I think we all enjoy it when other bands do covers, too.

It allows you some insight, imagined or otherwise, into who they are, different from what their original music offers.

24 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

“More than once I’ve had to learn entire sets of songs

by Lambchop—those experiences taught me more or less how real bass players play bass,” he adds.

Though Stuff Like That There is an album of covers, mostly, it’s representative of the identity that Yo La Tengo has cultivated over their three decades together. Sonically, it showcases a wide range of sound, from gentle acoustic numbers to more atmospheric dream-pop songs and sprightly indie-pop jams. The songs are treated with the care of three lifelong music fans who know the material intimately. Ultimately it’s a playful set of songs, with a sense of fun that’s never far from the surface. Simply put, Stuff Like That There, like Yo La Tengo’s career as a whole, is the sound of serious musicians who don’t take themselves too seriously.

As reverential as they are to the artists they cover on the album, the one band whose music seemingly isn’t sacred to Yo La Tengo is Yo La Tengo. The album includes reworked songs from farther back in their catalog, including “Deeper Into Movies,” which was originally a much noisier song on 1997’s I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One. Just as the band’s approach to new music changes with each album, so often does their approach to songs they’ve been playing for years.

“The version of ‘Deeper Into Movies’ had kind of existed prior to working on the album, possibly dating back to the Freewheeling tour,” McNew says, referring to their 2007 tour, in which the band played a series of loosely structured, VH1 Storytellers-style shows involving anecdotes and, naturally, lots of covers. “‘All Your Secrets’ was rearranged specifically for the album. It felt great that it could find a new home.”

Whatever form those songs take, there are a lot of them.

The band has released 12 albums of original material, plus various EPs and b-sides, which makes for an ample back catalogue of material to pull from when they perform.

And though not all of them end up living a second life as “Deeper Into Movies” has, the versions that fans hear at

live shows do often evolve over time. For a band with as long a history as Yo La Tengo, it never hurts to look at familiar songs from a new perspective.

“We keep a lot of old songs pretty close to us, we like to be able to dust them off when we’re on tour—the less dust the better,” McNew says. “It’s weird, the thing that happens when you record a song and it’s finished...and then you continue to play it for the rest of your career. I think our songs continue to grow and change as time goes on; it’d feel pretty weird to actively try to keep them exactly the same.”

Maintaining a strong bond between band members requires more than new sounds, however. “Communication, respect and shared enjoyment of a lot of the same TV shows” are all keys to keeping the partnership between band members healthy after 25 years, McNew says. While that last part might seem facetious, the band’s love of The Simpsons is pretty well documented.

They named one of their songs after a telethon hosted by the character Troy McClure (“Let’s Save Tony Orlando’s House”) and even recorded their own version of the show’s theme song. And in 2014, the band appeared on Parks & Recreation as a fictional cover band, Bobby Knight Ranger, which played “Sister Christian” and then threw chairs across the stage. Suffice it to say a sense of humor was implicit in McNew’s response.

That sense of humor is part of what has kept the band so charming for so long. And sure enough, it has a way of making interviews with Yo La Tengo more interesting as well, as I discovered when asking McNew what he’s learned since joining the band more than 20 years ago.

“I had no idea Ludacris would have an acting career.

Couldn’t have predicted that,” he says. “Still working on that whole ‘how to play bass’ thing. I know a little more about it now.”

Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com or follow him on Twitter at @1000TimesJeff

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#SDCityBeat

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

Music

notes from the smoking patio locals only

T

he Frights have signed to Dangerbird Records. The garage-punk trio will release their first album for the label, You Are Going to Hate This, on Feb. 12.

The deal between the band and the label is just for one album, but in a phone interview guitarist Mikey Carnevale says their period of shopping for labels ended once Dangerbird expressed interest.

“They were the first one that got back to us, and it worked out,” he says. “It’s a small label but everyone’s super cool.”

The album was produced by Zac Carper of FIDLAR, with whom the band has twice shared a stage.

Carnevale admits to being a fan, and when he approached Carper about playing more shows with the band, he got a counter-offer he couldn’t refuse.

“We had played two shows with them in the past two years. They’re one of my favorite bands—I have a FIDLAR tattoo,” he says. “So the third time I saw them I asked Zac, ‘can we go on tour with you?’ And instead he proposed recording an album.”

This marks the first time the band has ever worked with a producer, and as a result of a fruitful collaboration, Carnevale says it’s the best set of music they’ve recorded.

“There’s was no real pressure. When I wrote

The Frights these songs, they were completely different than what they became,” he says. “Sound-quality wise, this is way better than anything we’ve done before.”

Hear the title track to the album at Soundcloud. com/dangerbirdrecords. *** FM 94.9 is hosting a Movember Party with Boingo Dance Party on November 20 at the Music Box as part of its campaign all month to raise money for the Movember Foundation, which benefits programs that focus on men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer. More info and tickets can be found at musicboxsd.com.

—Jeff Terich

Seven must-see bands at San Diego Music Thing

T

his weekend is San Diego Music Thing, a threeday, multi-venue festival showcasing a diverse array of local and touring bands, and the lineup this year is pretty strong. Since you can buy a weekend badge or a single-day pass, there’s ample opportunity to see as many of those bands as possible. Now, you won’t be able to see everyone, but I have seven rock solid recommendations for bands you should make some room for on your schedule.

Soul Side: Short-lived D.C. post-hardcore band Soul Side made a raw, energetic ruckus in the late ’80s before its members went on to form bands such as Girls Against Boys and Circus Lupus.

They’re turning up again for a short time, so get yourself in the pit. (Thursday, Nov. 12; The Casbah) Yo La Tengo: Our cover stars Yo La Tengo have been making music for more than 30 years, and most of it is pretty fantastic. Any of their albums from 1993’s Painful up to the present should already be in your collection, but if you’re still new to their music, this show should be a good introduction. (Thursday, Nov. 12; Observatory North Park) Generik & Aneken: Generik & Aneken are sometimes known as LeftinCompany, and they caught our attention earlier this year with a submission to our demo review that we dubbed ExtraSpecialGood.

26 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

They’re one of the best hip-hop acts in San Diego right now, and deserve a space on your itinerary.

(Thursday, Nov. 12; The Merrow) Bakkuda: I discovered Bakkuda’s music last year without any expectations and ended up discovering a new favorite. Bakkuda, whose real name is Alex Capella, is a one-woman electronic soul machine.

Great stuff. (Friday, Nov. 13; The Casbah) Beach Slang: CityBeat web editor Ryan Bradford is a big fan of this Philadelphia band, which hits the sweet spot between The Replacements and Archers of Loaf.

It’s scruffy college rock like they made well before I went to college. (Friday, Nov. 13; The Hideout) Birdy Bardot: Redwoods Chicano Batman Music is hosting their own label showcase, which features this artist who’s responsible for one of my favorite San Diego albums of the year. There will be a limited number of vinyl copies of Bardot’s debut available for sale at the show, so bring a little cash.

(Saturday, Nov. 14; Soda Bar) Chicano Batman: Chicano Batman is one of my favorite band names, but even better than their name is their funky, psychedelic Latin sound. Groovy. (Saturday, Nov. 14; Observatory parking lot)

—Jeff Terich

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

Music

Jeff Terich

If I were u A music insider’s weekly agenda Wednesday, November 11 PLAN A: The Underachievers, Pouya and the Buffet Boys, Kirk Knight, Bodega Boyz, G.R.A.M.Z. @ Observatory North Park. The Underachievers’ brand of hip-hop is more psychedelic than most.

Their 2014 album Cellar Door was assisted by various chemicals, but there are no side effects to consuming their trippy beats and rhymes. PLAN B: Tops, Banta, The Gloomies @ The Hideout. Tops are all about ethereal mystery, with a synth-driven sound reminiscent of recent Chromatics. If accessible gloom is your thing, Tops might be your new favorite band.

of classic songs with a handful of original tracks, and it’s gorgeous and fun as always.

PLAN B: Soulside, Creative Adult, KATA, Keepers, Wildhoney, Records with Roger @ The Casbah. Washington, D.C., band Soulside was a pioneering post-hardcore outfit in the late ’80s, and they’re playing a can’t-miss reunion show for San Diego Music Thing. For other SDMT recommendations, check out my roundup in this week’s Notes from the Smoking Patio. BACKUP PLAN: Viet Cong, Mrs. Magician, Gateway Drugs @ The Irenic.

Friday, November 13

PLAN A: Mayhem, Watain, Rotting Christ @ Observatory North Park. Chances are if you listen to black metal of any kind, it was Thursday, November 12 PLAN A: Yo La Tengo, Blitzen Trapper @ influenced by Mayhem. They’re one of the Observatory North Park. Read my cover Norwegian second wave’s biggest names. story this week on indie rock icons Yo La Their lineup changes all the time but the Tengo, who are headlining San Diego Mu- darkness and intensity remains. PLAN B: sic Thing. Their new album mixes covers The Album Leaf, Ilya, Eagle Rock Gospel Singers, Bakkuda @ The Casbah. It’s the

28 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

end of an era. Ilya plays their final show, which you should make sure to hit up if you want to hear them in person one last time before they ride off into the sunset. BACKUP PLAN: Swingin’ Utters, The Bombpops, Beach Slang, Success @ The Hideout.

Saturday, November 14 PLAN A: The Midnight Pine, Birdy Bardot, Erik Canzona and the Narrows, Creature and the Woods, Dani Bell and the Tarantist @ Soda Bar. Bringing SDMT even closer to SXSW is this label showcase from the recently launched Redwoods Music. Its lineup is full of excellent bands, such as The Midnight Pine and Birdy Bardot, so grab a barstool and get comfy. PLAN B: Modern Baseball, Pup, Jeff Rosenstock, Tiny Moving Parts @ Lamppost Warehouse. Now that Soda Bar is booking shows at Lamppost Warehouse, San Diego’s all-ages game is about to get better. The inaugural show features emo revivalists Modern Baseball and Canadian punks Pup, and it’s gonna rip.

Sunday, November 15 PLAN A: Squeeze @ House of Blues. The UK’s Squeeze have been playing perfect new wave pop since the late ’70s, and they’re still going with their first new set of songs since the ’90s, and a back catalog worthy of celebration.

Squeeze

Monday, November 16 PLAN A: Flandrew Fleisenberg & Loren Groenendaal, Nathan Hubbard, Michiko Ogawa, Nick Lesley & Nicolee Kuester @ Space 4 Art. Steve Flato of the Abrash label has curated a showcase of experimental music that’ll add more depth to your Monday. Settle in for some avant garde and minimalist audio visual treats.

Tuesday, November 17 PLAN A: The Psychedelic Furs, Max & The Moon @ Belly Up Tavern. The Psychedelic Furs played here not that long ago, but with albums such as Talk Talk Talk and Forever Now in their catalog, there’s no shortage of great tracks to hear. PLAN B: Keep Shelly in Athens, Different Sleep @ The Casbah. Keep Shelly in Athens combines a lot of things that I like: dream-pop guitars, ’80s new wave synthesizers and big, sing-along hooks. And wouldn’t you know it? I love it all.

#SDCityBeat

Music

Concerts HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Snoop Dogg (Observatory, 12/6), Anuhea (BUT, 12/21), Christian Death (Soda Bar, 1/17), Shigeto (Soda Bar, 1/23).

GET YER TICKETS The Cult, Primal Scream (HOB, 11/19), YOB (Brick by Brick, 11/19), Skinny Puppy (Observatory, 11/20), Lucero (BUT, 11/22), Sturgill Simpson (Observatory, 11/22), Chance the Rapper (SOMA, 11/23), X, Mike Watt (Casbah, 11/27-28), Maruta, Vattnet Viskar (TilTwo Club, 11/27), Venom Inc. (Brick

by Brick, 11/28), Girl Band (Soda Bar, 11/28), Grouch & Eli, Chali 2na (Observatory, 12/1), Nikki Lane (The Irenic, 12/1), The Bad Plus (Music Box, 12/8), The White Buffalo (HOB, 12/10), Three Mile Pilot (Casbah, 12/10), Finch (The Irenic, 12/11), Agnostic Front (Til-Two Club, 12/12), The Maine (Irenic, 12/12), Common Sense (BUT, 12/12), Reverend Horton Heat (Observatory, 12/13), Ghostface Killah (Observatory, 12/17), Macy Gray (BUT, 12/17), Rick Springfield (HOB, 12/18), Bone Thugs N Harmony (Observatory, 12/18), Vince Staples (Observatory, 12/19), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (BUT, 12/27), Ozomatli (BUT, 12/28), Chet Faker (Observatory, 12/29), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/29-30), The Academy Is… (Observatory, 12/30), Los Lobos (BUT, 12/31), Josh Ritter (Observatory, 1/18),

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo (BUT, 1/19), Killing Joke, The Soft Moon (BUT, 1/26), Richard Cheese (HOB, 1/29), G. Love and Special Sauce (BUT, 1/29), The English Beat (BUT, 2/5-6), Aaron Neville (Balboa Theatre, 2/11), Cradle of Filth (HOB, 2/18), At the Gates (HOB, 2/19), Dr. Dog (Observatory, 2/20), Anti-Flag (Observatory, 2/25), Ani DiFranco (BUT, 2/25), Joe Satriani (Balboa Theatre, 3/1), Lewis Black (Balboa Theatre, 3/3), Galactic (BUT, 3/3), Gary Clark Jr. (HOB, 3/11), Junior Boys (Casbah, 3/18), Twentyonepilots (Viejas Arena, 7/24), Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas (Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 8/14), 5 Seconds of Summer (Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 9/9).

November Wednesday, Nov. 11 Raheem Devaughn and Leela James at Music Box. Tops at The Hideout. Desaparecidos at Belly Up Tavern. Collective Soul at House of Blues. The Underachievers at Observatory North Park.

Thursday, Nov. 12 Dave and Phil Alvin at Belly Up Tavern.

Godsmack at Open Air Theatre. Yo La Tengo at Observatory North Park. Soulside at The Casbah. Viet Cong at The Irenic.

Friday, Nov. 13 Born Ruffians at Soda Bar. The Album Leaf at The Casbah. Mayhem, Watain at Observatory North Park. Circa Survive at House of Blues.

Feather Moon at Music Box. In the Valley Below at The Casbah. Modern Baseball, Pup, Jeff Rosenstock at Lamppost Warehouse. Youth Lagoon at Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, Nov. 15 The Front Bottoms at The Irenic. Puro Instinct at Soda Bar. Squeeze at House of Blues.

Monday, Nov. 16 City and Colour at House of Blues. Atmosphere at Observatory North Park.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 Keep Shelly In Athens at The Casbah.

Psychedelic Furs at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 Mac Miller at House of Blues.

Thursday, Nov. 19 Big K.R.I.T. at Observatory North Park.

Weatherbox at Soda Bar. YOB at Brick

by Brick. The Cult, Primal Scream at House of Blues. Ryan Bingham at Belly Up Tavern.

Friday, Nov. 20 Ryan Bingham at Belly Up Tavern.

Havok at Soda Bar. Skinny Puppy at Observatory North Park.

Saturday, Nov. 21 Everclear at Music Box. Minus the Bear at Observatory North Park. Author and Punisher at The Hideout.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Ty Dolla$ign at House of Blues. Dead

music CONTINUED ON page 30

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

Music music CONTINUED from PAGE 29

December Tuesday, Dec. 1

Sunday, Nov. 22 Rise Against at Soma. Lucero at Belly Up Tavern. Allison Weiss at The Casbah. New Found Glory, Yellowcard at House of Blues. Sturgill Simpson at Observatory North Park. Kate Boy at Soda Bar.

Monday, Nov. 23 Chance the Rapper at SOMA. TesseracT at House of Blues.

Tuesday, Nov. 24 Jackie Greene at Observatory North Park. Borns at Belly Up Tavern.

Friday, Nov. 27 Darwin Deez at House of Blues. Robert Delong at Music Box. Maruta, Vattnet Viskar at Til-Two Club. Nashville Pussy at The Hideout. X, Mike Watt at The Casbah.

Saturday, Nov. 28 X, Mike Watt at The Casbah. Venom Inc. at Brick by Brick.

Sunday, Nov. 29 Silverstein, Senses Fail at Observatory North Park.

Monday, Nov. 30 Intronaut at Soda Bar. John Waters at Observatory North Park.

Grouch & Eli, Chali 2na at Observatory North Park. Nikki Lane at The Irenic.

Thursday, Dec. 3 Charlie Hunter Trio at The Loft. The Avengers at The Casbah.

Friday, Dec. 4 Little Hurricane at The Casbah. Slightly Stoopid at Observatory North Park (sold out).

Saturday, Dec. 5 Little Hurricane at The Casbah. Pale Chalice at Soda Bar. Mythbusters Unleashed at Civic Theatre. Warren Haynes at Observatory North Park.

Sunday, Dec. 6 Faster Pussycat at Brick by Brick.

Snoop Dogg at Observatory North Park.

Monday, Dec. 7 White Reaper at The Hideout.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 The Bad Plus at Music Box.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at House of Blues. Nik Turner’s Hawkwind at Til-Two Club.

Thursday, Dec. 10 Zappa Plays Zappa at Belly Up Tavern.

The Dustbowl Revival at Music Box.

30 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

The White Buffalo at House of Blues.

Friday, Dec. 11 Mike Krol at Soda Bar. The Highwayman at Music Box. Finch at The Irenic.

Saturday, Dec. 12 Agnostic Front at Til-Two Club. The Maine at The Irenic. The Dears at The Casbah.

Common Sense at Belly Up Tavern.

Sunday, Dec. 13 That 1 Guy at Soda Bar. Reverend Horton Heat at Observatory North Park.

Lights at House of Blues.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 Cheap Trick at Belly Up Tavern. (sold out) The 1975 at Observatory North Park (sold out).

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., San Diego. Pacific Beach. Wed: Lizzie Shipton & the Village Squares. Thu: Karaoke.

Fri: Ocean Natives, Reef Bound Sol . Sat: Brothers Gow, Spafford. Sun: Karaoke, The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio.

98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Ste. 110, San Diego. Little Italy. Sat: Black Mambo.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Wed: Open mic. Thu: Nick Thune. Fri: Nick Thune.

Sat: Nick Thune.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., San Diego.

Downtown. Fri: Bakermat. Sat: Detroit Swindle.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., San Diego.

North Park. Wed: Taurus Authority. Thu: The Husky Boy All-Stars. Fri: The Paper Kites, Old Man Canyon, Oh Spirit. Sat: The Creepy Creeps, Schizophonics, Subsurfer, Grizzly Business. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath’. Mon: ‘Motown on Monday’. Tue: Alvin & The Dwells.

Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla.

Thu: Simeon Flick Duo. Fri: Aquile. Sat: Bumpasonic. Sun: Adam Block Duo. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Solana Beach. Thu: Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones, Dead Rock West. Fri: Houndmouth, Howard (sold out). Sat: Youth Lagoon, Taylor McFerrin. Sun: ‘Point Break Live’. Mon: The Green, Hirie. Tue: The Psychedelic Furs, Max & The Moon.

Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Carlsbad. Fri: ‘Club Musae’.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego. Bay Park. Fri: Dona Nova, Thirty 30, Big Goat, Symbolic, Kulteir KLTR. Sat: Madman, Sonic Tonic, Rattz. Sun: Doyle, Chamber Sixx, They Feed at Night, The Grim Imperials.

Cafe Sevilla, 353 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

Downtown. Wed: Aro Di Santi. Thu: Malamana. Fri: Joef & Co. Sat: Malamana. Sun: Aire. Mon: Bruno & Dusty.

Tue: Gio Trio.

Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., #100, San Diego. Bankers Hill. Wed: Gio & Diamond. Thu: Steph Johnson and Rob Thorsen. Fri: Paulette McWilliams.

Sat: Gilbert Castellanos and the Park West Ensemble. Sun: Lorraine Castellanos and Rob Thorsen. Mon: Mark Fisher.

Tue: Stacy Antonel Duo. Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Sat: DJ Alex.

#SDCityBeat

Music Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. Mission Bay. Fri: Fred Benedetti & George Svoboda.

Diego. Downtown. Thu: ‘Tea Party Thursday’. Fri: ‘Rumba Lounge’. Sat: ‘Onyx Saturday’. Tue: ‘Neo Soul’.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave. , San Diego.

Downtown. Fri: Datsik. Sat: Reflex.

Patricks Gaslamp, 428 F St., San Diego. Downtown. Wed: The Upshots.

Thu: Len Rainey’s Midnight Players. Sat: Redwave. Mon: The Groove Squad. Tue: Paddy’s Chicken Jam.

Green Flash Cellar 3, 12260 Crosthwaite Circle, POWAY. Poway. Sat: Cellar 3 Art Opening and Live Music.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Fri: Circa Survive, RX Bandits, Citizen. Sat: Ty Dolla$ign. Sun: Squeeze. Mon: City and Colour. Tue: Frnkiero And The Cellabration , FrankieRo and the Cellabration.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. Midtown. Thu: ‘Progress’. Sun: ‘Yoga for Your Ears’.

Kilowatt Brewing, 7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., SAN DIEGO. Kearny Mesa.

Thu: Hoptastic Voyage IPA Beer Release.

Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., San Diego. Normal Heights. Fri: Lucas Stonehouse, Kennady Tracy, Cordelia Degher, Olivia Wiese.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave. , Coronado. Wed: Glen Smith. Thu: Ron’s Trio. Fri: Ron’s Garage. Sat: Flipside Burners. Sun: Gonzology. Tue: The Sophisticats.

Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego.

Little Italy. Wed: Raheem Devaughn & Leela James, V Bozeman. Thu: Runson Willis III, Wyatt Blair, Other Bodies, San Pedro El Cortez. Fri: Fiji, Drew Deezy.

Sat: Dead Feather Moon, Barbarian, Oliver Trolley, Groovesession.

Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd., San Diego.

Hillcrest. Thu: ‘Wet’. Fri: ‘Uncut’. Sat: ‘Club Sabbat’. Tue: Karaoke Latino.

Onyx Room / Thin, 852 Fifth Ave., San

#SDCityBeat

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., San Diego.

Hillcrest. Wed: DJ John Joseph. Thu: ‘LEZ’. Fri: DJs Dirty Kurty, Will Z. Sat: DJs Taj, K-Swift. Sun: ‘Stripper Circus’.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Betty Rose.

Fri: Chickenbone Slim. Sat: Glen Thomas Band. Tue: Karaoke.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Wed: Shook Twins, The Lovebirds, John Cragie. Thu: The Briefs, Widows, The Touchies. Fri: Born Ruffians, Young Rival, James Supercave, My Goodness. Sat: The Midnight Pine, Birdy Bardot, Erik Canzona and the Narrows, Creature and the Woods, Dani Bell and the Tarantist. Sun: The Front Bottoms, The Smith Street Band, Elvis Depressedly, Puro Instinct, Gary Wilson and the Blind Dates, Sextile. Mon: Strange Names. Tue: Boy & Bear, Oh Spirit.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Midway. Thu: Ice Nine Kills, Wage War, My Enemies & I, The White Noise, Amaya Lights. Fri: Mayday Parade, Real Friends, This Wild Life, As It Is. Sat: Carnifex, Within The Ruins, Lorna Shore, The Last Ten Seconds of Life, Suntorn. Sun: Escape the Fate, A Skylit Drive, Sworn In, Sirens and Sailors, Myka, Relocate.

Spin, 2028 Hancock St., San Diego. Midtown. Fri: Simon Shakleton. Sun: ‘Reggae Sunday’.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., San Diego. Normal Heights. Thu: Levi Dean, Whitney Lockhart. Sun: The Jackson Price Band.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley. Spring Valley. Wed: Karaoke. Thu: ‘Darkwave Garden’. Fri: Devoid, Abyssal, Garth Algar, Cryptic Languages.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. Midtown. Wed: Andra Day. Thu: Soulside, Creative Adult, KATA, Keepers, Wildhoney, Records with Roger. Fri: The Album Leaf, Ilya, Eagle Rock Gospel Singers, Bakkuda. Sat: In the Valley Below, Here We Go Magic, HIlls Like Elephants, The Paragraphs, JJUUJJUU. Sun: Firethorn, Velvet Club, The Roxanne Wars. Mon: The Anomaly, Captain Viejo, The Sinclairs. Tue: Keep Shelly in Athens, Different Sleep.

The Hideout, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Wed: Tops, Banta, The Gloomies. Thu: AA Bondy, Sonny Boy Thorn, Old Tiger, Grampadrew. Fri: Swingin? Utters, The Bombpops, Beach Slang, Success. Sat: Tamaryn, Wild Wild Wets, Froth, Think No Think.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., San Diego.

North Park. Thu: Viet Cong, Mrs. Magician, Gateway Drugs. Fri: Matthew Logan Vasquez, Andrew St. James, Jason Robert Plum. Sat: No Age, Retox, Big Bad Buffalo. Tue: Movits!, Sidewalk Chalk.

The Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla. La Jolla. Tue: Kyle Motl, Tobin Chodos, Kjell Nordeson.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., San Diego. Hillcrest. Thu: Opoetik, DJ E3, Leon St. Heron, Generik & Aneken, The Concrete Project, Sound Collage.

Fri: Inspired and the Sleep, AJ Froman, Soft Lions. Sat: BABES, Guides, Paper

Days. Sun: Girlboy. Tue: Cult Vegas, The Bassics, The Midways.

The Office, 3936 30th St., San Diego.

North Park. Wed: Creature and the Woods, Grampadrew. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’. Mon: Haunted Summer, Garden Echo. Tue: ‘Trapped’ w/ DJ Ramsey.

The T Lounge, 1475 University Ave., San Diego. Hillcrest. Thu: Stanza.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Thu: Beneath Oblivion, Amarok, Chrch, Griever, Garth Algar. Fri: Time Spent Driving, Time Spent Driving, The Night of the Gun, Sound Lupus, Causers. Sat: Raise the Guns.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., San Diego.

Bay Park. Wed: Johnny Deadly Trio. Thu: Blue Largo. Fri: Red Elvises. Sat: Full Strength Funk Band. Tue: Blue Skies.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., San Diego. City Heights. Wed: SSDD, Teenage Burritos, Nail Polish. Fri: Atomic Machines, Sculpins, Skipjack.

Ux31, 3112 University Ave., San Diego. North Park. Wed: DJ Mo Lyon.

Thu: ‘Throwback Thursday’. Fri: Lee Churchill. Sat: DJ Kid Wonder. Sun: TRC Sounds. Mon: DJ Jason Rico. Tue: Karaoke.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, San Diego.

South Park. Fri: ‘The Power of Soul’ w/ DJs Inform, Tim Felten.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., San Diego.

Ocean Beach. Wed: Ital Vibes, DJ Carlos Culture. Thu: Pasadena, The Bumpin Uglies, Hazmat. Fri: The Earful, The Moves, Bomb Squad. Sat: Mango Habanero. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: CalPhonics.

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 31

32 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

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Last Words

Brendan Emmett Quigley

Safe space Across 1. Screws up 5. “Writing’s On The Wall” singer Smith 8. Part of a book 12. In ___ of 13. Event for a corsage 15. Cracking a mirror on Friday the 13th, say 16. Minuteman, e.g.

17. Money spent on a backpacking trip, perhaps 18. Hometown on “Glee” 19. Reminds how a song goes, maybe 22. Game played with matchsticks 23. Off the wall 24. In solitary 26. Bother, after a while 27. “Pork fat rules” celebrity chef 28. 2015 World Cup winner 29. Rafting area 32. Weighing nearly nothing 38. Heating system component 39. Director DuVernay 40. Escargot 43. Electric guitar wood 45. Daily allowances 48. Disabled vehicle light 49. Have to pay back 50. Murder, e.g.

52. Instrument with silver-plated keys 54. Brunch order 55. “When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not” speaker Last week’s answers

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57. Display total pwnage 58. Dwell (on) 59. Two-fold 60. Clothes line?

61. El Capitan, e.g.

62. Eye inflammation

Down 1. QB who throws to Odell and Victor 2. Quality of Alfredo sauce or chocolate mousse 3. Op-ed, often 4. Meeting of the minds 5. Hurl invectives 6. One of the ABC Islands 7. Ending of some children’s stories 8. Hillary or Bernie, for short 9. Scale with no sharps and flats 10. May baby, maybe 11. Plaque holder?

14. “60 Minutes” regular 20. Progressive rival 21. Where Mead worked 23. Taqueria freebie 25. Period leading up to Easter 29. Like a buff guy 30. Ocean off Philly: Abbr.

31. Scotch turn off 33. Footnote note 34. One of the Mikes on sports radio’s “Mike & Mike” 35. Could have escaped 36. Totally common 37. Not that common 40. Scares but good 41. One wet behind the ears 42. Nipple halo 43. Sports org. whose latest champ is the San Jose SaberCats 44. London insurance giant 46. “Oh ___, you’ve done it again!”

(Cartoon catchphrase) 47. Certain NCO’s 51. Activity that’s got you covered?

53. Spreading tree 56. Lagunitas selection

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 33

34 · San Diego CityBeat · November 11, 2015

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#SDCityBeat

November 11, 2015 · San Diego CityBeat · 35