San Diego CityBeat • Nov 19, 2014

Taxi P.7 Foxcatcher P.22 Alvvays P.25 Cover artist P.20 Meet our

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November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

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The deal with Todd Todd Bosnich may or may not have sunk Carl DeJune 4, Bosnich told police he’d decided against filMaio’s hopes of unseating Congressmember Scott ing a sexual-harassment complaint. On June 5, he Peters. But the former policy director for the Demet with Pintar and gave her several mailers that Maio campaign certainly gave it his all. Let’s take the DeMaio campaign planned to send out, as well stock of what we know about him: as a copy of the Slater interview.

When CityBeat first encountered Bosnich late On June 16, the police, at Bosnich’s invitation, last winter, the passionate conservative was snipwent to talk to him at his attorney’s office. Bosing at us on Twitter in defense of DeMaio and on nich showed them an email he received from an offense against Democrats like Nathan Fletcher. anonymous sender on June 2, saying that his claims Then, in May, he seemed to disappear, at least from would be rebuffed by his own words. Included was Twitter. He tweeted nothing from May 21 to Oct. 10, a forwarded May 23 email exchange between Bosafter the whole country learned that it was he who nich and his mother, in which Bosnich says he was was accusing DeMaio of sexual harassment. fired because he was responsible for “a huge fuck According to information in a police search-warup.” Bosnich claims he couldn’t have sent that email rant affidavit, the San Diego Police Department first from that account because he was locked out of it learned about Bosnich on May 28, when the cops by then. His mother was later shown that email and responded to a reported break-in and burglary at said she didn’t believe she participated in it, eiDeMaio campaign headquarters and Alex Melendez, ther. (Claims of phony emails from both sides have a campaign staffer, said he suspected Bosnich and played a big role in the DeMaio-Bosnich saga. Scott another former staffer because they’d recently been Lewis of Voice of San Diego detailed it all.)

From Twitter fired for “poor performance.” Roughly We don’t know what Bosnich was up two weeks later, on June 13, DeMaio to between late June, when the searchcampaign manager Tommy Knepper warrant affidavits were filed, and Octotold police that Bosnich had been fired ber, when the harassment accusation for “gross negligence”—he’d been guilty surfaced and he started tweeting again. of plagiarizing a National Journal report On Oct. 20, the District Attorney’s office on congressional pensions, a minor scanannounced that there wasn’t enough dal that made national news on May 12. evidence to charge DeMaio with sexual There’s no dispute that Bosnich was harassment or charge Bosnich or anyone fired, but there’s plenty of disagreement else for the break-in. over when and why. Melendez told police On Nov. 7, news reports of the it was May 24. Knepper told police that search-warrant affidavits emerged, Todd Bosnich Bosnich was banned from volunteering highlight new details of Bosnich’s acon May 26, 12 days after he was told he would no lontivities. At nearly the exact same time, police were ger be paid for his work. Bosnich says it was May 19, called to a home where Bosnich and his mother alsoon after he confronted DeMaio on the harassment legedly got into a physical altercation. Bosnich was and turned down an offer, from Knepper, of $50,000 arrested four days later for assault. The DA’s office and a job with the Republican Party if he kept quiet. has forwarded the case to the City Attorney’s office, In any case, Bosnich reached out to MaryAnne which prosecutes misdemeanor crimes.

Pintar, Peters’ campaign manager, via several After the stories about the search warrant came emails, on May 29, offering up inside campaign inout, we asked Bosnich a series of questions. He was formation and telling of the harassment. forthcoming with most of them. He sidestepped On May 31, police went to Bosnich’s home and a couple, like how, if he didn’t take the campaignasked him if he did the break-in. He said he didn’t. mailer proofs from the office, how did DeMaio’s They also asked if he wanted to file a complaint handwritten notes end up on them? And he was against DeMaio for sexual harassment (Pintar had angry about questions regarding his mom. Bosnich told them about it). He said he’d think about it, but says he did file a complaint against DeMaio, but no he was worried that it would hurt his career. But record of one has surfaced. on June 2, Bosnich did an interview with KFMB Something major made Bosnich want to destroy radio’s Mike Slater, graphically detailing DeMaio’s DeMaio, who’d been a hero to the young man—Depattern of harassment. The interview never aired, Maio, like Bosnich, is a rare gay conservative. Maybut CityBeat got hold of it and posted it online. On

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

This issue of CityBeat is dedicated to love—if Charles Manson can find it, we all can.

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November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

Correction In last week’s editorial about Congressmember Scott Peters, we reported that a police search-warrant affidavit indicated that Peters’ campaign manager, MaryAnne Pintar, called police on June 5 and reported what materials were given to her that same day by Todd Bosnich, a former campaign staffer to Carl DeMaio. That was inaccurate. Pintar made that call four days later. We’re sorry for the error.

DeMaio: no respect I agree with the content and suppositions of your Oct. 22 editorial about Carl DeMaio, and I’m a conservative Republican who ordinarily would be voting along the party line. The claims against DeMaio appear more substantive than just political dirty tricks. The sexualharassment claims, for example, are not inconsistent with previous observations described by other San Diego City Council members in the past. Moreover, it raises the question about, “How did it come to pass, that an openly gay candidate found himself working, day to day in close proximity, and after-hours socializing with another openly gay staff member?”

The previous allegations against DeMaio, in the context of his daily close contact with Todd Bosnich raise the probable likelihood that something happened. And whatever that something was, it turned a dedicated staff supporter into a devastated ex-supporter.

If similar accusations had been made against Scott Peters by an attractive younger

6 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

female staff worker, who worked so closely with Mr. Peters that, according to Mr. Peters, she had access to his personal email login information, including his password, I’d be inclined to consider those accusations, as well.

Apparently, Mr. DeMaio has concluded that Mr. Peters’ closest female staff member is not someone with whom the candidate would likely engage in any inappropriate sexual misconduct—thus, the most recently released email from Mr. DeMaio, degrading a woman he has concluded could not be even remotely tempting to the candidate. Even Mayor Filner, as obviously troubled as he was, had a similar level of respect for women of all sizes. What Mr. DeMaio reveals with that email is that sexuality, in his eyes, trumps anticipated professional behavior and equal respect for others.

Jerry Saline, Olivenhain

Please be funnier You ask what I think about your Oct. 15 DeMaio editorial. Well, it is about 14 column inches too long. You’ve said nothing new, so you could’ve said it all in a couple of pithy paragraphs Of course voters gotta go with their “guts” when choosing between two malodorous putzes.

You could have devoted the space to something more educative, like what to wear for Halloween, for example. Then again, maybe you’ve commented on it already. Sorry, I don’t read you that often (CityBeat is hard to find).

But you get my drift. We closed-minded lummoxes need to be illuminated about stuff that makes our lives truly meaningful.

But, seriously, writing funny is probably not your forte. But with the DeMaio masturbatory stuff, you could’ve slammed a few satirical homers out of Petco Park (à la Carl Hiaasen, to wit). And that would have been a real delight to read. Maybe next time.

Al Dávalos, Rolando

Edit0rial CONTINUED from PAGE 5 be it was being fired for plagiarism, but the identity of the plagiarist wasn’t made public at the time. Was that enough to risk a career in politics? DeMaio has not produced any proof that Bosnich was responsible for the plagiarized report. If folks were so sure that Bosnich did the break-in, why was he never arrested for it?

CityBeat got to know Bosnich pretty well in October; we spent time with him on a number of occasions. We found him to be smart, funny, engaging, likable and believable. But we also can’t stand DeMaio, so we definitely wanted to like and believe Bosnich; there’s no denying that. Honestly, not knowing if he’s telling the truth is making us a little bit crazy.

What do you think?

Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Joshua Emerson Smith

Members of United Taxi Workers of San Diego express themselves during last week’s City Council meeting.

Power shift How San Diego’s cab drivers overhauled the local taxi industry

by Joshua Emerson Smith “Taxi drivers work 70 hours to make what a minimum-wage worker makes in a 40-hour week,” Sarah Saez told the San Diego City Council last week before a vocal crowd.

It wasn’t the first time that Saez, program director for the 700-member United Taxi Workers of San Diego, or others with the labor group had presented this statistic to elected officials. But it might be the last.

Held in Golden Hall in Civic Center Plaza to accommodate a large turnout, the council meeting drew hundreds of cab drivers wearing blue United Taxi Workers T-shirts and waving signs emblazoned with slogans such as “Raise the cap on opportunity.”

Also present were taxicab permit holders dressed in red T-shirts, whose smaller numbers but larger political power had until recently dominated the debate over regulating the industry. For years, the group has controlled the large majority of the city’s 993 taxicab permits, leasing their vehicles at rates drivers have said mires them in poverty.

“Companies like Uber and Lyft use our failing taxi industry as part of their marketing to their customers,” Saez told the council. “The CEO of Uber said, ‘People need to stop riding taxis because of the taxi cartel.’”

In one of the most remarkable labor victories in the region’s recent history, the City Council voted on Nov. 10 to lift the cap on the number of taxi permits. The only council member in opposition was Lorie Zapf.

“People have been working for next to

nothing, volunteering full-time,” said Richard Barrera, who heads the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. “This has been a very, very grassroots effort.”

Councilmember Mark Kersey said his decision to support the move had nothing to do with either group’s political influence. “Lifting the permit cap on taxicabs was a council decision that embraced freemarket principles,” he said in an email.

The policy decision, spearheaded by progressive Councilmember Marti Emerald, broke permit holders’ longtime monopoly on the city-issued permits, which were originally given out for $3,000 but in recent years have been traded on the open market for more than $100,000.

Issues surrounding the taxi industry caught the public’s eye in May 2013, when the Center on Policy Initiatives think tank and San Diego State University released a report called “Driven to Despair.” The study painted a stark picture of the industry, with permit holders selling permits for tens of thousands of dollars and lease drivers working 12-hour days and making an average of $5 an hour.

However, efforts by drivers to reform the industry first started at least four years prior to the report, said United Taxi Workers (UTWSD) Executive Director Mikaiil Hussein. Before becoming the head of the labor group, the 45-year-old refugee from Somalia was one of the city’s roughly 2,000 taxi drivers, 70 percent of whom are East African immigrants.

As early as 2009, drivers had been meeting informally at Colina Park in City Heights to discuss industry conditions, he said. “A core group of guys got together because we couldn’t obey the lease; the lease was so high.”

Although no one knew it at the time,

this would be the genesis of an influential movement. Within months, the gatherings at the park grew, and soon Hussein and others were holding meetings with dozens of drivers in attendance.

In December 2009, after several failed negotiations with permit holders, more than 150 drivers went on strike. While the work stoppage strained finances for many drivers, they held out for 12 days until permit holders agreed to lower lease prices.

“We were pooling money, giving to somebody to pay their rent, or maybe some of them they have car loans,” Hussein said.

“We were a kind of a unit, and every day, we always go to the Colina Park because we don’t have a place to organize.”

The idea to walk off the job came about “naturally,” said Abebe Antallo, 54, UTWSD lead organizer. “They don’t have no choice. The only thing they can do, the one choice is organizing together and making a strike.”

While it wasn’t long before permit holders started to slowly increase lease prices for individual drivers, workers now had a taste of victory.

In January 2010, drivers organized the fledgling UTWSD and Hussein was elected to a five-person organizing team. A few months later, the Employee Rights Center, a local advocacy group that assists workers who don’t have union representation, recruited college interns to help organize taxi workers.

By that spring, the organizers had rented an office space in City Heights, in a former rundown motel, for $625 a month.

At first, they sat on the floor for meetings but eventually got donated furniture and a few computers.

A few months later, Hussein spoke out for the first time at a Metropolitan Transit System Taxi Advisory Committee meeting.

Permit holders with large taxi fleets dominated the 17-member committee, which guides city policy.

A few days later, he was fired from his job and blacklisted from the industry, he said.

“I knew that’s the risk I have to take. To be honest, it was the best thing to happen to me. Up to today, I struggle, but it’s worth it.”

Despite the loss of income, Hussein was free to organize around the clock. The Employee Rights Center found him a grant for $1,000 a month. He applied for food stamps and moved in with his mother.

By 2011, UTWSD had started holding open houses that brought in hundreds of drivers, Hussein said. People started paying membership dues more regularly, and the group gained momentum.

At the same time, Saez started volunteering with UTWSD. Deeply inspired by the cause, she eventually dropped out of law school, secured funding through AmeriCorps and started organizing with the drivers full-time.

“I’ve been following Mikaiil down a rabbit hole ever since,” said the 33-yearold, still cheerful from the group’s victory.

After months of pressure and oftencombative meetings with MTS officials, in December 2011, UTWSD was able to get two lease drivers elected to the advisory committee. At the decisive meeting, drivers pack the room, putting tape over their mouths in a symbolic gesture.

In large part, the shift on the committee was possible because of City Councilmember Emerald, who took over for City Council President Todd Gloria as the head of the committee earlier that year, Hussein said.

“The mood was totally changed,” he recalled.

UTWSD used its influence in City Heights to campaign for Emerald, who in November 2012 was reelected to represent City Council District 9. Part of the labor group’s success resulted from campaigning by taxicab drivers who spoke many of the neighborhood’s ethnic languages.

By August 2013, the group had become an affiliate of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and moved into an office space at the council’s building in City Heights at reduced rent.

“You don’t just say, ‘The world is not fair,’ and there’s nothing you can do about it,’” Barrera said. “What taxi workers have proved is that if you have a vision, and if you’re persistent, you can win.”

Despite a modest annual budget of roughly $53,000, UTWSD plans to continue to increase its political organizing, Hussein said. The group is preparing to help drivers apply for small-business loans so they can obtain their own permits under the new system. To compete with permitholder-controlled dispatching companies, the group’s also getting ready to launch a worker-run dispatching service.

With about 20 volunteer organizers and resources for just two full-time staffers, no one at UTWSD is getting rich anytime soon.

But that hasn’t limited its effectiveness.

“No one is going to come to this organization to help us unless they love it,” Hussein said. “We are all family.”

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

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

Housing first Bold move by the San Diego Housing Commission could transform the homeless-services landscape

by Kelly Davis Last week, the San Diego Housing Commission announced a three-year plan to move as many as 1,500 people off the street and into housing. With San Diego’s unsheltered homeless population currently at around 2,500, that plan, called Housing First San Diego, has the potential to make a significant impact in a city where ending homelessness has been a stated goal for the last decade.

The five-point plan includes: • A full renovation of The Churchill, a former residential hotel located along the C Street trolley line, that will include 72 studio apartments, 56 of which will be set aside for homeless vets. The other 16 units will house youth aging out of the foster-care system and homeless adults; • $10 million annually for affordable-housing developers who guarantee that at least one-quarter of the units in their projects will be permanent-supportive housing (housing that’s coupled with services) for folks who’ve been homeless; • Several hundred federal rental-assistance vouchers, to be made available for use by homeless individuals and families; • $15 million to help Housing Development Partners, the Housing Commission’s nonprofit affiliate, acquire

Joshua Emerson Smith

a property that will include at least 20 units of permanent-supportive housing; • And 25 Housing Commissionowned rental units that will be set aside to house homeless individuals and families for up to 18 months.

CityBeat spoke with a number of folks for this story, nearly all of whom preferred to talk on background. The almost-unanimous sentiment was that the Housing Commission’s plan is a bold move—one that continues the momentum started by initiatives like the Campaign to End Homelessness in Downtown San Diego, which kicked off in July 2010.

But, as a few folks noted, the housing-first model this plan seeks to implement—which says the best way to address the issues that led to someone becoming homeless is to first put that person into no-strings-attached, perThe Churchill Hotel is being rehabbed to house formerly homeless folks. manent housing—only works when that housing’s combined with supportive services. Finding People CityBeat spoke to also brought up the fact that funding for services can be tricky—providers use the word no representatives from county government, which ad“cobble” to describe the effort it takes to tap into limited ministers state and federal funding for social services, resources. An example of the challenges of funding sup- were at last week’s Housing Commission press conference, portive services is Project 25, a successful pilot program a glaring absence given the county’s prominent role in getlaunched by the United Way of San Diego County and run ting Project 25 up and running—though, something that

by St. Vincent de Paul that hooked up 35 homeless people shouldn’t be interpreted as the county’s unwillingness to who’d been identified as the costliest users of emergency- contribute to the effort, folks said. medical and law-enforcement resources with housing and “This is a first huge step,” says Michael McConnell, intensive services. Despite being able to demonstrate sig- board vice president of the Regional Task Force on the nificant taxpayer savings after its three-year pilot, Project Homeless who’s also part of Funders Together to End 25 struggled to find sustainable funding.

Homelessness, a group that contributed $240,000 to the Housing Commission’s plan to help developers with operational expenses.

McConnell agrees that there will be “significant work” on the part of providers and the Housing Commission to make sure that housing’s coupled with services, but, he added, having that housing is a critical first step.

“Housing is a big nut to crack,” he says. “The Housing Commission has opened a huge door for us to walk through and try to find service dollars wherever they may be.”

“Catalyst” is how one person CityBeat spoke with described the Housing Commission’s plan.

Matthew Doherty, director of National Initiatives with the U.S Interagency Council on Homelessness, agrees.

“This is often the way change efforts happen,” he says.

“One part of the system steps forward to commit its resources, and then other parts of the system respond to match resources to that commitment. So I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad sign if not everything is figured out, as that is the way that systems change often seems to happens.”

McConnell pointed to two new potential sources for services: As part of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, providers can be reimbursed for things like behavioral-health services that help keep someone who was chronically homeless in housing. And, among the projects eligible to compete for the Housing Commission’s $10 million in annual funding are those that propose to convert transitional housing into permanent-supportive housing.

Transitional housing, an approach that seeks to solves people’s problems first, then move them into permanent housing, is no longer considered an effective model. Converting transitional units to permanent units can potentially free up services dollars, McConnell says.

The competitive application process for the $10 million opened on Nov. 12 and will remain open until the end of next June. As the applications come in, the Housing Commission will get a better idea of the ease or difficulty folks are having tapping into services dollars, says commission spokesperson Maria Velasquez.

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

8 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

edwin

sordid tales

decker A sordid jackass defends the Irish exit I forget which magazine I was reading, but it conberto’s right now, son! Before they run out of meat!” tained an article in which the author was complainThe next day, as usual, I get the angry texts from ing about a friend who’d recently pulled an Irish my friends and, yeah, I understand their frustraExit. This infuriated the author and caused him to tion. But can we all at least agree on two things? question the friendship.

First, at least the voices in my head don’t tell me Now, I had never heard the term “Irish Exit” beto ax-murder anyone. And, second, saying goodbye fore, but I knew instantly what it meant. I have been to a roomful of friends, especially after you’ve hit Irishly exiting parties and other functions for pretty your wall, is a death by a thousand cuts. Because much my entire adult life. When I read that article, now you’ll have to seek out all the chatty Cathys and I thought, So, thaaat’s what it’s called. Indeed, it was blubbering Bobbys you’ve been avoiding all night. a relief to learn that I’m not the only jackass who And there’s always that one guy who’s going to pulls this kind of jackassery. tightly shake your hand for way too long—almost For those who don’t know, the Irish Exit—also like he’s holding you hostage so he can finish the known as The French Leave, The English Goodstory about the hilarious thing his schnauzer did, bye, The Irish Goodbye and ghosting—refers to a and all you can think is: Why? Why is it so impordeparture from a party, a bar or some other gathtant to say goodbye to people you see on a regular ering without announcement. It’s almost always basis? Is it because of our basic need for closure? the result of inebriation—probably because when Bah! Closure is for sissies! It’s a futile attempt to inyou’re drunk, you lack the inhibition to care that stall order in an orderless universe. it’s wrong.

Look, there are basically two types of people Of course, I don’t think it’s wrong at all; howin this world: those who need closure to preserve ever, my friends say it is—usually the next day, tranquility, and if you are currently wringing your when they grumble about what a jackassish move hands over the fact that I didn’t identify the secit was, for which I apologize and explain that I ond type of person, then you’re the type that needs don’t mean to do it; it’s just closure. Not me. I couldn’t give something that happens, and a hot goddamn about that. Y’all I’m not even sure why. can Exit Me Irishly any time Because now you’ll I mean, I’ll be sitting at the you want. have to seek out all the bar with my pals, knocking back It’s not only because I don’t shots and beers, riffing about care; it’s also because there chatty Cathys and current events and laughing too is the danger of you pulling a blubbering Bobbys loudly at stories that sober peoMinnesota Goodbye, which is you’ve been ple would consider too lame to when you say “Goodbye” but be loudly laughed at, when, all keep talking and talking, then avoiding all night. of a sudden, I hit a wall and evsay “Goodbye” again, and conerything comes to a halt: I stop tinue talking, until you’ve said talking. I stop listening. And “Goodbye” 16 times and you’re worst of all, I start thinking. I start thinking how nary an inch closer to the front door.

I can no longer bear to listen to X’s recalling of the That said, Irish Exits are still considered socially hilarious thing his schnauzer did that morning. I unacceptable, and people do sometimes get their think that I might have to stab Y in the face if he feelings hurt. That’s why it’s important to abide certain guidelines so that your Irish Exit can be makes a pass at yet another young lady whose only performed as safely and humanely as possible. mistake was to sashay by our table. I think I would For instance, never bail on someone who’s visitrather gobble up a bag of fried and battered buffalo ing you from out of town or in other ways reliant on boners than endure another second of Z’s stinking you to have a good time. Never bail on a group you’re cloud of death-breath. traveling with in different countries (your friends And then—and this is the thought that lurches will be left to wonder if you are being gang-raped my body into action—I start thinking about food. by rats in a Turkish labor camp). Always be sure to Yes, yes, won’t it be great to stuff a steaming hot burpay your tab before disappearing into the night— rito into my face—sideways? I can see the scene in you don’t want to add “deadbeat” to the list of shitty my mind, sitting before the TV with the hot sauces things people say about you. In fact, I recommend to my left, Diet Pepsi to the right and a carne asada having the server bring another round to your table burrito front and center, looking at me with those after you’ve left. If you buy them a parting gift, it “Please don’t stuff me into your face sideways” will be that much harder for them to think of you in eyes. It’s then when the ghost of the late Roberto a jackassian light.

Robledo, founder of the Roberto’s taco shops, whisFinally, here’s a bit of closing advice for the author pers into my ear: “Venir a mi casa, Eduardo. Venir a who was mad at his friend for ditching the party: Let mi casa.” it go, man. No harm, no foul? Then let it go.

“Yes, Roberto, I will come to your house. But first I must bid my friends farewell.”

Write to edwin@sdcitybeat.com “Balderdash!” barks the voice (which suddenly and editor@sdcitybeat.com. speaks fluent English). “You’ve got to get over to Ro-

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

by michael a. gardiner Michael A. Gardiner

the world

fare

Emerald is still a gem

The downside of getting paid to eat (and write about it) is not having enough time to enjoy favorite haunts on as regular a basis as I would like. Instead of weekly weekend brunches of dim sum—that parade of steamer baskets filled with bite-sized portions of a seemingly infinite variety of Chinese flavors—I’ve found myself searching for cool new spots instead. It’s great, but I miss my old favorites. But, then, why haven’t I reviewed the dim sum at Emerald Seafood Restaurant (3709 Convoy St., emeraldrestaurant. com) in Kearny Mesa’s Convoy District? Do I require an engraved invitation?

The core of what Emerald does best coincides with the classic repertoire. Emerald’s steamed dim sum—har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (either pork, shrimp or quail-egg dumplings)—is currently the best in town. On recent trips, the pork siu mai was particularly succulent, har gow light to the point of pillowy and the fun gor (halfmoon dumplings filled with pork and peanuts) was a savory texture riot. The wrappers were neither heavy, sticky nor prone to cracking.

Another classic, yuba rolls filled with pork and bamboo shoots, was nearly perfect. Being light on mushrooms and bamboo shoots made it a more pork-forward dish featuring a rich, brothy sauce.

10 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

The char siu bao, doughy buns filled with Chinese barbecued pork bits, was particularly good, with light, almost cloudlike buns and a filling that was simultaneously savory and sweet.

One of my favorite dim sum offerings is xiolongbao, Shanghai-style soup dumplings, featuring a pork and aspic filling inside a thicker wrapper than the kind used for steamed dumplings.

The brilliance of xiolongbao is that as the buns cook, the aspic melts, leaving “soup” inside the bun. Sadly, Emerald’s version was disappointing: Many wrappers were too thick, and quite a few were broken and thus devoid of the “soup.”

Another problem at Emerald, of late, is the cost. The practice of ordering from rolling carts— part of the charm of the dim sum experience—obscures each dish’s price tag. However, the recent trajectory of the bill at Emerald is unmistakable: ever upward, more so than at its competitors.

Perhaps one of Emerald’s best (and less expensive) dishes also happens to be one of my dim sum guilty pleasures: stewed tripe with daikon and scallions. While tripe is the poster child for the awfulness of offal, that meme was surely not created by anyone who tasted this dish. Neither flavorless (one bad rap) nor mineral-y (another), the tripe here has pleasant textures (different parts of tripe contributing subtle, intriguing contrasts) and a meaty, deeply umami-rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the chili oil at each table. The slightly thickened savory sauce, steamed daikon and slight bite of chives complete the picture. Emerald’s version of the dish is far and away the best in town; it’s probably the best tripe dish in town regardless of cuisine.

And the only thing better than the pleasure of enjoying an old favorite like a dim sum brunch at Emerald is being able to write about it, too— not to mention the added bonus of being paid to do so.

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

By Jen Van Tieghem

bottle

Rocket

Themed pairings for midweek winos When I was invited to Wine Wednesday at Marina Kitchen in the Marriott Marquis (333 W. Harbor Drive), I wasn’t sure what to expect. As it turned out, an educational tasting in the restaurant’s chic wine room was a far cry from my typical midweek boozing (in sweats with my cat).

Each week, the wines are themed by region, upcoming holiday, price point, etc. Most Wine Wednesdays cost $20, while select dates include food pairings for $40, and classes are limited to an intimate dozen.

On the day I sat with friends at sommelier Joshua Orr’s long wooden table, the theme was the Pacific Northwest, which Orr said are worthy adversaries of California’s popular wine regions.

And he should know.

We soon found out that Orr, an advanced sommelier, is the recent winner of the Guild of Sommeliers’ Top|Somm competition and is preparing for his master sommelier exam. If he passes it, he’ll be among the youngest to do so. Point is, the guy knows his wine.

As impressive as his résumé is, Orr is also very personable. With an easy-going manner, he set about convincing us that the Pacific Northwest might be the next Napa. With an audience that ranged in age from late 20s to 60s and whose wine experience probably varied similarly, Orr explained things in a way that was informative yet never condescending.

Our tasting included two distinctly different Chardonnays, two Pinot Noirs, a Merlot and a

red blend. Each pour was enough to taste and compare with another. We identified scents and flavors and, with our guide’s help, articulated what we did or didn’t enjoy.

I found a particular highlight among the Pinots: the 2012 Bergstrom Silice from Willamette Valley, Oregon, with a peppery nose and a mouthful of decadent berries. Like any seasoned wino would, I quickly Googled it: While a price tag of more than $60 is a little much for me, the good news is the cost of the class is clearly a value.

An added bonus was the food that appeared on trays throughout the tasting, even though Jen Van Tieghem this wasn’t a pairing night. A charcuterie board, crab cakes and a mind-blowing short-rib poutine appeared at opportune times. It seems the restaurant’s kitchen sends pairable items during events—or maybe just whatever they happen to have in excess.

Finishing up the night, Orr had a special treat for us: a 2005 Cadence Ciel du Cheval from Red Mountain, Washington.

The complex Bordeauxstyle blend had me scribbling notes like “smoke,” “eucalyptus” and “brown sugar.” This, and several of the others, solidified Orr’s thesis that Washington and Oregon’s wines are up to California’s standards, but with a relatively reasonable price tag. According to my homework, each bottle fell between $30 and $70.

Overall, the event was a great balance of education and fun, with tasty wines, sumptuous snacking and a kind, knowledgeable host.

If you’re interested in checking it out for yourself, there are tastings on Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Get all the details at facebook.com/Mar inaKitchenSD. Write to jenv@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

by Mina Riazi mina riazi

Gustwiller unwrapped Eclipse 10 years ago, not long after finishing his master’s degree in sculpture at SDSU. The chocolate shop outgrew its original North Park post last year, and—aided by the support of 184 Kickstarter backers— moved into its much-roomier South Park digs (2145 Fern St., eclipsechocolate.com).

The restaurant’s daily brunch menu tries hard to satisfy every palate. Quinoa fritters and stuffed red peppers will satiate the vegan and gluten-free crowd, while richer items— think quiche, French toast and biscuits ’n’ gravy—suit more liberal eaters. On Sundays, the Mmm. Chocolate. menu slims down considerably after 2 p.m., shedding the eggy entrées; soups, salads and sandwiches remain.

I can imagine that during buzzy brunch hours, Eclipse is sun-filled and pleasant, its white chairs and blue walls crystallizing the eatery’s laidbackyet-elegant vibe. The aura shifts, though, during early Sunday dinners.

A shot of sugar to the head Nearly empty, the space felt rather cavernous on a recent evening. A playlist of indie-folk tunes Few sentences fill me with more anxiety than heightened the aloof, blue-toned mood. Thank“Pass the chocolate.” Though an early adopter of fully, a rosemary and key-lime spritzer—expresthe mom-administered “sharing is caring” mansive and effervescent and gently sweet—made for tra, I struggle to part ways with the sweet stuff. a charming opening act.

Chocolate, I’m convinced, is the eighth wonder The panini at Eclipse are prepared with of the world. the restaurant’s house-made focaccia. Pillowy But not all chocolate is created equal. We’ve and fragrant, the sage-accented bread is strong got the milky, gummy, grocery-store variety, enough to stand on its own—still, I’m not one to which is a few rungs above choco-imposters like turn away a few luscious, well-intentioned ingrecocoa-starved white “chocolate.” Then there’s dients. Bacon, avocado and roasted tomato crethe artisanal kind, impeccably dressed in recyate a simple yet comforting sandwich, one that cled-paper jackets. Some might raise a brow, unwould pair nicely with hot tomato soup. Then swayed by the clever flavor pairings presented by there’s the Portobello, pesto and veggie offering, these oft-organic confections. At Eclipse Chocwhich—despite being bacon-free—is more allurolate, flavors like strawberry peppercorn and ing and charismatic than the B.A.T. chile hazelnut make your beloved Hershey’s look Unsurprisingly, Eclipse’s desserts are most a little plain in comparison. memorable. It’s nearly impossible not to finish Made from “ethically sourced couverture the fudgy, flourless pumpkin and ginger brownie chocolate,” Eclipse sweets run the gamut from in a few messy, too-big bites. Oozing chocolate, caramels to truffles to handcrafted chocolate the banana cream cupcake inches toward the bars. In 2012, Travel + Leisure dubbed Eclipse’s too-sweet line but doesn’t reach it. Simply put, hot chocolate “America’s Best.” This—considering it’s perfect, capped with cloudy buttercream owner Will Gustwiller’s fine-art background—is frosting. A pumpkin truffle—so small yet so imquite impressive. pactful—concluded my meal. I could have shared Impressive, too, is the sheer variety of confecit, yes, but I tossed it into my mouth before anyone could ask for a bite. tions doled out by the South Park chocolate bar and bistro: “Exotic” sea salts, jars of sludgy caraWrite to minar@sdcitybeat.com mel sauce, chocolate buttons, plate-sized cookies and editor@sdcitybeat.com. and cupcakes fill shelves and display cases.

One Lucky

Spoon

12 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

the floating

library

by jim ruland

The Marlowe drive Steph Cha is many things: lawyer, lover of Basset hounds, author of more than 2,000 Yelp reviews and the creator of the Juniper Song series of detective novels.

Much like her fictional forebear, Philip Marlowe, Song drinks heavily, smokes like a chimney and calls Los Angeles home. Unlike Raymond Chandler’s famous private investigator, Song is young, female and Korean-American. In other words, she’s not like Marlowe at all.

In Beware Beware, the second installment in the mystery series, Song is hired by New York artist Daphne Freamon to keep tabs on her boyfriend, Jamie Landon. Jamie, Daphne explains, hasn’t been returning her calls, and she’s concerned because he’s dabbled with drugs in the past. After securing a ghostwriting gig with aging mega-star Joe Tilley, Jamie’s become one of the actor’s closest associates. Jamie says they’re working on another project, but Daphne suspects they’re partying together.

Song spends a few mostly uneventful days tailing her new client.

She logs more time on her laptop than she does behind the wheel and discovers interesting things about the man she’s following around town and on the Internet. Song quickly reaches the conclusion that she’s more than a little envious of Jamie: His good looks, numerous friends and apparent ease in social situations stand in stark contrast to Song’s solitary life in a two-bedroom apartment she shares with her young cousin Lori, who, unlike Song, has a boyfriend with whom she spends most of her free time. Alone, Song drinks and broods.

“I liked to think of myself as an honest person, someone who valued truth above comfort, sometimes even above kindness. It was one of the virtues I allowed myself to admit, that gave me a measure of pride. I’d lost friends and family over festering lies, amputated them like a sinner set on heaven. It might have been the impulse that led me to private detection in the first place—the Marlowe drive, the itchy longing to uncover ugly soil, to dislodge the bad fruit that rooted below.”

In other words, Song’s code of honor is also the source of her discontent. It’s the Marlowe drive, however, that leads Song to the hotel suite

where, after a night of binging on booze and blow, Tilley is found dead in a bathtub filled with his own blood, and Jamie is the prime suspect.

The first third of Beware Beware follows Song as she tries to uncover the truth behind Tilley’s murder. Song interviews a slew of people who are so eager to talk to her and insert themselves in the murder scandal that Song seems more like a TMZ reporter than a gumshoe. But toward the middle of the book, the story takes some unpredictable twists and turns. No one is quite the way they seem, danger lurks everywhere and even Lori and her boyfriend are in peril.

One of the things I like most about Cha’s handling of Song is that unlike Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade or Mike Hammer, Song isn’t accustomed to dealing with death.

She’s not used to people turning up dead every few chapters like her counterparts in crime novels. In fact, she hasn’t sufficiently recovered from the trauma that unfolded in the previous novel, Follow Her Home, which casts a long shadow over Beware Beware.

After she witnesses a cold-blooded murder, she doesn’t know how to deal with it.

“I stumbled into the apartment in a haze of fear and trauma. It was a relief to be home, out of the direct company of a murderer, but the immediate release uncorked my bottled up panic, and I felt anything but safe.”

Song lacks the panache of a Marlowe or Spade, and that makes her vulnerable. Perhaps “lack” isn’t the right word. The absence of a tough-talking exterior doesn’t make Song less of a detective; it makes her real. But this vulnerability comes at great cost. The stakes keep getting higher and higher, and the ending left me emotionally flattened in a way I didn’t see coming. I never felt that way after reading a Raymond Chandler novel.

Cha is currently working on a third Juniper Song novel, and I hope her heroine is able to protect herself from the crimes of the past and the horrors to come without becoming too hardboiled.

In the field of detective fiction, there are many Marlowes, but there is only one Juniper Song.

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

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

the

SHORTlist

1

COORDINATED BY KINSEE MORLAN

ARTISTIC, ALTERED STATES

HObjects USA Mid Century Art & Design Sale at Ronis Fine Arts, 1946 Broadway, Golden Hill. Objects USA, an online gallery and resource for midcentury collectables, presents a fall showing of vintage modern art and design. Opening from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23. objectsusa.com HKinfolk at Space 4 Art, 325 15th St., East Village. Last chance to see an interactive installation of visuals and sound by artists Jenna Ann MacGillis and Robert Mason. Closing from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. sdspace4art.org

“Metamorphosis” by Alex Andre reality or, at the very least, trip out for a few minutes.

The exhibition will kick off with a live, theatrical performance based on one of the last recorded interviews with Dick. Then folks can explore the collection of mostly interactive installations and experience other performance-art pieces. “RHODOPSIN,” a striking installation by A Ship in the Woods and other collaborators that was recently on view at Art San Diego Contemporary Art Fair, will also be at the show. Donations will be accepted at door.

“It’ll be full experience,” Mueller says. “You can touch, feel and experience the work in many different ways. It’s well beyond the eyes.”

BUY LOCAL, DAMMIT!

Our hope is that one day, when it comes to holiday-gift buying, a critical mass of San Diegans won’t first think, Get me to the mall!, and instead think, Where can I get great, locally made stuff ? From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, great, locally made stuff will be in abundance at Makers Arcade, a holiday fair held in Moniker Warehouse (705 16th St. in East Village). More than 50 artisans and vendors will be selling their goods, and, to augment your perusing pleasure, there’ll be live music, savory eats and sweets, craft and design activities and cocktails (during the day!). The first 100 through the door get a swag bag. Find the whole list of makers and event details at makersarcade.com.

3

THE DOCTOR IS IN

COURTESY: DR. SEUSS ENTERPRISES, L.P.

Would you? Could you? In a park? Would you? Could you? On a lark? As part of the Balboa Park Centennial Celebration, the renowned, roving Dr. Seuss exhibition is coming to the San Diego History Center (1649 El Prado).

Opening on Saturday, Nov. 22, the exhibition Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss will feature rare, early artworks by the late San Diegan Theodor Geisel, as well as interactive installations and activities for children. Also on display will be two newly released Geisel illustrations, editorial cartoons, collectible memorabilia and bronze statues of some of the artist’s well-known characters. The exhibition runs through the end of 2015. Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for youth. Kids younger than 5 get in free. san Local vendor A Handcrafted Home “Martini Bird” by Dr. Seuss diegohistory.org

14 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

HStudent Art Sale and Reception at Mesa College Art Gallery, 7250 Mesa College Drive, Clairemont. Almost 100 student artworks, including drawings, design, digital media, printmaking, photography, painting, ceramics, fashion and sculpture. Opening from 4 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20. 619-388-2829, sd mesa.edu/art-gallery HTony Roko: Best of Detroit 2014 Fine Artist at Alexander Salazar Fine Art, 640 Broadway, Downtown. The acclaimed post-industrial artist from Detroit will showcase some of his best works.

A portion of sales will benefit The New Children’s Museum. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. alexandersal zarfineart.com

There’s a lot to like about Philip K. Dick. Even those who haven’t read the author’s inventive, reality-altering, science-fiction novels have likely encountered and enjoyed his work. Bladerunner, for instance—everyone’s favorite dystopianfuture flick directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford—was based on Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Yet while film adaptations of Dick’s work have garnered cult followings, the author and philosopher—in the opinion of some of his most dedicated fans—has never quite achieved the level of fame and recognition he deserves.

“He’s sort of this unsung, amazing artist,” says Will Reid, who, along with Lianne Mueller and RJ Brooks, has curated Owl in the Daylight: A Tribute to Phillip K. Dick, a weird, fascinating multimedia exhibition.

“Dick has a lot of interesting ideas, and he just had this ability to write these reality-shattering sentences,” Reid says.

Owl in the Daylight opens from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at A Ship in the Woods (1660 Lugano Lane, shipinthewoods.com), a house-turned-experimental-art-venue just east of Solana Beach. Artists Dave Ghilarducci, Jesse Harding, Max Nanis, Jetter Green, Dave E. Shere, Andrew J. Hunter and Alex Andre will present work based on Dick’s futuristic ideas and predictions. Some of the work is so mind-bending, the curators say, it might just make some folks question

2

ART

HThe Owl in Daylight at A Ship in the Woods, 1660 Lugano Lane, Del Mar. An exhibition in tribute to revered sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick featuring music and a theatrical performance, plus art installations from Alex Andre, Max Nanis, Andrew J. Hunter and more. Opening from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. ship inthewoods.com In the Realm of the Gods at Visual, 3776 30th St., North Park. Recent paintings from Aries Tjhin, whose current work deals with the stories and mythologies from his childhood. Opening from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. 619-501-5585, visualshopsd.com HWinter C-Note Sale at San Diego Art Institute-Museum of the Living Artist, Balboa Park. Buy original artwork right off the wall from some great San Diego artists for $100, $200 or $300 to raise funds for the museum’s education programs.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. $3. sandiego-art.org HNAKED: 20th Century Nudes from the Dijkstra Collection at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Taken from the wide-ranging art collection of Bram and Sandra Dijkstra, these works span the 20th century and include figurative paintings, drawings and photographs specifically featuring the nude human figure. Opening Saturday, Nov. 22, and on view through March 8.

760-435-3721, oma-online.org HIngenious! The World of Dr. Seuss at San Diego History Center, Balboa Park.

The highly popular traveling exhibition featuring the celebrated children’s author features rare early works, ephemera, illustration, editorial cartoons and more.

Opening Saturday, Nov. 22, on view through Dec. 31. $4-$8. 232-6203, san diegohistory.org Winter’s Edge at On the Edge Art Gallery, 7317 El Cajon Boulevard, La Mesa.

An artist reception and canned food drive benefitting Feeding America San Diego.

Opening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Suggested donation. honthe edgeartgallery.com HCrossing Waters at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Artist Rober-

to Salas will show off the 50 large-scale pieces he says exhibit his “personal, primordial obsession with natural geometric icons inspired by indigenous cultures.”

Opening from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. sdmart.org HThe Art of Life at Co-Merge, 330 A St., Downtown. Michelle D. Ferrera will showcase artwork, books and functional art (boxes, frames, etc.) that she describes as “a solo showcase of my journals out loud.”

Opening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 619-255-9040, MDFerrera.com Quartet at La Jolla Art Association, 8100 Paseo del Ocaso, La Jolla. New works from four artists (two painters and two photographers): Catherine Macdonald, Caroline Morse, Jeffery Brosbe and Ed Sweed. Opening from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. 858-459-1196, lajollaart.org Fall Talmadge Art Show at NTC Promenade in Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. Over 90 of San Diego’s best craft artists showcase their wares at this semi-regular show.

Find original and handmade art, one of a kind pieces and jewelry. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. 619-573-9260, talmadgeartshow.com Nature’s Artistry at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas. New oil paintings from Hooshan Yashar that focus on the beauty of nature, specifically in California. Opens Monday, Nov. 24. encinitaslibfriends.org

BOOKS HFiction International Release Party at Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, South Park. The local literary journal celebrates the release of its 47th issue, as well as Harold Jaffe’s latest work, Induced Coma: 50 & 100-Word Stories. At 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 19. 619-284-6784, fictioninternational.sdsu.edu HLysley Tenorio at Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The author will sign and discuss his 2014 One Book, One San Diego adult selection, Monstress, a collection of short stories about FilipinoAmerican experiences in California and the Philippines. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. 760-753-4027, sandiegolibrary.org HJohn Cleese at Shiley Theatre, 5998 Alcala Park, Camino Hall, USD campus, Linda Vista. The co-founder of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe sits down for a conversation with Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad and Mr. Show) to discuss Cleese’s memoir, So, Anyway... At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $30. 619-2604600, warwicks.indiebound.com W. Scott Poole at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. Poole signs and discusses, Vampira: Dark Goddess of Horror, the story of Maila Nurmi, who would reinvent herself as Vampira during the backdrop of 1950s America. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HDavid L. Drake and Katherine L. Morse at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont.

The local authors sign and discuss, London: Where it All Began, the first book of their serialized steampunk series. At 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Christina Stevens at Upstart Crow, 835 West Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Stevens will discuss and sign Love: The Saint & The Seeker, where she chronicles the true story of how she dreamt, met and filmed Mother Theresa. At 7 p.m. Mon-

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November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

day, Nov. 24. 619-232-4855, upstart crowtrading.com

COMEDY Jay Montepare and Chris James at Mad House Comedy Club, 502 Horton Plaza, Downtown. The British-born James is a regular at The Hollywood Improv and The Laugh Factory, while Montepare has original sketches all over Funny or Die. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. $15. 619702-6666, madhousecomedyclub.com HBryan Callen at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. One the original cast members of MadTV, he has also had roles in How I Met Your Mother and The Hangover films. At 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22. $18.

619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com Erik Griffin at Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. Fans of the Comedy Central series Workaholics will instantly recognize Griffin as series regular Montez. At 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday,

Nov. 21-22. $20. 858-454-9176, lajolla. thecomedystore.com HTHREEZUS Comedy Tour at Comedy Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont. This standup comedy tour features T.K. Kelly, Ricky Carmona and Nick Malis, all writers on Tosh.0. At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22. $20. 858-573-9067, thecom edypalace.com Sweet Improvember at Twiggs University Heights, 4590 Park Blvd., University Heights. A completely improvised comedy show based on audience suggestions. At 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. $5.

619-647-7052, roartheatre.com HSit. Stay. Stand Up! Benefit Show at Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla.

Comedians like Zoltan, Aaron Hughes, Taylor Tomlinson and more will perform to benefit the Frosted Faces Foundation, dedicated to placing senior dogs in the shelter system in loving homes. At 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 25. $20. 858-454-9176, lajolla.thecomedystore.com Doug Benson at American Comedy Co.,

818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Benson hosts the popular weekly podcast, Doug Loves Movies. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. $18. 619-795-3858, american comedyco.com

DANCE The Light Within at Visionary Dance Theatre, 8803 1/2 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. An evening of dance featuring teen interns from Visionary Dance Theatre and choreographed by Kiona Daelyn, Martin Antony Dorado and Ramon Montes. At 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Nov. 21-22. $8. 619-758-8112, visionary dancetheatre.org HSeven Sensational Scenes at SDSU Dance Studio Theatre, 5500 Campanile Drive, College Area. SDSU Dance majors collaboratively generate a choreographic work through a process of investigating sense experience. At 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22. $5-$10. 619594-6031, music.sdsu.edu Encinitas Ballet Holiday Arts Cel-

THEATER

DAVID PENWELL

Enron relived at Moxie Theatre

Try this just for fun: Ask the next 10 people you meet to explain the 2001 Enron scandal to you.

Odds are, most of them will say they’ve heard of Enron and they knew there was some scandal involving it, but that’d be it. Now try to imagine a work of theater based on the Enron scandal. That’s what British playwright Lucy Prebble did, and her resultant Enron played to audiences on both London’s West End and (for a month) on Broadway.

Now Prebble’s story of greed, villainy and intercorporate backstabbing is making its West Coast debut, at Moxie Theatre in Rolando. Jennifer Eve Thorn directs an energetic cast of 12 in a swiftly paced production that takes what is sheer documentary material and pumps it up with multimedia enhancements and characters costumed as crimson-eyed raptors and man-sized mice. The sight gags and hip-hop music and the fanciful moments where “Enron employees” break into dance provide theatricality, though it’s all rather gimmicky, like a series of Second City sketches strung together.

Amid all the stage pranks are some stalwart satiric performances. Max Macke glories in the pivotal role of Enron kingpin Jeffrey Skilling, an arrogant, mercenary figure whose soul seems beyond redemption. Yet his unquestioned love for his daughter (shown asking her father innocent questions from behind a projection screen) humanizes Skilling to the point that we almost feel sorry for him. The other sorta sympathetic character in Enron is the misfit Andy Fastow (Eddie Yaroch), whose brainstorm to create a “shadow company” to hide the corporate giant’s debts seduces Skilling and precipitates Enron’s downfall.

Mark C. Petrich completes this threesome as the smug, oblivious Ken Lay (famously dubbed “Kenny Boy” by Dubya).

Strictly speaking, the Enron scandal was about numbers, the kind that follow dollar signs. But it’s important to remember that it was really about people—those swallowed up by greed and those who, because of the greedy, lost their life savings.

Prebble’s Enron carries that message with conviction and has some fun along the way. Nothing wrong with that. Laughter eases some of the pain.

If only Kenny Boy hadn’t croaked before serv-

16 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

Eddie Yaroch and a raptor ing even one day of his prison sentence.

Enron runs through Dec. 7 at Moxie Theatre in Rolando. $25-$27. moxietheatre.com

—David L. Coddon Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING The 1940s Radio Hour: A little New York radio station produces a lively musical broadcast for the troops during World War II. Opens Nov. 21 at Patio Playhouse in Escondido. patio playhouse.com A Midsummer Night’s Dream: UCSD’s Theatre & Dance department will perform Shakespeare’s classic comedy where it should be performed: outside in a wooded area adjacent to the Geisel Library on campus. Runs Nov. 19 through 23. theatre.ucsd.edu ‘night, Mother: A staged reading of a play about a divorced, epileptic woman whose life is a mess. She wants to end it. Will she? Presented by Ion Theatre, it runs Nov. 20 through 22 at BLKBOX Theatre in Hillcrest. iontheatre.com The Nutcracker: This is not the ballet! This is an updated musical-theater adaptation of the holiday classic, about a little girl who goes on a fantastical adventure as she grieves for her deceased brother. Opens in previews on Nov. 21 at New Village Arts in Solana Beach. newvillagearts.org Tru: This one-man play finds Truman Capote alone in his apartment with pills, booze and desserts. Opens Nov. 20 at Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. diversionary.org

For full listings,

please visit “T heater ” at sdcit ybeat.com

ebration at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. The holiday program combines piano, singing and excerpts from the ballet, The Nutcracker. At 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. encinitasballet.com

FASHION Flaunt Fashion Series at W Hotel, 421 West B St., Downtown. A new series showing off Fashion Week SD designers with hosted cocktails and a runway show from J.L. Rocha. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20.

619-398-3100, fashionweeksd.com

FOOD & DRINK San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North, 1 Marine Way,, Downtown. An international showcase featuring wine-tasting seminars, cooking classes, wine and food tastings and more. See website for full schedule of events. Various times through Sunday, Nov. 23. $40-$625. 619-312-1212, sandiegowineclassic.com

Price Center East, La Jolla. The cellist is highly regarded in the classical and contemporary music world and has collaborated with names like Norah Jones, Hauschka and Laurie Anderson. At 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20. $12-28. 858-2461199, artpwr.com HAdrian Liu at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The pianist and violinist, who began playing at the age of 5, has performed at Carnegie Hall and with the San Diego Symphony.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $45.

858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org Lazer Lloyd at David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla.

Often called “Israel’s King of the Blues,” the rock, folk, and blues guitarist will perform a show joined by the Chicago Blues

Kings. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $22. 858-362-1348, lfjcc.com Encore ROCKS: A Jukebox Musical at David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The Encore Vocal Ensemble performs hits from stage and screen including All Shook Up, Glee and more. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $20-$25. 858-362-1348, encorevo calensemble.org HPhoenix Band at Main Street Promenade, Main St., between Broadway and North Ave., Lemon Grove. The local group will showcase their mix of country and western, rock ‘n’ roll and big band standards as part of the community’s new, monthly Lemon Grove Live event. At 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 619-825-3811,

ci.lemon-grove.ca.us HWoodstock the Concert at Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. San Diego musicians Eve Selis, Tim Flannery, Berkley Hart, Back to the Garden Band, and dozens of special guests pay tribute to the 45th anniversary of the iconic New York concert.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. $29-$44.

858-748-0505, powayarts.org Paul Galbraith at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Performing on his signature eight-string Brahms Guitar, the classical guitarist had played with some of the finest orchestras in Britain and Europe. At 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $21-$30. 800988-4253, artcenter.org

HClassics 4 Kids: Peter and the Wolf at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Join the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra for a performance of the children’s classic, with a special guest performance from Malashock Dance. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $10-$20. 619231-2311, classics4kids.org HArt of Elan Entracte at San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. This evening of chamber music will feature interludes and intermezzos and marks the return of The Myriad Trio performing with 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw. At 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 25. $12-$30. 619-6922081, artofelan.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Fall Food Truck Festival at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Over 40 food trucks from Southern California are expected with most items ranging from $4 to $8. From 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Free-$6. 858755-1141, dmtc.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS HHoliday Lighting Celebration at Santee Trolley Square, Mission Gorge & Riverview Parkway, Santee. Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of a 20foot tree, sledding on real snow, carriage rides, live music, arts and crafts, and, of course, Santa. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 21. 619-258-4100 x210, cityofsanteeca.gov Holiday Handmade Gift Faire at Tree of Life, 4870 Santa Monica Ave., Ocean Beach. The fifth annual fair will feature handmade wares and unique gifts from local purveyors of handcrafted goods. From noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 619223-3970, treeoflifestore.com HMade Market SD at Existence Church, 7686 Miramar Road, Miramar. A holiday craft fair featuring 30-plus, carefully curated, local craft talents and artisans of handmade goods including Lily Patch Boutique, Brittani Rose Paper, Bella’s Bits N Baubles and many more. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 619-8899885, mademarketsd.com HMakers Arcade Holiday Fair at Moniker Warehouse, 705 16th St., East Village, East Village. Over 50 local artists will gather to show off their handmade goods. The event also features craft cocktails and beer, live music, food trucks, swag bags and more. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 757639-2078, makersarcade.com HMother Goose Parade in Downtown El Cajon. The largest parade in San Diego County features more than 100 colorful parade entries, motorized floats, marching bands and drill units, and, of course, Santa Claus. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. themothergooseparade.com

MUSIC Palimpsest at Conrad Prebys Music Center, UCSD campus, La Jolla. UCSD’s premiere chamber ensemble performs. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. Free-$15.50.

858-534-3448, music.ucsd.edu/concerts HJeffrey Zeigler at The Loft @ UCSD,

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

PERFORMANCE Narcissister at UCSD Visual Arts Facility Performance Space, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. The Brooklyn-based artist and performer works at the intersection of performance, dance, visual art, and activism. She will perform her current piece at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, and give a lecture at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20.

858-534-2230, visarts.ucsd.edu Hthis: the improvised series at Expressive Arts Institute, 2820 Roosevelt Road, Ste. 204, Point Loma. Liam Clancy and other performers, will, through improv and performance, attempt to examine the paradigm of audience as co-creative.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $5. expressiveartsinstitute.org HTurkey Calling Show at Geisel Library, UCSD campus, La Jolla. This show is presented like an old-time live radio broadcast with performances by The Teeny-Tiny Pit Orchestra and hosted by sound effects expert Scott Paulson. At noon Wednesday, Nov. 26. libraries.ucsd.edu

POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HVAMP: Borderlines at Chula Vista Library, 365 F St., Chula Vista. So Say We All’s monthly live storytelling show will feature Southwestern College students performing original works centered around the border. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $5 suggested donation. sosay weallonline.com Sariling Atin: We Are Our Stories at Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., East Village. An evening with writers and storytellers from the Filipino-American community. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 619236-5800, sosayweallonline.com Open Shakespeare Reading at La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla.

A monthly open reading sponsored by the San Diego Shakespeare Society. This month, they continue with Julius Caesar.

Anyone can join in. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25. 858-552-1657, sandiegoshake spearesociety.org

SPECIAL EVENTS HNorth Park After Dark at University Avenue and 30th Street, North Park.

Over 25 businesses, from galleries to boutiques, will remain open until 9 p.m. and offer specials, refreshments and entertainment. From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. northparkmainstreet.com Kill the Cup Awards Show at 3rdSpace, 4610 Park Blvd., University Heights. Kill the Cup, a nationwide initiative that has prevented tens of thousands of disposable cups from entering landfills, will announce the results of the challenge and give away $5,000 in social impact grants. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20. 619-255-3609, kill thecup.eventbrite.com

18 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

Jenna Ann MacGillis and Robert Mason’s “Kinfolk” installation at Space 4 Art (enter at 340 16th St., East Village) will close with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

MOvember in East Village at East Village. More than 13 bars and restaurants in the East Village have united to support prostate cancer research. Enjoy welcome shots, food and drink specials, and more.

See website for full list of venues. From 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21. $40. movembersd.com Canine Companions DogFest Walk ‘n’ Roll San Diego at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma.

Enjoy a 1.2-mile walk, dog contests, music and dance at this national event to raise funds for Canine Companions for Independence, which provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities free of charge. From 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. 619-573-9260, cci.org/ dogfestSanDiego Science Sleepover at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. At this family-friendly slumber party, guests will have total access to eight interactive exhibit galleries. Educational workshops, a scavenger hunt and more included.

At 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. $55.

6192381233, rhfleet.org

The BLVD Market, Round 2 at El Cajon Boulevard and Utah Street, North Park.

This third-Fridays event highlights vendors in the rehabbed strip mall, including Heart & Trotter, Tribute Pizza, Spanglish Eats, Wow Wow Waffle, Calexico Creamery and more. From 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. theboulevard.org

Salvation Army Thanksgiving DriveThru Food Drive at The Salvation Army El Cajon, 1011 East Main St., El Cajon.

Donate a frozen turkey and/or any of the fixings at this special drive-thru food drive.

From 6 a.m. to noon. Sunday, Nov. 23.

619-440-4683, salvationarmyelcajon.com

Del Mar Antique Show and Sale at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Over 250 premier antique dealers and thousands of square feet of antiques, vintage collectibles and decorator items. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. $8. 858-7551161, calendarshows.com

TALKS & DISCUSSIONS Richard Lederer at Health Services Complex, 3851 Rosecrans St., Point Loma. The San Diego Writers/Editors Guild will present the radio personality, lecturer, columnist, and author of over 35

books including his newest, Monsters Unchained. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. $5. sdwritersguild.org Palestine and the Right to Education Under Occupation in Room 220, West Commons, SDSU, College Area.

Two Palestinian students from Birzeit University in the West Bank will discuss the impact of Israel’s occupation on their ability to receive an education. From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. 619-594-5200, hostler.iwa.sdsu.edu/events.html Insects in Religion: From Sacred Scarabs to Manna from Heaven at San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park. Michael Wall delves into how nature inspired the use of insects in religious scripture and folklore. From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $9-$12. 619232-3821, sdnhm.org Green Scene: San Diego at World Resources Simulation Center, 1088 Third Ave., Downtown. Managing director of Equinox Center, Stephen Heverly, will lead a discussion entitled, “San Diego’s Quality of Life Report Card: Both Positive and Negative Trends.” From 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. $10. 619-2341088, wrsc.org HMarcos Ramirez ERRE at SDSU Storm Hall, 5500 Campanile Drive, College Area. The Tijuana-based artist discusses his latest exhibition, Playing Series Serious, which investigates the interrogation of language across cultures and terrains. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. 619594-5200, downtowngallery.sdsu.edu

For full listings,

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

h

C r a d m m e rs a e crush these chunks of culture into your cranium

Books

Podcast

App

Pass the Puck: A few weeks back, a certain candidate’s partner complained on Twitter about CityBeat’s “type of ‘journalism,’” because, back in July, we pasted the faces of politicians onto the bodies of Star Wars characters. But this form of satire is coded into the DNA of American journalism. Exhibit A: In 1888, a Puck illustrator drew the faces of the presidential field on the bodies of kittens. As America’s first successful political cartoon zine (1877 to 1918), Puck documented the march of history through the cleverest way possible: full-color mockery of elected officials. Thousands of Puck lithographs are available online through the Library of Congress, but San Diego-based comics publisher IDW has decided to bring Puck back into print. In October, IDW released What Fools These Mortals Be!, a new coffeetable book featuring more than 300 gorgeous, full-page plates and an introduction by Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson.

—Dave Maass

Mixtape 2.0: For music nerds like me, one of the best gifts to receive is a mixtape. Not many people have the knack to select and sequence songs that just sound perfect together. The best ones also turn me on to bands or songs I didn’t know existed.

Reverberation Radio, a weekly podcast created by members of the Los Angeles band Allah-Las, delivers an eclectic, captivating set of tracks that spans decades, continents and genres—and sounds timeless. Each expertly curated, half-hour playlist unearths hidden gems by non-household names, as well as deep tracks by familiar artists. These are digital mixtapes with an analog heart, from the striking square artwork that accompanies each installment (its “cover”) to the audible cracks and pops of the original vinyl. You can download or subscribe, but I prefer streaming directly from reverberationradio.com so I can refer to the individual track list and get an answer to “Who is this?”

—Claire Caraska

A filtered feed: “Citizen journalist” is a term batted around a lot these days.

Now that the Internet has blurred the lines between content producer and consumer, everyone with an iPhone can report on lawenforcement encounters, sporting events or natural disasters. Technology has put a video camera at the scene of nearly all major events. And now technology has organized that content so that you can see what everyone else is posting to social media on a single topic. A new app called Banjo combs sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to bring users a real-time feed of posts organized by time, location and content. When a 27-year-old woman recently stole a San Diego police car, Banjo users could follow, through the online posts of journalists, as well as citizen bystanders, the resulting high-speed chase. Users search for events, but the app also curates content based on a user’s location and interests gleaned from their socialmedia accounts. It’s breaking news for and by the people.

—Joshua Emerson Smith

Television

Web series

Podcast

Sonic love letter: Even if Foo Fighters aren’t your preferred brand of boxed wine, so to speak, it’s hard not to get into their HBO docu-series Foo Fighter Sonic Highways, especially if you’re a megamusic-nerd. The band set off on a journey to write songs for their new album (also called Sonic Highways) in eight musically influential U.S. cities. On each stop, they explore the history of that city’s music—as well as the recording studio they’re working in—interview significant artists and then create a song inspired by those tales. In doing so, they lay out the cultural importance and musical heritage of America’s most creative landscapes.

It’s super rad! So far, they’ve visited Chicago, D.C., Nashville, Austin and Los Angeles and interviewed pioneers like Ian MacKaye, Dolly Parton, Steve Albini, Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy and others. Directed by frontman Dave Grohl, Foo Fighter Sonic Highways airs Fridays at 11 p.m.

It’s also available via streaming on HBO GO. —Alex Zaragoza

A life in transition: Back in 2012, Tom Gabel, singer for anarcho-punk band Against Me!, came out as transgender and announced that she would move forward living as Laura Jane Grace. Earlier this year, Against Me! released Transgender Dysphoria Blues. It’s not only their best album (and, by far, my favorite of 2014); it’s also a savage and oftenheartbreaking testament—the result of living half a life hiding who you really are. Now, Grace has her own AOLproduced web series, True Trans, which chronicles her history from childhood to transition. It also features footage of Against Me!’s recent tour (including a small segment filmed in San Diego), giving Grace the opportunity to interview other transgender men and women at various locations across the country. Considering the intimacy of each person’s history, it’s pretty powerful stuff, and as a result, Grace gives visibility and a voice for a community in dire need of both.

—Ryan Bradford

The new public radio: While public-radio stations across the nation continue to rest on their laurels by airing stagnant reruns of Car Talk, there’s a growing number of indie podcasters producing some of the most captivating storytelling shows on the planet, many with little-to-no budget. Rather than wait for public-radio executives to take notice, the online publicmedia company PRX joined forces with Roman Mars, creator of the popular architecture-and-design podcast 99% Invisible, and recently launched Radiotopia. With financial backing from the Knight Foundation, plus support from a Kickstarter campaign that’s nearing $600,000 (well above the $250,000 goal), the exciting new podcast network is already proving there’s a passionate audience for these projects. Hop over to radiotopia.fm and introduce yourself to the podcasts that’ve joined the Radiotopia family so far. My favorites include Strangers by Lea Thau, former creative director of The Moth, and Criminal, a true-crime podcast.

—Kinsee Morlan

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 19

Patrick Moyer

Seen Local Old coffee, new art Alex White has turned his tiny North Park garage into a print shop and laboratory where he turns food into dyes. The artist and designer is looking for the perfect organic mixtures with strong, natural pigments for use on T-shirts, greeting cards, posters and other handcrafted products for Domestic Stencilworks (domesticstencialworks.com), the small business he runs with his father-in-law, longtime screen-printer John Mohr.

“The research and development is kind of never-ending,” White says. “This has only been a couple of years in the making, and it doesn’t really exist, so I don’t have anything to fall back on or reference, and I’m always trying to make the dyes better.”

White picks up a glass jar filled with water and rusty nails.

“I’m brewing nails right now because I’m working with different mordants,” he explains, referring to a substance used to set dyes on fabrics or paper.

“You can dye and stain things easily, but are they going to last? I’m always flirting with that line: What can I print with, consistency-wise, and what’s going to be viable through wash and wear? I’ve found you need a metallic-type mordant a lot of times, so I’ve been messing with a bunch of different things.”

The smell of strong, fresh espresso hangs thick in the air. The base for White’s favorite dye discovery so far comes from used coffee grounds he collects from local roaster Café Moto.

“Go ahead and feel it,” he says, pulling down a Tshirt printed with an espresso-dyed, stenciled image of a French press. “See how it’s a nonexistent texture? It just flows with the garment.”

The espresso dye cracks slightly after time, but the effect is a subtlety that White and his customers Kinsee Morlan

Natalie Bessell

Meet our cover artist

John Mohr (left) and Alex White appreciate. Next to White sits several glass jars filled with other food-grade dyes he’s created during the past few years: cabbage, carrot, IPA, mustard, Pinot Noir and tomato.

“This one’s all beer,” he says, holding up a beerthemed greeting card, which is hand-numbered— they only print in small batches—and looks more like a frameable fine-art print. “The under-print is Stone [Brewing Co.]’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. It looks like motor oil, pretty much, but it prints kind of gold-metallic.”

White does the design work for Domestic Stencilworks. The distinctive, graphic images he creates are often a nod to the politically charged stencil street art that inspires him. Mohr steps in during the printing process and uses his expertise to make sure everything comes out with discernible craftsmanship. The duo recently launched a Kickstarter campaign (kck.st/1nyy7t3) in hopes of growing their small printing business.

“The goal is just to make an honest living continuing to do what we enjoy doing so much,” White says. “It’s pretty simple. We just want to employ two people.”

—Kinsee Morlan through her periodic shows at the café, and the exposure she gets has been enough to keep a steady stream of commissioned portraiture work coming her way.

Bessell operates out of a small studio made from reclaimed wood that sits on the ridge of a canyon outside her home in La Jolla, where she was born and raised. She graduated from high school early and moved to New York for art school, but she dropped out, concluding that it cost more than it was worth.

Some of Bessell’s newer art has Southwestern themes. She also has a few series, like her “Iconic Bearded Men (Not Jesus)” portraits of famed males with facial hair, which incorporate an interesting and original style that combines acrylic paint with detailed line drawings. “Higher Education,” the piece featured on CityBeat’s cover this week, is part of her “Mask Series,” made up of embellished prints or paintings she finds at swap meets or thrift stores.

The cover art started as an 1884 print of a painting

by Swiss artist Albert Anker before Bessell stylized it with paint and ink.

“Can you tell she’s knitting a brain?” Bessel laughs. “I originally bought that one to use the frame, and then I realized I’d rather put something interesting on there.”

Natalie Bessell seems as carefree as they come. The 22-year-old bohemian artist doesn’t do gallery shows.

She says the high commission rates artists pay gallerists are intimidating and not something she wants to deal with—at least not yet.

“It’s probably just a matter of time, though,” she acknowledges. “I’m still young, but I might get there eventually.”

For now, the laid-back artist says she’s content with doing solo shows at places like Pannikin Coffee & Tea (7467 Girard Ave. in La Jolla), the small —Kinsee Morlan café where she works part-time as a barista. Bessell’s currently got artwork hanging at Pannikin through Write to kinseem@sdcitybeat.com the end of January. She sells both originals and prints and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

20 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 21

The wrestlers Male insecurity drives Bennett Miller’s true-crime saga

by Glenn Heath Jr. There’s nothing warm about Foxcatcher. Bennett Miller’s humorless true-crime story exists solely in a frigid state where brooding male characters crave justification from the world around them.

Displaying an oppressive moodiness that matches its intense subject matter, Bennett’s snowglobe vision drains the color out of every frame to express an extreme level of self-seriousness.

After a while, there’s little room for the dramatic interactions to breathe, leaving the viewer just as psychologically confined as the lead characters.

When we first see former Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) preparing for a Steve Carell, Steve Carell’s nose and Channing Tatum low-end speaking engagement at a local school, grating develops between Mark and du Pont becomes a symand ominous string notes play over the score. Tatum’s bol for a kind of skewed mentorship that could apply slumped posture and pronounced under-bite confirm to both sporting and military life. These principally the actor’s desire to go full method with his perfor- masculine experiences are intertwined in Foxcatcher mance. A bundle of nerves that’s ready to snap, Mark through du Pont’s involvement with government conlives in the shadow of his older brother Dave (Mark tracts and weaponry by way of his family name. VioRuffalo), despite both men winning gold medals at the lence underlines nearly every scene, whether it’s du 1984 games in Los Angeles. The cause of Mark’s re- Pont attempting to wrestle Mark to the ground dursentment remains ambiguous; what’s perfectly clear ing an impromptu training session or the prominent is that he’s felt underappreciated for years. placement of a .50-caliber bullet on du Pont’s desk.

One day, Mark gets a phone call from an associate While Foxcatcher may spend much of its running of Mr. John du Pont (Steve Carell), asking if he’d be in- time with Mark and du Pont jockeying for psychoterested in training fulltime at the logical control, Dave becomes billionaire’s Foxcatcher estate near an equally essential part of the Valley Forge. Heir to one of the film’s tragic look at brotherhood Foxcatcher oldest and most influential Amerideformed. Ruffalo steals nearly Directed by Bennett Miller can companies of the 20th century, every scene, exhibiting a genuStarring Channing Tatum, du Pont is a self-professed patriot ine vulnerability and concern for Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell who’s fascinated with wrestling his broken brother while also exRated R and the power of sport to mold the pressing a willing naïveté to the national psyche. But there’s a nelengths with which du Pont will farious undertone to his generosity go to achieve his dream of being a toward Mark; as the two spend more time together coach. Carell’s prosthetic nose might get all the atsequestered on the compound, du Pont’s motivations tention come awards time, but Ruffalo’s quiet and become more self-serving and disturbing. sobering turn contains far more complexity.

Based on the true story of the Schultz brothers “I talk about America,” du Pont smugly states to and du Pont that ended in homicide in 1996, Miller Mark during their first interaction, but he doesn’t has reconfigured the narrative to be a statement on speak for America. Foxcatcher—which opens Friunbridled male insecurity set amid the waning days day, Nov. 21—looks at how delusion becomes ampliof the Reagan administration in 1987. From a nar- fied when grown under the veil of privilege. What’s rative standpoint, du Pont and Mark are constantly more interesting, however, is how the blue-collar training in anticipation of the 1988 Olympic games in experience transcends this arrogance and misuse of Seoul, an event that represents both men’s chance to power through iron will and dedication. One of the retain their long-lost self worth. But Foxcatcher isn’t Schultz brothers understands this far better than your normal sports film. While it pays attention to the other, but the movie isn’t nearly as interested in the techniques of wrestling, it uses these details to his story. explore the clash of male bodies permanently rooted Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com in anxiety.

The strange and sometimes dim relationship that and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

Into the woods

The Better Angels

22 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

Having worked as an editor on To the Wonder, director A.J. Edwards seemingly adopted (or perhaps stole) the Terrence Malick touch for The Better Angels.

His minimalist black-and-white version of the Abraham Lincoln origin story is a monument to the lyrical grandiosity that’s defined Malick’s work thus far. It’s such a

good copy that the film contains very little ingenuity itself, leaving a feeling of empty beauty in its wake.

Set in the dense, backwoods forests of Indiana in 1817, Edwards’ overtly earnest biopic prances around the trees and shrubs of a harsh Eden, trying to catch up with young Abe (Braydon Denney), who follows around after his stern father (Jason

Clarke) or one of his two mothers (Brit Marling gives way to Diane Kruger). The only civilization that matters is family. Within this structure, Abe experiences multiple life lessons that Edwards suggests are shaping this great mind and important person.

By minimizing the familiar historical elements of Lincoln’s mythology to Bressonian levels of starkness (the famous log cabin is reduced to a unimpressive shack), The Better Angels seeks to demystify Lincoln as a symbol of history and firmly root his experience with the rest of humanity.

It’s an admirable goal, but the end result is far too intoxicated by its own style. Roving Steadicam shots traverse the dense wilderness, tracking characters doing work and barely communicating.

Occasionally, a rough-and-tumble rural voice will play over the pretty images, feeding narration and adding a regional flair.

The Better Angels, which opens Friday, Nov. 21, at the Ken Cinema, attempts to reconstruct an icon with the barest of materials.

The final product is an impressively made Colonial Calvin Klein ad that does very little to expand the conversation on how minor moments define and propel the weight of American history.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

Opening The Better Angels: Shot in stark blackand-white photography, this poetic film tells the story of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood, set against wood cabins and dense forests. Screens through Nov. 27 at the Ken Cinema.

Björk: Biophilia Life: This concert film takes viewers behind the scenes of Björk’s live show at London’s Alexandra Palace in 2013. Screens through Nov. 25, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Foxcatcher: Bennett Miller’s dark sports film tells the tragic true story of the Schultz brothers (Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum), wrestlers who became forever entwined with the wealthy heir to the du Pont fortune (Steve Carell). See our review on Page 22.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay— Part 1: Having just destroyed the Hunger Games infrastructure, Katnis returns home to lead the rebellion against the corrupt forces of the capital.

To Kill a Man: An indictment of governmental bureaucracy and fear, this revenge thriller from Chile looks at the lengths one man will go to protect his family. Screens through Nov. 27 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

One Time Only In Secret: Elizabeth Olson’s despairing Parisian housewife breaks free from a loveless marriage when she meets her husband’s alluring friend. Screens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Scripps Ranch Library.

La Ciudad: The lives of four Hispanic immigrants intersect while they try to start fresh in New York City. Screens at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Pulp: A Film About Life, Death, & Supermarkets: Go behind the scenes with the innovative and charismatic Britpop band as they say farewell with a huge hometown show in their native Sheffield.

Screens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Reading Town Square in Clairemont and Reading Gaslamp Cinemas.

Pearl Peeps Viewer’s Choice: The lady in charge is giving you, the viewer, the ultimate privilege of choosing the movie.

Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Arab Film Festival: This three-day festival celebrates the diversity and complexity of filmmaking from Algeria, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine. Runs Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Get details at karamanow.org

physics from Cambridge and starting a new life with his wife (Felicity Jones).

The Way He Looks: A blind teenager living in Brazil searches for his independence with the help of his best friend.

Ends Nov. 20 at the Ken Cinema.

Awake: The Life of Yogananda: This documentary covers the life and influence of the famous spiritualist who brought Hindi practices to the west in the 1920s.

Big Hero 6: An inflatable robot develops a bond with a prodigy named Hiro, and the two band together and become hightech heroes.

Force Majeure: While on vacation in the French Alps, a Swedish family experiences a traumatic event that reveals the deepseated emotions and frustrations that have

long simmered under the surface.

Interstellar: Christopher Nolan’s new science-fiction epic follows a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to find a new home for humanity.

Before I Go to Sleep: Nicole Kidman stars as woman suffering from extreme amnesia who must start every day by piecing together her memory. Mark Strong and Colin Firth battle for her affection in this thriller by Rowan Joffe.

Citizenfour: Laura Poitras’ documentary about NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden explores the abuses of national security in post-9/11 America.

Nightcrawler: This scathing and unsettling portrait of modern news televi-

sion stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a vulture scouring the Los Angeles streets for gory events.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya: Master Studio Ghibli animator Isao Takahata adapts the famous Japanese folk tale about a young sprite who’s born in a stalk of bamboo and grows up to confront the power dynamics of the emperor.

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

22 Jump Street: In this referential sequel about sequels, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return as the bumbling undercover cops who rehash the same mission. Screens at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Fryderyk Chopin: Documentary on the life and achievements of the famous Polish composer. Director Angelo Bozzolini will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A. Screens at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Italian Culture Center in Little Italy.

Spirited Away: This beautiful story of a young girl who must enter a supernatural world to save her parents is arguably Hayao Miyazaki’s ultimate masterpiece.

Screens at midnight on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Ken Cinema.

Begin Again: Mark Ruffalo stars as a flailing record executive who finds inspiration and love with a new talent (Keira Knightley). Screens at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at the San Diego Public Library in East Village. A mini-concert featuring guitarists Anna Lee Fleming and Raelee Nikole begins at 5:30 p.m.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: John Hughes’ rambunctious comedy about two men trying to make it home for Christmas is warning enough to stay home for the holidays. Screens at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 26, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

Now Playing Beyond the Lights: On the brink of superstardom, a talented young musician struggles with the pressure of the public limelight.

Dumb and Dumber To: In this sequel to the 1994 hit comedy, walking morons Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) return to the big screen to grace us with their idiocy.

Rosewater: Gael Garcia Bernal stars as a journalist who becomes imprisoned after filming the aftermath of the 2009 elections in Iran. It’s directed by Jon Stewart of The Daily Show.

The Liberator: Simon Bolivar (Edgar Ramirez) fights countless battles against the Spanish Empire in South America.

Screens through Nov. 20 at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

The Theory of Everything: Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) is diagnosed with motor-neuron disease just as he’s graduating with a doctorate degree in

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 23

ryan

Well, That was awkward

Bradford Adversity, identity and xistentialism with Mr. Xtreme Sometimes at the beginning of comics, there’s a “And for me, it’s extreme justice,” says Mr. text box that establishes the scene. In this case, it’s: Xtreme. Then he suggests we keep the noise level Thursday, 11 p.m., North Park, corner of University down in the residential areas. and 30th. A quiet night.

Text box: midnight, North Park Community Park.

And then my thought bubble: “A little too quiet.”

A rocker dude in a leather jacket walks by. “You guys In a neighborhood that consistently upholds the just kicking ass?” he asks. “I’m down with that.” He “Thursdays are the new Fridays” mantra, the quiet asks for a photograph with the superheroes. feels menacing. It feels like a prelude for action, We’re talking about identities. I ask what aspects which I guess is what I was hoping for during my of their personal lives carry over and manifest into tag-along patrol with the Xtreme Justice League, their superhero personas.

San Diego’s Real Life Superhero (RLSH) group.

“Living an extreme lifestyle, having an extreme RLSH groups are what the name implies: adults set of beliefs,” Mr. Xtreme says. “Just like when I dressed as superheroes to fight or, more realistically, was a kid going to the soda fountain, I just didn’t get prevent crime. They’re not vigilantes—they work withone flavor in one cup, I got them all in one cup.” in the law rather than taking it into their own hands.

Thought bubble: “Hell yes.”

RLSH groups aren’t a new phenomenon: The “Some people like Spider-Man, some people like XJL has been patrolling the streets of San Diego Batman,” he continues. “I like them all. That’s the for eight years, been featured many times in the thing with Mr. Xtreme: everything is to the extreme.” media (including a recent photo essay in the GuardThe conversation dies for a moment, and now ian). They were also just granted official nonprofit in the presence of the superheroes, the quiet seems 501(c)3 status, which makes Mr. Xtreme both the comforting. Mr. Xtreme and I lead; behind us, Viofounder and CEO of the XJL. let Valkyrie and Light Fist quietly Thought bubble: “There is a talk about video games and anime.

“At what point in CEO named Mr. Xtreme.”

They can’t be that far out of high Mr. Xtreme greets me with a school. I think that maybe there’s the relationship did firm handshake. He’s short but some light flirting going on. you tell your girlfriend built like a football linebacker. He Two guys on bikes ride past wears a green helmet and body arand do double takes. that you were a mor accentuated by a yellow XJL “I think I’m being paranoid—,” superhero?” I ask. flag that flows beautifully, majesone of them begins. tically behind him. He looks like if “It’s just the drugs,” his buddy a Ninja Turtle did it with a tank. says, before they both ride off.

He’s joined by Light Fist, whose costume resemText box: 12:15 a.m., 30th and El Cajon. bles Kick-Ass from the movie of the same name, and We’re talking about obstacles and adversity. I Violet Valkyrie, who, um, wears purple. ask Mr. Xtreme about how being a superhero afText box: 11:30 p.m., 32nd and University. fects his personal life, and I realize that his answer We’re talking about origin stories. When Mr. could be attributed to any artist, writer or musician, Xtreme speaks, his voice is laced with authoritative me included. command, but he often slips into youthful, vaguely “[I’m] strapped for cash, exhausted, tired. ... I Midwestern enthusiasm. He’s eager to talk about don’t have time to spend with my girlfriend.” the most dangerous situations he’s been in or the “At what point in the relationship did you tell fights he’s broken up. And without trying to sound your girlfriend that you were a superhero?” I ask. condescending, his excitement is adorable. He re“After the courtship.” minds me of my friends and me in high school: a Thought bubble: “Of course!” nerd, but one who actually pursues his dream.

“It’s kind of more my parents,” he continues.

“I’ve always been a fan of superheroes,” he says, “They don’t like it; they never have. Up to this day, “action heroes and comic-book characters for as they’re always pressuring me to quit, pressuring me long as I can remember—always been a fan of the to give it up. good guys that go out to defeat the bad guys.”

“But the more anyone criticizes, the more I want “As for me, I was actually helping someone on the to do this,” he continues. “I have this attitude: ‘Well, street in Downtown,” Violet Valkyrie says. “I shook fuck you guys. I’m gonna prove you wrong.’ That’s him and he wasn’t moving, so I kind of slapped him my attitude to this day—especially with these dickheads that want to talk shit. It doesn’t bother me, a little bit. He was just really wasted…. [The XJL] just adds more fuel to the fire.” came up to us as we were helping the person. We He abruptly stops us and, for a second, I think exchanged cards.” we’re about to see some action.

At an intersection, Mr. Xtreme holds his fist up “Puddle! Puddle! Puddle!” he shouts, shining his like I’ve seen in SWAT movies when it’s time for flashlight on standing water. “I didn’t want you to everyone to post up. Without speaking, the three ruin your shoes.” superheroes form an outward-facing triangle and we wait for the walk signal to appear. I take the opWrite to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com portunity to ask Light Fist his reason for joining. and editor@sdcitybeat.com.

“Justice,” he says bluntly.

24 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

Twenty-something

Canada’s Alvvays keep jangle-pop alive •

It all started with a cassette.

In the summer of 2013, Canadian indie rockers Alvvays (pronounced “always”) were rounding out two years of living in Toronto after relocating from Nova Scotia and had slowly amassed an album’s worth of studio recordings.

The group had yet to sign to a label and was still relatively new to recording, but Alvvays were set on securing a performing slot at SappyFest, a New Brunswick music festival famed for having surprise headliners like Arcade Fire, who once played there under the name Shark Attack.

In the process of getting booked at the festival, the quintet learned that one requirement of playing SappyFest is that each band must have music they can sell at their merch table. As a means of getting their nine songs out as quickly and as inexpensively as possible, Alvvays arrived at the festival armed with boxes full of tapes.

“We had this record we were scrambling to mix and track and re-track until we were 100

From left: Alec O’Hanley, Brian Murphy, Phil MacIsaac, Kerri Maclellan and Molly Rankin

by

Jeff Terich

percent ready to put out into the world,” guitarist Alec O’Hanlon says in a phone interview between tour dates.

“So, we had these tapes—it existed in the real world but not in the dominant, digital one for a while. It was just a pragmatic necessity more than anything.”

In a year’s time, that tape went from being a practical merch-table item into the group’s official debut album. The road to get there wasn’t without speed bumps; O’Hanley says the band sent the tape to “every label in America that a band would want to be on,” and each one passed on signing them. A chance meeting at South by Southwest in March eventually led to the band to Polyvinyl Records, and in July, the Champaign, Illinois, label released Alvvays’ self-titled first album on CD and vinyl—as well as a light-blue cassette reissue.

The album is a fuzzy and warm indie-pop record, the likes of which you might have heard on college radio in the late ’80s or early ’90s. The band—comprising O’Hanley, vocalist Molly Rankin, keyboardist Kerri Maclellan, bassist Brian Murphy and drummer Phil MacIsaac—cites influences like Teenage Fanclub, and on gorgeously jangly songs like “Atop a Cake,” it shows. The album’s leadoff track and first single, “Adult Diversion,” is a harmonious blend of shimmering

guitar chords, distorted bass and Rankin’s reverb-heavy vocals. And the infectious “Archie, Marry Me” is a bighearted and big-sounding girl-meets-boy-then-proposes anthem that might have been a courtship-mixtape staple if only Alvvays had existed in the time before Spotify.

In a sense, the sound of Alvvays’ music is founded on an entirely different cassette, namely the influential C86 compilation released by NME in 1986—the makeup of which (The Wedding Present, The Pastels) is an oft-cited reference point in reviews of the band’s new album.

“We love Primal Scream; the first song on C86, ‘Velocity Girl,’ is sort of our bread-and-butter,” O’Hanley says.

“The Pastels were sweet; we love those guys. C86 was also kind of a… blueprint for some of those Britpop bands that came later. Molly was Cape Breton’s No. 1 Oasis fan for a while. She had the gold records on her bedroom wall.”

Before Alvvays established themselves in Toronto, they began playing and writing music together in Charlottetown on Canada’s Prince Nov. 25 Edward Island—a decidedly less adSoda Bar vantageous locale for a rock band to make noise or build up much of a folalvvays.com lowing. But while O’Hanley says that Alvvays had to leave the island in order to survive, starting out in a humbler and less populated part of the country motivated them to take more risks.

“It’s like any other small town,” he says. “You can use the boredom to your advantage and do that loner thing and make some beautiful music. We probably wrote a quarter of the record in Charlottetown. You’d go to Value Village or a thrift shop and find a church organ with a drum machine. I brought this home and Molly was, like, ‘What the hell is this?’

We ended up writing what became ‘Dives’ on that organ.”

The hard work and do-it-yourself ethic that Alvvays have maintained has found them in an enviable position, now enjoying the kind of critical acclaim and label backing that every young band hopes to find after investing the time and money to get its music into audiences’ ears.

From a distance, they might seem more comfortable, but O’Hanley says they’re still not totally ready to let go of their DIY approach. They paid to record their first album with money out of their own pockets—and they’ll put out their own tapes again if they have to.

“We would, you know, make a plan and work until we had enough money to go out to Calgary and record with Chad VanGaalen, and we’d get home and we’d be broke, so we’d work some more so we could do more tracking,” O’Hanley says. “It’s always been on our shoulders, and still is—no one’s gonna care about your shit as much as you will.

DIY’s been a necessary reaction to quality control.

“You can’t delegate stuff, or it’s no longer really your band.”

Alvvays

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

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

Ypsitucky from left: Paul Brewin, Ruben Ramos, Heather Vorwerck and Ian Trumbull

notes from the smoking patio Locals Only Country / folk group El Monte Slim are on hiatus right now, but while that band has taken a break, three of its members have started up a new outfit called Ypsitucky.

The band is fronted by singer and guitarist Ian Trumbull and includes bass player Ruben Ramos and drummer Paul Brewin. It also features cellist and fiddle player Heather Vorwerck, who’s performed occasionally with El Monte Slim. Trumbull says that Ypsitucky came about when El Monte Slim’s lap-steel player, Joe Camacho, decided to take a breather.

“We had been working pretty hard at it for five years, but Joe needed a break,” Trumbull says. “Everyone else wanted to keep going, so we kept most of the same people but wrote all new songs. It didn’t seem right to do El Monte Slim without Joe.” Trumbull says that Ypsitucky have written about

The quotable Al Howard Al Howard is best known for being a member of bands like The Heavy Guilt, The Midnight Pine and The Black Sands, but he’s also a bit of a raconteur. He recently released a new book of lyrics and stories, An Autobiography of No One (theauto biographyofnoone.bigcartel.com), and it’s full of some gold-medal zingers (and more earnest, serious parts, of course). Here are seven quotable highlights: • On the sacred duties of being in a band: “As a musician, it is your duty to sign a boob, no matter whose boob, or whose mother’s boob it is, whether you want to or not.”

• On racial stereotyping: “Dear white people shopping at the record store, this photograph of Lionel Richie hanging at the store is not me. Please stop asking.”

• On being confused for a homeless person: “… [M]y girlfriend mistook a homeless guy for me outside of the House of Blues.

To her credit he did look a lot like me and had a similar wardrobe. Hopefully he only got some spare change out of the mistaken identity.”

• On what he’d rather do than hear Christmas music: “I’d rather be Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s road manager. I’d rather live in a state that banned bacon and

26 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

15 songs so far and have been working on some “offthe-wall covers.” The project is still in the country / Americana vein but is a little bit more upbeat, he says.

The name is a reference to a slang term for a town in Michigan where Trumbull had previously lived.

“I lived in Ypsilanti for about eight years before I moved to California,” he says. The term is “kind of derogatory—like a backhanded term that means ‘hillbilly.’”

Ypsitucky’s first show will be Nov. 29 at Black Cat Bar, with John Meeks. The band’s only been playing together as Ypsitucky for a few months, so there are no recordings yet. But Trumbull says he’s itching to get the group on stage for the first time.

“I’m just excited to start playing,” he says. “This is the quickest I’ve ever turned around a band to get ready to play.”

—Jeff Terich

played Barbara Streisand [sic] exclusively on the radio. I’d rather be a Steely Dan fan, the dildo and the group. I’d rather relive watching the sex scene from “White Men Can’t Jump” with my mom again, that was uncomfortable.”

• On Spotify’s business model: “… [T]hey know that by interrupting the spiritual quality of Nina Simone’s voice with the nails on a chalkboard of a Britney Spears remix CD is literally the one chance they have at getting my cheap ass to give them 10 bucks a month to shut up.”

• On irony: “This morning I woke up in a town called Liberal, Kansas. The only thing liberal about Liberal, Kansas is their liberal use of the word liberal.”

• On souvenirs in the middle states: “For a mere $50 you can purchase an electric Jesus with a neon glowing fiber optic crown / halo, on sale at your local Oklahoma gas station. I believe he both spins and saves.”

The Black Sands, The Midnight Pine and The Heavy Guilt will be playing Howard’s book-release party at The Merrow on Dec. 5.

Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com or editor@sdcitybeat.com.

—Jeff Terich

if i were u Wednesday, Nov. 19

BY Jeff Terich

PLAN A: Shake Before Us, Flaggs, Soft Lions, Shady Francos @ The Casbah. Garage-pop group Flaggs are releasing a new EP, and this release show sounds like a pretty sweet way to spend a Wednesday evening.

There are four great local bands playing, and if it’s anything like Flaggs’ new video for “Got You Down,” it’ll turn into a kick-ass pool party with surfing dogs. PLAN B: Steel Bearing Hand, Ghoulgotha, Idols Plague @ Tower Bar. Dallas’ Steel Bearing Hand is one of those metal bands that dabbles in it all—black metal, death metal, thrash, grindcore, etc. It’s kind of the new normal in metal: It’s hard to make a splash when your approach is too rigid. They’re also pretty good at all the sounds they take on, so that’s another notch in the “pro” column.

album, then sometimes it’s worth it. Love Revisited are helmed by original Love guitarist Johnny Echols, and they’re performing the entirety of Forever Changes. Now, it might not be quite as amazing as when Shuggie Otis performed with the band after the passing of vocalist Arthur Lee, but I’m still thinking it’ll be a show worth seeing. PLAN B: Purling Hiss, Octagrape, Die Mißbildungen Des Menschen @ The Hideout. Purling Hiss are hands-down one of the loudest bands I’ve ever seen live. It didn’t help that, when I saw them, they were sandwiched between two other superloud bands. My ears must have been ringing for a week. So bring earplugs, and you’ll be prepared for their hard-rocking good times.

BACKUP PLAN: Ed Ghost Tucker, Beginners, Nicky Venus @ Soda Bar.

Thursday, Nov. 20

Sunday, Nov. 23

PLAN A: Frontier Ruckus, Dead Satellites, Speaker In Reverse @ Soda Bar. Not every band that plays guitars has to do so with the distortion cranked all the way up.

Frontier Ruckus understands this; the Detroit group has the kind of shimmering guitar sound that recalls early R.E.M. or mid’80s Paisley Underground bands, touched up with horns, piano and other sonic brica-brac. It’s pretty stuff but still kinda rocks.

PLAN A: Space Heat, Habits, Alligator Indian, Via Meteor @ Soda Bar. Bleeding Gold Records is throwing a showcase party at Soda Bar, featuring some cool bands that you should get to know if you haven’t yet, including synth-glam outfit Habits and North Carolina new-wave weirdos Alligator Indian.

Monday, Nov. 24

PLAN A: Island Boy, The Black and the White, Bakkuda @ The Casbah. If you Friday, Nov. 21 haven’t yet shaken your posterior to the PLAN A: Kevin Morby, The Paragraphs, exotic, synth-laden sounds of Island Boy, Le Ra @ Soda Bar. Kevin Morby used to you’re missing out on one of the best artplay bass in psychedelic-folk ists in San Diego right outfit Woods, but he’s gone now. Richard Hunt-Rivera solo, and his own folky, janmixes post-punk, Latin gle-pop tunes are at least as and electronic music in one good as his former band’s— heady and danceable blend. maybe better. Check out his BACKUP PLAN: Life Lenew album, Still Life, which one, Foreign Film, Does it mixes garage-rock energy Explode @ Soda Bar. with a penchant for warm, fuzzy balladry. PLAN B: Tuesday, Nov. 25 Nekrogoblikon, Theosis, PLAN A: Alvvays, AbsoThe Midas Touch @ Porlutely Free, Scruffles @ ter’s Pub. OK, here’s the Soda Bar. See Page 25 for deal: The style of melodic Kevin Morby my feature this week on death metal that Santa Barbara’s Nekrogoblikon play isn’t necessarily Toronto indie-pop group Alvvays, whose anything special. It’s fine, just not terribly reverb-heavy guitars and unshakeable innovative. But their singer performs in a melodies have made their self-titled degoblin mask, so, at the very least, you’ll have but album one of the year’s most endlessly some fun watching them. It doesn’t have to listenable records. While you’re at it, arbe Halloween for you to enjoy some goblin rive a little early for Absolutely Free, who metal. BACKUP PLAN: The Woggles, The combine krautrock grooves with synth-pop Rosalyns, The Diddley Daddies, DJ Tony melodies. PLAN B: Taurus Authority, Sueno Stereo @ The Merrow. Taurus Authe Tyger @ Til-Two Club. thority are a trio comprising DJ Greyboy, drummer Jake Najor and keyboardist DelSaturday, Nov. 22 mos Wade, and their combined years of exPLAN A: Love Revisited, The Loons, Bun- perience add up to one chill, funky sound. If nynose @ The Casbah. I’m not crazy about your Tuesday night is too rhythm deficient, nostalgia trips, but if it’s the right artist and move your ass on over to this show.

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

HOT! NEW! FRESH! 2 Chainz (Fluxx, 12/7), Bebel Gilberto (BUT, 12/9), Black Cobra (Brick by Brick, 12/10), Too Short (Til-Two Club, 12/11), H2O (Brick by Brick, 12/13), Youth Code (Soda Bar, 12/21), Jonah Matranga (Hideout, 12/29), Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue (BUT, 1/6), Dead Kennedys (BUT, 1/15), Little Hurricane (North Park Theatre, 1/17), G. Love and Special Sauce (HOB, 1/18), Wild Child (BUT, 1/16), Keller Williams (BUT, 1/29), Paul Wall (Porter’s Pub, 1/30), Nothing (Soda Bar, 1/30), Wale (North Park Theatre, 1/31), Juan Gabriel (Viejas Arena, 2/6), Excel (Soda Bar, 2/7), Motion City Soundtrack (HOB, 2/11), Over the Rhine (BUT, 2/17), The Parlor Mob (Soda Bar, 2/21), Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (Viejas Arena, 2/25), Taking Back Sunday (HOB, 2/26), Swervedriver (Casbah, 3/4), Walk the Moon (HOB, 3/10), The Punch Brothers (North Park Theatre, 4/1), His Name is Alive (Casbah, 4/4), Bruce Hornsby (Balboa Theatre, 4/16).

CANCELED Dream Police (Soda Bar, 12/16).

GET YER TICKETS Cake (BUT, 11/30), OFF! (Epicentre, 11/30), John Waters (North Park Theatre, 12/1), Jonathan Richman (Casbah, 12/2), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/3), Pallbearer (Soda Bar, 12/6), X (Casbah, 12/11), ‘Wrex The Halls’ w/ Cage The Elephant, alt-J, Interpol, Spoon, Billy Idol, Banks (Valley View Casino Center,

12/12), Ryan Adams (Copley Symphony Hall, 12/15), Dick Dale (BUT, 12/21), The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (HOB, 12/21), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (BUT, 12/30), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/31), Pato Banton (BUT, 1/2), Tower of Power (BUT, 1/17), Guster (HOB, 1/21), Big Head Todd and the Monsters (1/23-24), The Wailers (BUT, 1/27), Patti Smith (Balboa Theatre, 1/31), Kenny Wayne Shepherd (BUT, 2/5), Meghan Trainor (HOB, 2/18), Alan Jackson (Valley View Casino Center, 2/20), Cursive (Casbah, 2/22), Cold War Kids (North Park Theatre, 2/25), Twin Shadow (BUT, 3/13), Buddy Guy (Balboa Theatre, 4/11), OK Go (HOB, 5/1), Nickelback (Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 6/27), One Direction (Qualcomm Stadium, 7/9).

November Wednesday, Nov. 19 Bastille at Viejas Arena. Cold War Kids at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at House of Blues.

Thursday, Nov. 20 Frontier Ruckus at Soda Bar. Noah Gunderson at Belly Up Tavern. Jerrod Niemann at House of Blues. Lauryn Hill at North Park Theatre.

Friday, Nov. 21 The 1975 at SOMA. Minus the Bear at The Casbah. The White Buffalo at Belly Up Tavern.

Saturday, Nov. 22 Primus at California Center for the Arts (sold out). Purling Hiss at The Hideout.

Love Revisited at The Casbah. The

28 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

Ready Set, Metro Station at House of Blues. Michael Franti at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Ira Glass at Balboa Theatre.

Sunday, Nov. 23 Capital Cities at House of Blues.

Monday, Nov. 24 Life Leone at Soda Bar.

Tuesday, Nov. 25 Alvvays at Soda Bar. Modern Baseball at The Epicentre. Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Belly Up Tavern.

Wednesday, Nov. 26 Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Belly Up Tavern. Cash’d Out at The Casbah.

Peter Hook and the Light at House of Blues.

Friday, Nov. 28 Captured by Robots at Soda Bar. Alice Cooper at Harrah’s Resort. Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Viejas Arena. Circa Survive at House of Blues. Teen Daze at The Hideout.

Saturday, Nov. 29 Chrissie Hynde at Balboa Theater.

Sunday, Nov. 30 Cake at Belly Up Tavern. OFF! at Epicentre.

rCLUBSr 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach. 710bc.com. Wed: Open mic,

open jam. Thu: Live band karaoke. Fri: Pat Hilton (5 p.m.); The Major Minus, Sol Remedy, Mad Z and The Boones (9 p.m.).

Sat: DJ Villalobos. Sun: Karaoke.

Town, The Doobie (DJ set). Sat: Michael Franti, Ethan Tucker (sold out). Sun: Tim Flannery and the Lunatic Fringe. Tue: The Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Ste. 110, Little Italy. 98bottlessd.com. Fri: The Benedetti Trio. Sat: ‘The Back Room Burlesque’ w/ Whitney Shay, Steve Anthony Mesaros. Sun: Joe Garrison.

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

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

Wed: ‘Waves of Life’ w/ DJs Danny Fernandez, Jesusdapnk, Oboe, John Reynolds.

Thu: DJs Joe Pea, Andy Gomez. Fri: DJ Junior the DiscoPunk. Sat: Mike Czech.

Sun: DJs John Reynolds, Karma, Tripsy.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave, Downtown. americancomedyco.com.

Wed: Live from the Gaslamp. Thu-Sat: Bryan Callen. Sun: Andres du Bouchet.

Tue: Open mic.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St, Downtown. facebook.com/BangBangSanDiego. Fri: Tropicool, Bones. Sat: Treasure Fingers.

Bar Pink, 3829 30th St, North Park. barpink.com. Fri: Mr. Blow. Sat: Fartbarf, Bella Novella. Sun: Rat Sabbath. Mon: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess.

Bassmnt, 919 Fourth Ave, Downtown. bassmntsd.com. Thu: Cosmic Gate. Fri: Datsik. Sat: Adrian Lux, Rebecca and Fiona.

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

Thu: Crackers. Fri: Stratos. Sat: Mike Myrdal Band. Sun: Todd Pyke.

Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach. bellyup.com. Wed: Cold War Kids, Avid Dancer (sold out). Thu: Noah Gundersen, The Wild Reeds. Fri: The White Buffalo, Jonny Two Bags, Salvation

Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave, Hillcrest. thebrassrailsd.com. Fri: ‘Hip Hop Fridayz’.

Sat: ‘Sabado en Fuego’ w/ DJs XP, KA. Sun: ‘Noche Romantica’ w/ Daisy Salinas. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJs Junior the DiscoPunk, XP. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, Bay Park. brickbybrick.com. Wed: ‘The Obscure80s Dance Party’. Thu: The Anton Collective, Black Widow Prophecy, The Feds. Fri: Red Dragon Cartel, Seventrain, Rammoth. Sat: Blooze Bros Rockin Revue, Lands on Fire, Daddy Issues.

Cafe Sevilla, 353 Fifth Ave, Downtown. cafesevilla.com. Thu: Malamana. Fri: Joeff and Co. Sat & Sun: Oscar Aragon and Bruno Serrano. Tue: Noche Bohemia.

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

Thu: RAW Comedy Thursdays. Fri & Sat: THREEZUS Comedy Tour.

Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St, La Jolla. lajolla.thecomedystore.com. Wed & Thu: Best of San Diego Comedy. Fri: Erik Griffin. Tue: Sit. Stay. Stand Up! Benefit Show.

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

Wed: Nick Catolani. Thu: Ben Wanicur Trio. Fri: Ruby Blue Quartet. Sat: Agua Dulce. Sun: Danny Green Trio. Mon: Mark Fisher. Tue: Ruby Duo. Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. dirksniteclub.com. Fri: Serious Guise. Sat: DJ Dizzy D.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. dizzyssandiego.com. Fri: M’tafiti Imara.

Epicentre, 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa. epicentreconcerts.org. Fri: Sleepwalker, The Goodnight, Showcash, Mariele, 4th n Cedar. Tue: Modern Baseball, Knuckle Puck, Crying Somos.

F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown, Downtown. f6ixsd.com. Fri: DJ LB1. Sat: DJ Fingaz.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave, Downtown. fluxxsd.com. Thu: Futuristic Polar Bears. Fri: Deejay Al. Sat: Common.

Gallagher’s, 5040 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach. 619-222-5303. Thu: King Schascha and the Jerusalem Band, DJ Reefah, TRC Soundsystem. Fri: Destructo Bunny.

Sat: Wild Side, DJ Chelu.

Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave, Downtown. hardrockhotelsd.com. Thu: Steel Lord, XX Absolute, Bakkuda. Fri: Talib Kweli. Sat: ‘Skin’. Sun: DJs Sid Vicious, Kurch.

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

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave, Downtown. houseofblues.com/sandiego. Wed: Bone Thugs N Harmony. Thu: Jerrod Niemann. Fri: Somo. Sat: The Ready Set, Metro Station, Against the Current, The Downtown Fiction. Sun: Capital Cities, Scavenger Hunt, Night Terrors of 1927.

Mon: Netsky. Tue: Vance Joy, Jaymes Young.

Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd, Midtown. kavalounge.com. Fri: ‘Junglist Friday’. Sat: Machinedrum. Tue: ‘High Tech

Tuesday’.

Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave, Kensington. 619-284-2848. Sat: Hard Fall Hearts, The Living Deads, Hell on Heels Burlesque.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave, Coronado. mcpspub.com. Wed: JG Duo. Thu: North Star. Fri: Mystique. Sat: The Upshots. Sun: Ron’s Garage. Tue: Gene Warren.

Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd, Hillcrest. numberssd.com. Thu: ‘Throwback Thursday’.

Fri: ‘Vogue Decadence’. Sat: ‘Club Sabbat’. Sun: ‘Joe’s Gamenite’. Tue: Karaoke Latino.

Onyx Room / Thin, 852 Fifth Ave, Downtown. onyxroom.com. Fri: ‘Rumba Lounge’. Sat: ‘Play Saturday’. Tue: Poetic Ave. Patricks Gaslamp, 428 F St, Downtown. patricksii.com. Wed: The Upshots. Thu: The Bill Magee Blues Band. Fri: Johnny Vernazza. Sat: WG and the G-Men. Sun: The Fuzzy Rankins Band. Mon: The Groove Squad. Tue: Walter’s Chicken Jam. Porter’s Pub, 9500 Gilman Dr., UCSD campus, La Jolla. porterspub.net. Fri: Nekrogoblikon, Theosis, The Midas Touch.

Rich’s, 1051 University Ave, Hillcrest. richssandiego.com. Wed: DJ John Joseph. Thu: DJ K-Swift. Fri: DJs Drew G, Will Z. Sat: DJs Dirty Kurty, K-Swift. Sun: DJ Hektik.

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

Thu: Second Cousins. Fri: True Stories.

Sat: Three Chord Justice.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave, North Park. sevengrandbars.com/sd. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos jazz jam. Fri: Euphoria Brass Band. Mon: ‘Makossa Monday’ w/ DJ Tah Rei. Side Bar, 536 Market St, Downtown. sidebarsd.com. Wed: Kyle Flesch. Thu: Jay Valdez. Fri: ‘S-Bar Friday’. Sat: JLouis.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. sodabarmusic.com.

Wed: Alexz Johnson, Jared and the Mill, Patrick Droney. Thu: Frontier Ruckus, Dead Satellites, Speaker in Reverse. Fri: Kevin Morby, The Paragraphs, Le Ra. Sat: Ed Ghost Tucker, Beginners, Nicky Venus.

Sun: Space Heat, Habits, Alligator Indian, Via Meteor. Mon: Life Leone, Foreign Film, Does It Explode. Tue: Alvvays, Absolutely Free, Scruffles.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd, Midway. somasandiego.com. Thu: Dom Kennedy.

Fri: The 1975, CRUISR, Young Rising Sons (sold out).

Spin, 2028 Hancock St, Midtown. spinnightclub.com. Fri: Al Campbell, Winston Hussey, MC Irie-J. Stage Bar & Grill, 762 Fifth Ave, Downtown. stagesaloon.com. Thu: Superbad.

Fri: Disco Pimps, DJ Slynkee. Sat: Hott Mess, DJ Miss Dust.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., San Diego, Normal Heights. sycamoreden. com. Thu: Stephen Rey and the Sextette.

Fri: The Jackson Price Band. Sun: Levin Dean, Heidi Hughes.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Rd, Spring Valley. 619-469-2337. Wed: Karaoke. Sat: Some Kind of Nightmare, Midnight Track, the Sculpins, The A-Bortz. Sun: Give Me Back My Wig. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd, Midtown.

30 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

casbahmusic.com. Wed: Shake Before Us, FLAGGS, Soft Lions, Shady Francos.

Thu: Jesse Lamonaca and the Dime Novels, Grampadrew and the Gut Strings. Fri: Minus the Bear, Mansions (sold out). Sat: LOVE revisited, The Loons, Bunnynose.

Sun: Hobo Torch, Neveready, Satellite Sky. Mon: Island Boy, The Black and the White, Bakkuda. Tue: CAUSERS, Poontang Clam, Revolut-Chix, Desolace.

Sat: New Jam City. Sun: ‘G Street Sessions’. Tue: Trace Loptein.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. tiltwoclub.com. Fri: The Woggles, The Rosalyns, The Diddley Daddies.

Sat: The Go Getters.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St, Bay Park. tioleos.com. Thu: The Fremonts. Fri: Young Savages. Sat: Rising Star.

The Hideout, 3519 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights. thehideoutsd.com. Wed: Girlfriends and Boyfriends, Geyser House.

Thu: Time Ghost, Skull Katalog, Isolde Touch. Sat: Purling Hiss, Octagrape, Die Mibildungen Des Menschen.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave, City Heights. thetowerbar.com. Wed: Steel Bearing Hand, Ghoulgotha, Idols Plague.

Thu: Petty Things, Shady Francos, The Electric Healing Sound. Sat: The Lumps, Christ Killer, Moonshine.

The Loft @ UCSD, Price Center East, La Jolla. theloft.ucsd.edu. Thu: Jeffrey Zeigler. Thu: Jeffrey Ziegler. Fri: Michael Dessen Trio, Charlie Arbelaez Trio. Sat: Chadwick Stokes, Tristen.

Ux31, 3112 University Ave, North Park. u31bar.com. Wed: Cumbia Machin, DJs Chucuchu, Viejo Lowbo. Thu: DJ Decon.

Fri: Mariachi El Bronx, DJ Kid Wonder.

Sat: DJ Junior the DiscoPunk. Sun: Michael Palmer. Mon: DJ R-You. Tue: Karaoke.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave, Hillcrest. theMerrow.com. Wed: Maudlin Strangers. Thu: The Flavr Blue, Cross My Heart Hope to Die. Fri: Phutureprimitive, Kaminanda, 9 Theory. Sat: Dead Sara, Sensory Station, Dexter Riley Xperiment.

Tue: Taurus Authority, Sueno Stereo.

The Office, 3936 30th St, North Park. officebarinc.com. Wed: ‘Dub Dynamite’ w/ DJs Rashi, Eddie Turbo. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Huge Euge. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs Kanye Asada, Gabe Vega. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ w/ Tribe of Kings. Mon: ‘Fleetwood Mac Under Cover’. Tue: ‘Trapped in the Office’ w/ DJ Ramsey.

The Tin Roof, 401 G Street, Gaslamp. tinroofbars.com/Home/SanDiego. Wed: Pat Hilton. Thu: Clint Westwood Band.

Fri: Dane Drewis Band, The Kracker Jax.

West Coast Tavern, 2895 University Ave, North Park. westcoatstavern.com. Wed: Shadow Man. Thu: DJ Colton. Fri: DJ Este. Sat: DJ Who. Tue: DJ Clean Cut. Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, South Park. whistlestopbar.com. Thu: ‘Astro Jump’ w/ Kill Quanti DJs. Fri: ‘F#ing in the Bushes’ w/ DJs Rob Moran, Daniel Sant. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’ w/ DJs Dimitri, Rob. Tue: ‘Kiss and Make Up’ w/ DJs Jon Blaj, Kyle Baudour.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St, Ocean Beach. winstonsob.com. Wed: ‘Club Kingston’ w/ SimmerDown Riddim Section. Thu: Congo Sanchez. Fri: Natural Vibrations, Sandollar, DJ Carlos Culture. Sat: Kim Wilson and the Blues All Stars. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: Meeting of the Meyends.

Brendan Emmett Quigley

Across

Broken records 61. Sprint relay?

62. Mortal ___

1. You might get one for being a different person 6. Stare at from across the room 10. Base folks: Abbr.

Down 1. City where one can pick up a Nobel (you know, cuz they just give them away to

14. Big mess 15. Like many a catfish relationship 16. ___ Might Be Giants 17. Hotel offerings for those who drag their feet? (Nirvana)

everybody) 2. [Just like that] 3. Throw 4. To the back 5. Dessert with a little kick

20. Make a decision

6. “Sheeeeeeit”

21. Bennie

7. Joint pain

22. Blow one’s top

8. Like a troublesome period?

23. Ragú purchase

9. PC file extension

24. Where a spat stops 25. Proms in old Japan? (Radiohead) 31. Operating

10. Images on some birth announcements 11. Classic Halloween costume 12. Arizona State city

32. Make ecstatic 33. Staple in a brown bag, briefly 36. Uber competitor 37. Sends some unread messages, likely 38. Beer drinker’s giveaway

13. Android, e.g.

18. Sign of the cross 19. Tom’s “Jerry Maguire” costar 23. Only 24. Talent show lineup

39. Dimwit

25. Bust measurement

40. “Know what I mean?”

26. “Dragonwyck” novelist Seton

41. ___ and fauna 42. Tier of battery parts? (Beck) 44. Many South African natives 46. Cut (off)

27. Totally jacked 28. Pool measurement 29. San Antonio landmark 30. Called

47. YouTube CEO Wojcicki

33. Strategy

48. Yellow tropical fruit 51. Hot stone massage room 54. Target eschewers? (Lady Gaga) 57. Award for “Fun Home” 58. Unguarded, as a receiver 59. Like some posh communities 60. Invective

34. Lacking coverage?

35. Skier’s transport on slopes that need to update their machinery 37. Sides of a bootleg tape, maybe?

38. Hopelessly try to get off the ground?

40. Extremely lean 41. Flooded state

Last week’s answers

42. Red table wine 43. Airline that serves kosher food 44. Fitness program based on Latin dance moves 45. Bolt on a racetrack 47. Chocolate and toffee bar 48. Francis’s title 49. Rock climber’s goal 50. 4th down play, often 51. Bing result 52. Haiku or clerihew 53. Tennis star ___ Murray 55. It’s legal in three states 56. Beach rat’s giveaway

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 31

32 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 33

34 · San Diego CityBeat · November 19, 2014

November 19, 2014 · San Diego CityBeat · 35