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november 22, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 3
UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR
Holiday character
T
here’s at least one in every family. The loud, obnoxious relative who shows up to holiday dinners and, perhaps after having a little too much wine, proceeds to bloviate to anyone within earshot about conservative conspiracy theories and why we still really need to care about their tangential rants about immigration, Obamacare and the dangers of gun control. For years, decades, we progressives have had to eat our holiday turkey being assailed by that relative. Maybe there’s more than one of these types of characters. Maybe it’s the entire family. The one silver lining when it comes to these types of characters is that they’re rarely taken seriously. What’s more, they often depend on intimidation in order to rehash their Fox News and InfoWars talking points. They don’t care if anyone takes them seriously and fully expect everyone to just sit there and take it. They know that we’re afraid to challenge them, lest we be impolite or cause a scene. Fuck that. I think year we should all be prepared to combat their dubious, unsourced conjecture with some attitude of our own. Here are a few suggestions: 1.) Don’t back down. For years, that person has thrived on people just taking it. Who cares if we make a scene? It’s likely most of the people we actually care about will come up to us after and say something like, “finally, someone said something.” 2.) Facts aren’t important to them, but they are to others. I know that’s tough to hear. As liberals, we pride ourselves on being able to back up our claims with actual evidence, but we’re often not debating with people who care about facts. If they say something like, “I heard on the news the other day that Robert Mueller is getting private funding from the Democrats,” then simply look at everyone else at the table and point out that Mueller is a Republican and was appointed to be the FBI director by George W. Bush. Their fringe theories may have infected the ears of the impressionable, but at least we provided some ointment.
3.) Let someone else do the talking. Some of us are introverts and don’t do well with those types of people. If that’s the case, look around at some of the other uncomfortable faces, pick the most assertive person in the room and ask them what they think about that relative’s theories that climate change is a Chinese conspiracy aimed at infiltrating our markets (no really, Trump actually said he believed this at one point). Maybe they’ll be brave enough to tell that relative to stuff it like Stove Top. 4.) Just talk to them. Maybe. For years, I went to a friend’s family’s Thanksgiving and Hanukkah dinners and there was always this uncle of hers that, knowing full well what I SHUTTERSTOCK do for a living, would always beeline over to me and start talking about whatever Sean Hannity talking point was trending that week. I’d sit there, listen to what he had to say and I’d push back. He’d get a little heated and so would I, but if things ever got too steamy, I’d always excuse myself to go help out in the kitchen. Years later and after I hadn’t been to one of their gatherings in a while, I showed up and sure enough, he zipped over to me with an excited look on his face. Oh shit, here we go with this guy, I thought. He shook my hand, told me how great it was to see me again and then proceeded to let me know how much he appreciated our discussions. Here, all these years, it was actually me who was the one being ignorant. Yeah, I hated this guy’s politics, but it seems all he ever really wanted was to talk to someone about things he deeply cared about. He even told me I’d made him rethink his stances on a number of issues. I was very thankful for that exchange. I’m not claiming that they’ll all be like this. In fact, I’d venture to guess that most won’t be. Sure, ignoring them is easier, but I have found that the vast majority of those people really are good folks who will be thankful that someone cares just as much as they do.
—Seth Combs
Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com
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4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
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UP FRONT | LETTERS
SWALLOW YOUR LIBERALISM My immediate reaction, which I will stick to, is to swallow your overly-sensitive liberalism [“Swallow your pride,” Nov. 15]. The Redskins, yes, we’ve come of age to recognize the insults that sensitive members of formerly persecuted minorities see in names of sports teams, not that I myself, as a member of a minority “just” out the gas chambers, can see any hate or disapproval in naming a football team, “The marauding Jews.” (accept [sic] to the mind of Muslims, which, of course, in America, would be a basis for a lawsuit.) I suggest you promote a vote on the next city ballot to see what the percentage of San Diegans (no one else!), actually wants any changes in non-insulting team names of sports teams in non-insulting conditions. That’s the American way! What on earth is insulting about the name, “Braves”? In Baston, or elsewhere! Saul Gritz Hillcrest
IT’S YOUR RAG, BUT I’LL STILL CRY IF I WANT TO The names chosen were okay but other than Beltran, everyone seemed out for personal stats [“Best of San Diego 2017: People,” Nov. 15]. How about Dave, the Waterman who is relentless in his caring for the homeless and disadvantaged. Or musician Stepha-
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nie Johnson for the same reasons with her homeless choir. Or ANYONE from Think Dignity who provide showers and much needed life essentials. Just a thought; it’s your rag and you can do as you please.
ON THE
COVER
UP FRONT From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News / CityWeek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spin Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Backwards & In High Heels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jazz Cook Grant Hill
[Edit note: We featured Steph Johnson in the 2016 Best of San Diego People issue, but yeah, we do as we please.]
WE WANT FEEDBACK We welcome all letters that respond to news stories, opinion pieces or reviews that have run in these pages. We don’t accept unsolicited op-ed letters. Email letters to editor Seth Combs at seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com, or mail to 3047 University Ave., Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92104. For letters to be considered for publication you must include your first and last name and the part of town where you reside. Note: All comments left on stories at sdcitybeat.com will also be considered for publication.
4 5 6 7 8
Well, That Was Awkward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FOOD & DRINK For photographer and musician Mitch Wilson, the picture of Vanja James on this week’s cover was, in many ways, a long time coming. “Vanja and I worked together years ago at a bar called Landlord Jim’s,” says Wilson, referring to the East Village dive bar that closed in 2008. “When I was part of Strangers in a Fire [his experimental projection photography project with fellow photographer Brandy Bell], we did a projection shoot with Vanja and so she thought of me when she came up with the concept for this collaboration where we projected anti-harassment slogans with her designs onto her.” Wilson recently started a new photography project called Lunar Maps Photography where he’ll be doing “projection, multiple exposure, ethereal and dreamy type stuff on women, men and bands.” For now, readers can check out more pics from the Vanja James shoot on page 23 and on sdcitybeat.com
World Fare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Final Draught . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
THINGS TO DO The Short List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
ARTS & CULTURE Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 FEATURE: Tony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22
MUSIC FEATURE: Scene sexual harassment. . . . . . . 23 Notes from the Smoking Patio . . . . . . . . . . . 24 About Last Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 If I Were U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29
LAST WORDS Advice Goddess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5
NEWS | OPINION By Jamie Ballard and Seth Combs
THE ISSUE: The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board [CLERB] staff voted on Nov. 14 to dismiss 22 investigations involving people who have died in county detention facilities or while being taken into custody. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “Board of Sups had resources for 19% pay raises and $150 million for charger stadium but not enough to investigate deaths of 22 people who died while in county custody—including a 16 year old girl and an active duty Marine. We deserve better.”
—Nathan Fletcher, via Twitter
Derp. We were keen on spotlighting some kind of cute bird this week (that is, not a turkey), but then we saw pics of the new cheetah cub at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and, well, we know where we’ll be taking visiting relatives this weekend.
“The 22 cases were identified as appropriate for summary dismissal because of time limitations provided by state law... it is unfortunate that these cases must be recommended for dismissal. CLERB would like the opportunity to fully investigate each and every one. However, doing so would violate case law and (the Police Officers’ Bill of Rights). Moving forward, CLERB anticipates meeting the one-year deadline for all investigations.”
—County spokesperson Alex Bell, to Voice of San Diego
“This is outrageous and the board should reconsider its decision. If it needs more resources, it should request them, not scuttle investigations into why people died in county care. That is insulting to victims’ family members and only reduces the likelihood of improved responses and practices.” —Union-Tribune editorial board
HAM OF THE WEEK OUR TAKE: Kudos to reporter Kelly Davis for breaking this important story. We share the outrage that many are expressing, and we especially feel for the families of the victims who are now left without answers. This move is especially egregious given that the rule CLERB is using to justify its decision reportedly should not apply to the group, according to several experts on the matter. We need to continue holding the county accountable for these and other decisions, which are not made in the best interests of the public.
NEWSY BITS 11/15
All the seriousness, silliness and stupidity of the past week
11/16
11/17
11/18
BEST DAY EVER!
Group of homeless people—many of them disabled— file class action lawsuit against city to end the practice of ticketing homeless who live in their vehicles.
City issues marijuana production permits, but still no movement on delivery services.
San Diego FireRescue Capt. Steven Michaels pleads guilty to domestic violence.
Gunning for the 2017 Ham of the Year award, Rep. Duncan Hunter now has the distinction of being the only San Diego congressmember to vote for the GOP tax bill (read: increase) despite admitting that it will negatively affect his own constituents. His logic? “Why punish the rest of the nation because California is stupid?” Bro, you know you represent California, right?
Sara Jacobs announces her run as the fourth Democratic challenger to Rep. Darrell Issa.
San Diego military bases have some of the highest rates of sexual assaults reported to the military, according to a Department of Defense report.
San Diego officials announce plans to explore the possibility of community choice aggregation, a greener and often cheaper alternative energy option.
“Opening the Door for Hope” event gives 12 families the chance to reunite with their loved ones on the opposite side of the border, for three minutes.
11/19
California Democratic Party leaders approve a list of demands for state and federal lawmakers to take against sexual The San misconduct, Diego including Rescue mandatory Mission harassment feeds more training and than 1,500 hiring an outside homeless investigator people at to handle its annual Thanksgiving harassment claims. dinner; as SDPD holds annual Thanksgiving “rice drive,” which is exactly what it sounds like.
11/20
11/21
Harrison Ford rescues a woman from a car crash. Literally the only good news about a male celebrity we’ve heard all month.
Another day, another large protest in front of Darrell Issa’s office.
A crepe stand at Horton Plaza burns to the ground, 10News reports “the charred stand filled the air with the smell of burning peanut butter,” which doesn’t sound that unpleasant.
San Diegans (including Sen. Toni Akins) honor Transgender Day of Remembrance. A brush fire erupts at a homeless encampment in El Cajon.
FML
6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
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JOHN R. LAMB
UP FRONT | OPINION
SPIN
CYCLE
JOHN R. LAMB
No ducking dockless Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
J
—Albert Einstein
ust before leaving office in late 2012, then-mayor Jerry Sanders tapped a Miami-based company to establish San Diego’s first bike-sharing system. It’s been a bumpy ride ever since. At the time, Sanders appeared to believe that with DecoBike, he’d found an elixir for the city’s roadway blues. “The bike-share program is a perfect fit for the San Diego lifestyle as it promotes healthy living and clean transportation,” Sanders diagnosed at the time. “It will also help facilitate travel to and from trolley and bus stations by providing lastmile solutions for commuters.” Five years and a critical county grand jury report later, competitors
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are knocking on the door offering two things DecoBike apparently can’t: cheaper rental rates and broader availability, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. In September, the city of Imperial Beach inked a six-month pilot deal with San Mateo-based LimeBike to establish and oversee its dockless bike-sharing program. Mayor Serge Dedina is already a believer—and not just because the bright-green bikes match his surfboard. “Seriously, I love that color,” Dedina reiterated, before adding, “I think originally people thought it would be something for tourists, and I’m sure tourists use them. But what’s really gratifying to see is that the community has really adopted them.” In the first month, 8,000 LimeBike rides were logged, nearly a third of which appeared to be transit users, Dedina said. “The GPS
data showed that 30 percent of riders were within 100 feet start or finish with transit, like a bus stop. That’s really great.” While in San Diego a DecoBike ride costs $5 per half-hour or $7 for an hour and requires locating a docking station to rent and return the bikes, a LimeBike halfhour rental costs only $1, and the stand-alone bikes can be located and unlocked via a mobile-phone app. What’s more, riders can essentially lock them up anywhere. Some 200 LimeBikes currently dot the Imperial Beach landscape. Dedina has also noticed a “most interesting” phenomenon, other than a new obsession with checking the app’s bike-location map daily. “Those bikes were migrating to San Diego from the first day,” he said. Checking the app the past week, I noticed the map did appear to locate some LimeBikes beyond Imperial Beach city limits including, strangely, a sizable cluster in Barrio Logan. The grouping has since disappeared, but Spin wandered down to the location off Main Street and discovered LimeBike’s distribution and repair center. Just a stone’s throw from the trolley tracks in a portion of an old warehouse, a team of LimeBike workers were busily unwrapping and activating a sea of shiny new
In a Barrio Logan warehouse, LimeBike “ops specialist” Daniel Bracken activates another dockless bike destined for Imperial Beach. green bikes. A new shipment of 200 bikes had arrived a day earlier, and a Budget rental van sat at the loading dock ready for action. Just a week into his new job as LimeBike’s “ops specialist,” Daniel Bracken told Spin we were standing in the company’s main facility for the region. “It’s a good central location to be able to service future areas,” he said. The city of Coronado is expected to jump into the dockless bike game possibly as early as next month, and National City may follow suit. In fact, Bracken— a recent transplant from Salt Lake City—was working in real-estate sales in Coronado when he saw some LimeBikes being delivered to Coronado’s mayor, who lived in the same apartment community. Now working for LimeBike, “I feel kind of like a trailblazer,” Bracken said. But whether that trail leads into the city of San Diego may be decided by lawyers. In recent months, city officials have been gathering public input at various community meetings about plans to shift some DecoBike stations into denser urban communities from beach communities that complained about the contraptions. At several meetings, the topic of dockless bike sharing companies like LimeBike has come up. The response from city officials has typically been, in a nutshell, we can’t go there because DecoBike has an exclusive deal with the city. Spin reached out to Ahmad Erikat, an associate traffic engineer with the city who’s attended these meetings, and he confirmed the sentiment. “The City has an exclusive arrangement with DecoBike to be our bike-share provider,” he wrote. “In addition, the contract requires the city to work with and support Deco’s efforts to market and increase ridership of their system. The negotiation of an agreement or other support of a dockless bike
share system that would be competitive to DecoBike would be inconsistent with this obligation.” But San Diego City Councimember David Alvarez, an avid bike commuter, doesn’t read the 10year partnership agreement with DecoBike the same way. He has requested an analysis of the contract by the City Attorney’s office. “It does say the city shall only market and promote the DecoBike program,” Alvarez said, “but it doesn’t say you cannot allow other types of bike-sharing to occur. That’s not explicit in any way, so I’m asking for clarity on that.” At a recent council committee meeting to discuss the city’s response to the stinging 2016 grand jury report that criticized local bike-sharing efforts, Alvarez asked about exclusivity. While the city’s head of corporate sponsorships stated emphatically that DecoBike’s contract was, indeed, exclusive, Deputy City Attorney Prescilla Dugard expressed some nuance. “If there were an independent bike-share provider that didn’t have a cooperative relationship with the city, then I don’t think that would be affected by the [DecoBike] agreement,” she said. DecoBike’s retrenchment into the urban core makes Alvarez’s interest in dockless bike-share even more compelling. His disjointed council district is unique, he argued, and he’s already watched LimeBikes gravitate to San Ysidro, where no DecoBike stations exist. “Clearly there’s this demand,” Alvarez said. “So the question is can we allow these to operate in the city?” With LimeBikes already migrating and other dockless bike-share companies in the hunt—UC San Diego will soon welcome them on campus—why on earth would San Diego stand in the way of a potential game changer? Stay tuned. Spin Cycle appears every other week. Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7
UP FRONT | OPINION
AARYN BELFER
BACKWARDS & IN
Salud, suckers!
HIGH HEELS
Let’s have a toast for the douchebags. Let’s have a toast for the assholes. Let’s have a toast for the scumbags. Every one of them that I know. Let’s have a toast for the jerk-offs.
I
—“Runaway” by Kanye West
t’s my least favorite time of year: The time when flocks of school children, still being misled about American History in 2017, exit classrooms wearing feathered headdresses made of colorful construction paper. Yes, let’s continue to feast and raise a glass to the revisionist history of a genocidal effort. It’s tradition to pretend we aren’t all immigrant occupiers as we participate in the annual tryptophan overdose each Thanksgiving. And there’s so much to give thanks for as we live the dream. Let’s have a toast for the regretful Trump voters. Sure, 82 percent of Trump voters would still love to grab a pussy beer with their president, but there’s a smidge of buyer’s remorse. “I can’t imagine how they let him build a country club—let alone be in one,” Trump voter Annie Anthony told the Washington Post. “Because adults don’t behave that way. I’ve been surprised that a billionaire would behave the way he has.” Yeah, babe. We had NO. IDEA. HE. WAS. LIKE. THIS. Other Trump supporters think Hillary Clinton should be impeached, proving that we can absolutely stop with the magical thinking that Trump voters are complex beings worthy of deeper analysis. They are not complex. They are fucking stupid. Let’s have a toast for the pedophile apologists. Here’s to you, you down-home, Jesuslovin’, God-fearin’, commandment-obeyin’ evangelicals. It’s downright adorable how you’d rather vote for a 32-year-old mallrat with a penchant for underage girls than—gasp!—vote for a Democrat. Same goes for pro-molesters in congress willing to seat such a scoundrel just to secure the votes on a tax scam. Damn, it must feel good to be a gangster. Let’s have a toast for the elephants. The rich can now gleefully and indiscriminately slaughter elephants like their poor constituents slaughter humans. All they need are endless rounds of ammo, contempt and seething rage. After all, nothing shows your humanity like gunning down the majestic real-life mascot of your devious political party. Let’s have a toast for the irony, too, because that is lost on all of ‘em. Bottoms up! Let’s have a toast for oil spills. Two hundred and ten thousand gallons of black gold are running across the South Dakota plains thanks to the Keystone pipeline. As if the Lakota Sioux hadn’t warned about this during their protest in North Dakota last year. They endured freezing temps and fire hosing as Dakota Access
Pipeline-backers maimed them, tapped their phones and infiltrated their movement. All so they could bring thousands of leaking gallons of oil to a land near you. Let’s have a toast for slaughter by machine gun. It’s been a whole 15 minutes since the last mass shooting and no progress in congre... wait a minute... there is progress in congress: A bipartisan effort to strengthen the national background check system is being floated. But don’t worry about the make-up on this pig. Socalled good guys with a gun will make this go away. More massacres = American exceptionalism. Let’s have a toast for the embryos with college savings plans (though it’s too bad we can’t just set up 529 savings accounts for yet-to-be-ejaculated sperm. Lo, the precious sperm). I can’t adequately toast a mucouslike clump of cells, however, without a shout-out to real, live college students who will be taxed on student loans. Let’s have a toast for the weakening of Title IX programs. There are good people on both sides of a sexual assault, and the good person who does the assaulting mos def deserves to be treated nicer because, well, he might be an excellent athlete with a super bright future. And who would want to derail that? Let’s have a toast for the lifetime appointment of unqualified judges. Thirty-six-year-old Brett Talley has never tried a case in his life. Who could possibly be more deserving of a black robe and a gavel foreva-and-evah? I can’t think of anyone...well, other than maybe the fine young college sexual assaulter with the bright future. See why I toasted him before? Let’s have a toast for police acquittals. Shoot an unarmed cyclist in the back? Murder a 14year old Native American boy? Plant drugs in a suspect’s wallet? All of this caught on video? No problem. We got a justice system built expressly for the Five-Oh. And in case something squeaks by a Grand Jury, we’ve got judges to protect them (see previous toast). Let’s have a toast for the concentrated ownership of media. The FCC went right ahead last week and handily dispatched a decades-old regulation to prevent broadcast media mergers. Now Rupert Murdoch and pals can own media across different markets. Can’t wait for FOX News and Sinclair to bring us all that fair and balanced propagan... er... real news. Let’s have a toast for the death of truth. These GOPers are deft as they maneuver to obscure fact from fiction, undermine journalism and go hard every day on the collective gaslighting of American citizens. Cuz if we don’t know where the truth is, then nothing is worth anything anymore. Here’s to the slide toward authoritarianism. Ooomph. I want to run away as fast as I can.
Let’s have a toast for the elephants. The rich can now gleefully and indiscriminately slaughter elephants like their poor constituents slaughter humans.
8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week. Write to aarynb@sdcitybeat.com.
@SDCITYBEAT
UP FRONT | VOICES
RYAN BRADFORD
WELL THAT WAS
AWKWARD
Understanding in a bike crash
I
t happens fast. I’m pedaling toward the Landis Street bridge that crosses 805. It’s downhill and the best part of the bike ride home, the part that feels most like flying. It’s Halloween night—my favorite night of the year, and I’m hurrying to get home to put on my costume. Some grown men are too old to feel the sinister glee of the holiday, but not me. My speed is proof of this. My front tire hits a slab of asphalt sticking up three inches. A fucking curb in the middle of the road. For a moment, I become lightheaded—a rush of endorphins that prime my body for the worst. “Hey buddy,” they say. “Remember us from that one time in fifth grade when you fell off the trampoline? We’re baaack.” I barrel-roll over the handlebars. My elbow hits the asphalt first and I immediately know it’s broken. My entire left side follows—a sideways belly-flop. Reeeaaarrrghh! The sound is kind of like a scream, but more pathetic. It’s almost funny. It’s the sound of someone who hasn’t been really hurt in a long time and is searching for the proper expression. Did I really just make that sound? I think. Am I still making that sound? Finally, my head taps against the road, and I briefly become religious to thank God for the invention of helmets. For a moment, there’s nothing, just the sound of my bicycle tires—now horizontal—softly clicking with each rotation. “Hey man, are you all right?” asks a bystander. He stops traffic with his phone. I stand up, half embarrassed and wanting to get away from him before I start crying, but also immensely thankful for this stranger. I take inventory of my injuries: road rash, but it’s the dull numbness in my left arm that’s scary. It feels like someone has spent the last couple of hours punching all my pressure points. “I think I’m OK,” I lie. “You want me to call an ambulance?” “I’m gonna try to walk it off,” I say, and then let out a Tim Allen-like grunt. I want it to sound tough, maybe masculinely exasperated. Like, just my luck, am I right? I feel tears coming, threatening to expose my vulnerability! I must escape, so I quickly hobble away. Walking across the bridge, I try to remember the last time I was injured this badly. I’ve never broken a bone before, but I’ve had stitches and I have scars. I realize that I’ve spent my entire adult life cultivating different safety nets—trading in the physical risks of youth for the emotional risks of adulthood. In hindsight, this isn’t profound, but with the shock and freeflowing endorphins it feels like a fucking epiphany.
I make it to the other side of the bridge. My elbow sings like a dentist is in there, drilling on a nerve. It’s a new form of pain; it tickles. Something’s not right. I call my wife, Jessica. “Are you calling from,” she pauses, “inside the house?” She’s doing a horror thing. Right: It’s Halloween. My favorite night. “I fell off my bike,” I say. And that’s when I start crying. I tell her my location. She asks if I hit my head. “Um. Sort of?” I say. Admittedly, it’s not the most reassuring answer. “I’m on my way.” I continue walking. Families and costumed children trick-or-treat around me. Regret and self-pity infect my thoughts. Up until the moment of the accident, life was great. I get nostalgic for an hour ago. Remember how good life was then? I’ve walked almost a mile and still no sign of Jessica. I check my phone and see that she’s tried tried to call many, many times. I call back. “Where are you? You weren’t answering your phone.” “I told you, I’m on...” I look at a street sign and realize it’s not at all the street I had told her. “Whoops.”I tell her the correct street. I hear her repeat it out loud, telling someone next to her. “There’s an ambulance coming for you,” she says. “Oh God. Really?” “You weren’t answering. I thought you broke your head,” she says. I already see the flashing lights. When the ambulance arrives, the EMTs look at me incredulously. It’s as if their looks are saying, “You’re the guy we’re looking for?” I point to myself and nod. I try not to talk because I’m still whimper-crying. “Um, you want to go to the hospital?” they ask. “No,” I say, and then add: “Is that okay?” “You at least want an ice pack?” I nod again, and they hand me a bag with a couple of ice cubes. A pretty shitty icepack actually, but I cradle it like a sweet, little newborn. The ambulance leaves, and for a moment before Jessica arrives, I’m all alone on a corner. No trick-ortreaters. No pedestrians. I feel raw—scraped of both skin and emotion. It’s the loneliest I’ve ever felt. I consider that real fear doesn’t come from ghosts or evil, but the crushing loneliness that occurs when our physical and emotional safety nets are stripped away. But that could just be the endorphins talking.
I already see the flashing lights. When the ambulance arrives, the EMTs look at me incredulously. It’s as if their looks are saying, ‘You’re the guy we’re looking for?
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Well, That Was Awkward appears every other week. Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9
UP FRONT | FOOD
BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER
THE WORLD
FARE
Foodie nostalgia, Chinese-American style
M
illennial foodies can debate endlessly whether Chinese-American food is “authentic.” That’s pretty much what they do when they’re not taking pictures of food and posting them on Instagram. I’d rather debate the merits of the term “authentic,” because Chinese-American food can be wonderful entirely on its own terms. Golden Chopsticks (1430 East Plaza Blvd., National City) is proof of that. As mentioned in this space previously, mu shu pork is where I got on this food critic bus. That dish of thin, stir-fried strips of pork really opened my ten-yearold eyes and palate. That and the fact it was wrapped in thin Mandarin pancakes, giving me an airtight excuse to eat with my hands. Despite its heritage as an actual dish from Shandong Province, mu shu is one of those “Chinese-American” dishes that’s rarely on menus today, ChineseAmerican or otherwise. Golden Chopsticks’ version, though, is just as I remember it. The biggest difference is traditionally the dish was accompanied by a show: the waiter using two spoons (almost as chopsticks) to dramatically wrap the dish tableside. The show was missing at Golden Chopsticks, but the flavors were all there. Bottom line: Golden Chopsticks does the classic Chinese-American repertoire well. Its beef chow fun looks just like the classic picture on vintage Chinese-American menus and tastes just as it ought to taste: strips of soy-marinated beef, large cuts of green onion and bean sprouts all in a marvelously greasy sauce of soy sauce and sugar. The Wor Wonton Soup is wonton-style dumplings in a mild chicken broth with wonderfully
10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
tender squid, pork and bok choy (and some cornstarch, don’t forget the cornstarch). Unlike many Americanized Chinese dishes, it isn’t packed with salt and fat, and its beauty lies in the fact its flavor approaches the delicate. One of the more common features of vintage Chinese-American restaurants are the menus with multiple protein options. True to that tradition, Golden Chopsticks offers kung pao not only with chicken but also with, among others, squid. The kung pao was good and the squid was good, but it’s still best with chicken. The best dish at Golden Chopsticks may be the salt and pepper chicken wings. The wings themselves are enormous and meaty, and the batter is sizeable too. The result is crunchy and savory with a distinct rounding hint of sweetness that is the sign of just the right amount of MSG. But it’s the moist meatiness of the wings that really stands out. MICHAEL GARDINER
Salt and pepper chicken wings There was, no doubt, a time when America was discovering several distinct regional styles of Chinese cuisine and we sneered at Chinese-American restaurants, convinced they weren’t the real deal. Now as their prevalence fades—at least on the coasts—it’s time, perhaps, to appreciate them for what they are. It’s a time to see value in those dishes and appreciate them without reference to what they’re not. And there may be no better place to do so in San Diego County than Golden Chopsticks. The World Fare appears weekly. Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.
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UP FRONT | DRINK
ANATOMY OF A COCKTAIL SCENE #19: There will be blood at The Patio on Goldfinch
A great example of all that blood orange has to offer a cocktail can be found in the Bring Yourself Back Online cocktail at The Patio on Goldfinch (4020 Goldfinch o, here we are again, nestled snuggly St., thepatioongoldfinch.com). It’s an easyin the middle of yet another holiday sipping, four-part libation (El Silencio mezseason. For some, these are joyous cal, house-made blood orange and clove times. For others, it can be frustrating, cordial, bitters and fresh pressed lime juice) harrowing and lonely. And that brings to the forefront IAN WARD for those of us entrenched everything exceptional about in the hospitality industry, crafting a cocktail with the these are the days of creversatile winter citrus. ative change. More specifiCreated by bar supervically, it’s the time for seasor Brandon Curry, the blood sonal menu changes. orange and clove cordial— As hospitality profeswhich Curry makes in house sionals, it is often our duty by extracting blood orange to offer our guests both a juice and heating with sugar respite from their holiday and clove, before straining woes and a catalyst to their and bottling—pairs almost merriment. And just as a unnervingly well with the El menu in a restaurant might Silencio mezcal. Together, change for the holidays, the Bring Yourself there’s a smoky salinity with bar too brings forth seasonal Back Online winter spice and a welcome drinks intended to conjure refreshing tartness. Having grown up near up a love for yesteryear. Hot toddies, hot a traditional Jamaican neighborhood, I buttered rums, mulled wines, milk punchhave always been a sucker for the combinaes and egg nog concoctions will all soon be tion of lime and clove, which only serves to thrust upon us. Customers will start to see enhance and elevate all of those fantastic candy cane infusions, cinnamon syrups blood orange characteristics. A perfect comand Douglas Fir shrubs. panion for those in need, or those just lookThese things are meant to warm and ing to cozy up to a little holiday spirit. caress the soul, but of all these bag-oftricks items, my personal favorite winter Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene appears every holiday cocktail ingredient might, in fact, other week. Write to ianw@sdcitybeat.com be the blood orange. Blood orange offers a candy-like aromatic, whereas most citrus BRING YOURSELF used in cocktails bring high astringent, BACK ONLINE acidic characteristics. Blood oranges are most reminiscent of Oro Blanco or pink As prepared at The Patio on Goldfinch grapefruit in that way. They contain notes 2 oz. El Silencio mezcal of raspberry and strawberry, which carry 1 oz. lime juice themselves really well when squeezed ¾ oz. blood orange and clove cordial into a cocktail or processed into a jam. 2 dashes Angostura bitters And let us not forget the color. Vibrant red, alarming and intriguing to the eye. So Combine all ingredients in a cocktail in addition to being delicious and a good shaker with ice. Shake and strain into conductor of flavors, it also lends wondera chilled Pony glass. Garnish with ful aesthetic tones to cocktails. dehydrated lime wheel and sea salt.
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BY BETH DEMMON
BY IAN WARD
FINAL DRAUGHT COURTESY OFSOUTHNORTE BEER COMPANY
Make beer great again
I
t’s been quite a year. Politics, culture and yes, even beer have devolved into divisive topics with over-opinionated zealots on all sides. There’s hope, however, and I think it might lie in beer. Despite border wall prototypes popping up in rural San Diego, Mexican/ American craft beer collaborations have taken off like never before. Several factors are contributing to this shift: There’s Baja California’s proximity to San Diego and a country-wide relaxation of alcohol regulations in 2013. There’s also a new demand from Americans for lighter but still flavorful beers (which define Mexican lagers perfectly). According to the Mexican Brewers Association, craft beer has grown 50 percent annually across Mexico for the past decade and shows no signs of slowing down. Locally, SouthNorte Beer Company (southnorte.com) exemplifies this crossborder and cross-cultural collaborative spirit. Ryan Brooks, former head brewer of Coronado Brewing Company, departed earlier this year to help found SouthNorte. “My vision is to take the little bit of collaboration I’d done with Coronado and go to a whole different level,” says Brooks. “I want to go further than some of the Mexican breweries would be able to do by themselves.” SouthNorte is primarily funded by Coronado and uses its facilities to brew for now, but acts as an independent entity. Brooks has complete creative control over the recipes and focuses on incorporating Mexican ingredients such as chocolates, coffees, fruits and, most recently, sweet cajeta (Mexican caramel similar to dulce de leche) for a Tijuana-inspired porter. In the future, he plans to explore historic Mexican recipes as well, with one such collaboration already in the works with Agua Mala Cervecería from Ensenada. “I’m trying to bring more attention to the cultures by promoting the
Ryan Brooks rustic vibe of Tijuana with the voice of San Diego,” explains Brooks. “I feel like some Mexican breweries are put in a bad light, but in reality they’re making some of the best in the world.” Brooks’ longtime personal and professional connections with Mexico have given him an acute sensitivity of cultural appropriation, as well as a desire to erase the stigma that still looms over the country. He even ran early drawings and beer names by his Baja-bornand-raised wife to ensure SouthNorte avoided anything “inauthentic, phony or offensive.” So far, it seems to have been a success. SouthNorte already snagged a bronze medal at this year’s Great American Beer Festival for “Agavemente,” a lager brewed with hibiscus and agave before the beer was even publicly released. Brooks remains adamant that the cultural exchange is mutually beneficial. “The best thing about being in San Diego is Tijuana, and the best thing about TJ is being close to San Diego.” With domestic and international tensions running at a fever pitch daily, these types of collaborations are more important now than ever. Sure, it’s “just beer,” but maybe—just maybe—if more people shared a pint instead of arguing about politics, we as a country could broaden our horizons and enjoy the cultural riches that are waiting right next door. Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com, check her out on Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or via Twitter at @delightedbite.
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11
SHORTlist
EVENTS
ART
the
THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE
COORDINATED BY
SETH COMBS
SAN DIEGO
LIT AF
The holiday season is filled with a lot of insufferable storytelling. For one, there’s that one uncle who insists on telling everyone about his glory days on the football field. Then there’s grandma recounting how she met grandpa for the first time (yes grandma, this is only the millionth time we’ve heard this story). Being polite has never been this hard. Lucky for readers, Thanksgiving week is filled with plenty of stories we want to hear as well. First up is Mysterious Galaxy’s Indies First Day on Saturday, Nov. 25. Held all day and in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, the all-day event (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at our favorite fantasy book store (5943 Balboa Ave., Suite #100, Clairemont) will feature author appearances, signings and readings from regional authors such as Lucas Turnbloom, Henry Herz and Lisa Desimini. On Sunday, Nov. 26, Tiger!Tiger! (3025 El Cajon Blvd., North Park) will be hosting the Burn All Books launch party from 7 to 11 p.m. Burn All
TIJUANA
FRONTERA FUN If there was ever a time to get out of town and have a drink or ten, it’s during the back-to-back chaos of Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Thankfully, Turista Libre is offering several tours where you can do just that. First there’s a tour of several of Tijuana’s best indie bars at the Damn-Fine Tijuana Dive tour at 7 p.m on Friday, Nov. 24. Tickets include a round at each cantina, as well as an all-you-can-eat feast of tacos. There’s also a Tijuana Street Eats tour on Saturday, Nov. 25 and a Tijuana Market Hop on Sunday, Nov. 26 for those looking for some extra holiday shopping. All tours begin on the U.S. side of the Pedwest border crossing at the Virginia Avenue Transit Station (499 Virginia Ave.) and include round-trip transportation. Tickets range from $35 to $59 and can be purchased at turistalibre.com.
Books is a new small press located inside Verbatim Books, and the party will include art for sale, holiday workshops and prizes throughout the night. facebook.com/burnallbooks Finally, local literary arts group So Say We All will be hosting two new readings this week. On Wednesday, Nov. 29 MATTHEW BALDWIN from 7 to 9 p.m. there’s the new VAMP (Visual/ Audio Monologue Performance) night at the Saville Theatre at City College (14th St. and C St., East Village). City College students will be sharing stories using the theme of “Holler if You Hear Me” so expect some angsty tales of being misunderstood. The following night from 8:30 to 10 p.m., VAMP VAMP will be back at its regular home of Whistle Stop (2236 Fern St., South Park) for a “Ride Overshare”-themed night of stories from the likes of Elizabeth Marro, Michelle Saint-Germain, Ryan Hicks and more. Both events have a suggested donation of $5. sosayweallonline. com
SAN DIEGO
BUZZWORTHY Nothing welcomes holiday spirit more than, well, spirits, especially when drinking is accompanied by shopping. That’s exactly what the Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll has planned for this upcoming Small Business Saturday. On Saturday, Nov. 25, more than a dozen retailers on Adams Avenue will be serving samples of holiday-themed cocktails to make gift shopping a little more fun. La Loupe Vintage, Little Dame Shop, Rove: Adventure Shop and more will have libations made by Air Conditioned Lounge, Polite Provisions, Kensington Club and other favorites. The event takes place along the Adams Avenue Business District in Normal Heights from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are available online for $19 but are picked up at will call at 3441 Adams Ave. adamsavenuebusiness.com
HHoliday Art Market at The Studio Door, 3750 30th St., North Park. As part of Shop Small Saturday, the gallery’s annual sidewalk art sale includes specials from its studio artists. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free. 619-255-4920, thestudiodoor.com C-Note Sale at Art on 30th Gallery, 4434 30th St., North Park. Buy original artwork right off the wall from some great San Diego artists for $100, $200 or $300. Opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free. arton30th.com
BOOKS HIndies First Day at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. As part of Small Business Saturday, the all-day event will feature author appearances, signings and readings from notable regional authors such as Lucas Turnbloom, Henry Herz and Lisa Desimini. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com HBurn All Books at Tiger!Tiger!, 3025 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. A launch party for the new small press located inside Verbatim Books. There will be art for sale, holiday workshops and prizes throughout the night. From 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Free. facebook.com/burnallbooks Beggars Banquet with Todd Glaser at Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado Ste. 14, Balboa Park. San Diegoborn photographer and surfer Todd Glaser will be discussing his photo career and recently published book, Proximity. From 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. $10-$20. 619-238-7559, mopa.org
COMEDY HDoug Loves Movies at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Doug Benson and friends do their traditional pre-Thanksgiving show and live recording of the popular podcast Doug Loves Movies. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. $18. 619-7953858, americancomedyco.com Mikey G’s Comedy Circus at Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. A variety show featuring magic, stand-up comedy, pro wrestling and more. Ringmaster Dave Callans will be hosting the event. From 9 p.m. to midnight. Friday, Nov. 24. $10. 619-284-2848. Tim Minchin at Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave, Gaslamp. The Australian musician, actor, comedian and writer will bring his unique brand of musical comedy to San Diego on his Leaving Los Angeles tour. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. $38.50. 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org
DANCE The Nutcracker at Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. New West Ballet presents their performance of the classic ballet featuring family friendly dancing with both professional and student performers. At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. $30-$45. 858-748-0505, powaycenter.com
FILM Living Like Lorde: Film Screening and Open Mic at Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. A free screening of A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde followed by a discussion of the film and an open
Damn-Fine Tijuana Dive Tour 12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll
H = CityBeat picks
mic where people can share their original works or reflect on Lorde’s work. From 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. Free. 858-534-9982, cgs.ucsd.edu
FOOD & DRINK HAdams Avenue Spirit Stroll at various locations along Adams Ave. Shoppers can sample holiday-themed cocktails from local bars/restaurants served in a dozen Adams Avenue retail locations, as part of Small Business Saturday. From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. $19. 619-282-7329, adamsavenuebusiness.com HTijuana Street Eats at Virginia Avenue Transit Station, 499 Virginia Ave., San Ysidro. Enjoy the three T’s of Mexican street eats (tacos, tostadas and tortas) on this Turista Libre tour of Tijuana’s most authentic food. At 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. $59. turistalibre.com Craft Beer and Cider Fest at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Sample from more than 100 top San Diego craft brews, special seasonal beers and a variety of ciders. Price includes five tastings and full-sized beers may also be purchased. From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. $20. 858-755-1141, dmtc.com Slow Food’s Holiday Party at The Rose, 2219 30th St., South Park. An annual celebration of sustainable food, with local nibbles, wine and oysters. Participants will also have the chance to meet the board and discuss what they’d like to see in 2018. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. Free. slowfoodurbansandiego.org
HOLIDAY EVENTS Del Mar Family Mile Fun Run at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Kickoff Thanksgiving with a one-mile run on the racetrack with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Helen Woodward Animal Center and its equestrian therapy program. From 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. $15-$25. 858-755-1141, dmtc.com HFather Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk at Sixth Ave. and Laurel St., Balboa Park. The 16th annual 5K is the biggest Thanksgiving run/walk in San Diego, with proceeds going to help your homeless neighbors in need. Includes a post-race festival featuring live music, a beer garden, costume contest and award ceremonies. From 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. $30$45. 619-239-2001, fjvthanksgivingday5k. squarespace.com HSan Diego Run for the Hungry at Horton Plaza, 324 Horton Plaza, Downtown. The annual 10K and 5K benefits people who face hunger in the community. All profits from the race are donated to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and hunger-relief programs. From 7 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. $38-$64. 619239-8180, sdrunforthehungry.org Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise at Hornblower Cruises & Events, 1800 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Celebrate the holiday onboard a yacht on San Diego Bay that features a full traditional Thanksgiving buffet, DJs, champagne and more. From 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. $94.95$114.95. 619-686-8700, hornblower.com HPMCU O’side Turkey Trot at Oceanside Civic Center, 300 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. Come “move your feet before you eat” at this annual five-mile, 5K or kids run/walk to benefit Oceanside schools and charities. There will also be costume contests, largest teams contest, live entertainment and medals for all who finish. At 6:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. $25-$55. osideturkeytrot.com
EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 @SDCITYBEAT
EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 HSkating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Now in its 13th year, the outdoor ice rink on the Windsor Lawn features views of Coronado beach. Skating sessions will be offered daily and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Price includes skate rental. From 3:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Jan. 1. $30. 800-468-3533, hoteldel.com Holiday Lights on Main 2017 at Prescott Promenade Park, 201 East Main St., El Cajon. A family-friendly holiday event, with carnival rides, ice-skating, live music, great shopping, tasty food and a coloring contest. There will be a tree lighting at 6 p.m. From noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free. 619-334-3000, downtownelcajon.com Surfin’ Santa Arrival at Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Santa will break out the boardshorts and surfboard as he cruises into Seaport Village. Visitors can pose for pictures with Santa, do crafting activities, shop, enjoy live street performances and more. From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free. 619-235-4014, seaportvillage.com Global Winter Wonderland at Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. Winter is coming to San Diego, with a full carnival, international cuisine, shopping, Santa photo opportunities and other family-friendly activities. Various times. Through Sunday, Nov. 26. $19-$49. globalwonderland.com The Lot Holiday Bazaar at The Lot, 7611 Fay Ave., La Jolla. A gift bazaar with locally made one-of-a-kind items including jewelry, clothing and novelty gifts. Shoppers will also
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get to enjoy complimentary refreshments while shopping. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. Free. thelotent.com
MUSIC HSan Diego Jazz Fest at Town & Country Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle N., Mission Valley. A gathering of dozens of jazz bands from all over the world representing a wide variety of styles: traditional jazz, Dixieland, ragtime, swing and rockabilly. Various times. From Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 26. Free-$30. 619-291-7131, sdjazzfest.org HRecord Store Day: Black Friday at various locations. Stop by your local record store on Black Friday for exclusive vinyl deals, sidewalk sales, live performances and much more. Then stop by again to support them all year round. See website for participating stores. Various times. Friday, Nov. 24. Free. recordstoreday.com HThe First Lady of Song: An Ella Fitzgerald Tribute at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Vocalists Sara Gazarek, Jazzmeia Horn and Mary Stallings will pay tribute to Ella Fitzgerald along with pianist Mike Wofford. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. $25-$68. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org HThe Last Waltz with Mrs. Henry and Friends at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave. Ste T, Solana Beach. A special night of music celebrating The Band’s 1976 farewell concert, with members of The Schizophonics, Trouble In The Wind, Nervous Wreckords, Sure Fire Soul Ensemble and others. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. $13-$15. 858481-8140, bellyup.com Christopher O’Riley: Out of My Hands
at The Auditorium at TSRI, 10620 John J Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. Host of NPR’s From the Top series and classical pianist Christopher O’Riley will be performing modern rock hits on piano, along with Jisun Yang on violin and Xian Zhuo on cello. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. $35. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org Tori Amos at Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., Gaslamp. The singer-songwriter returns to San Diego on her Native Invader tour, inspired by nature and what it can teach us about overcoming challenges. Scars on 45 will be opening. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. $57. 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org
PERFORMANCE HTurkey Calling Show at Geisel Library, UCSD campus, La Jolla. The annual event is presented in the style of an old-time live radio broadcast and discusses how the American turkey became popular in European art. Features live music by TeenyTiny Pit Orchestra. From noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. Free. libraries. ucsd.edu Il Trovatore at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. An abridged performance of the Italian opera set in 15 century Spain that includes opera soloists and a chorus. At 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. $35. 760-8394190, artcenter.org Jacque Nunez: Journeys to the Past at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Aimed at children, attendees will learn about the past and present culture of California Indians through stories, songs, dances, indigenous tools, instruments, games and clothing. At 9:30 and 11:30
a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. $4. 760-8394190, artcenter.org
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD HVAMP: Holler if You Hear Me at the Saville Theatre at City College, 14th St. and C St., East Village. City College students will be sharing stories using the theme of “Holler if You Hear Me” as inspiration. From 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. Free. sosayweallonline.com
POLITICS & COMMUNITY HMe Too March at San Diego Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave., Downtown. A movement where people can come together in solidarity for people who have been assaulted verbally, physically and sexually. March begins at the Civic Center Plaza. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free. facebook.com/ events/1720839444877936 Brown Girls Screening + Panel at Women’s Resource Center at SDSU, 5500 Campanile Drive. A screening of several episodes from the web series Brown Girls, followed by a panel discussion led by women of color who will discuss emotional labor, coming out, and the importance of femme friendships. From 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. Free. 619-594-2304, sdsu.edu/wrc
SPECIAL EVENTS Damn-Fine Tijuana Dives at various locations. Work off the Thanksgiving food coma with a visit to some of Tijuana’s finest dive bars on this Turista Libre tour. The
group meets on the U.S. side of the border at the Virginia Avenue Transit Center. From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24. $48.47. turistalibre.com Tiki Tronic Eat, Sip, Shop, Dance at Bali Hai Restaurant, 2230 Shelter Island Drive. Over 60 tiki and Hawaiiana vendors will be offering unique gift options, food, drink and entertainment at this family-friendly event. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. $10. facebook.com/ events/130603474212235 HSmall Business Saturday at various locations. The yearly event encourages consumers to shop and support local businesses as opposed to the big chain stores. See website for details. Various times. Saturday, Nov. 25. americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small HNorth Park Small Business Scavenger Hunt at 30th St. and University Ave. Celebrate local shops in North Park by participating in this annual scavenger hunt for a cash prize. Includes unique finds, live music and refreshments. See website for details. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. northparkmainstreet.com HTijuana Market Hop at Virginia Avenue Transit Station, 499 Virginia Ave., San Ysidro. Tour the city’s longest-running flea market and Mercado Miguel Hidalgo, the city’s oldest open-air farmers market in Zona Rio. Tickets include roundtrip border transport and complimentary pan dulce. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. $35. turistalibre.com H#GivingTuesday Now in its sixth year, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration that encourages patrons big and small to give to their preferred organizations. All day. See website for full details. Tuesday, Nov. 28. givingtuesday.org
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 13
THEATER DAREN SCOTT
Robert Malave and D. Candis Paule in Falling
Falling for Josh
A
s with Johnna Adams’ Gidion’s Knot, a drama staged earlier this year in InnerMission Productions’ Black Box space in University Heights, Deanna Jent’s 2012 one-act play Falling is intense almost to the breaking point. The anxiety of the play’s characters is quickly absorbed by the audience, which results in an immersive theater experience. Falling is the story of Josh, a severely autistic 18-year-old boy who cannot care for himself and who, because of his unpredictable aggressive behavior, is sometimes a physical threat to his family. This does not deter Josh’s loving parents, Tami and Bill, who meet the formidable momentto-moment challenges of his care with sacrifice, patience and fortitude. They do this even as the crushing helplessness of doing so imperils their marriage and their own emotional well-being. Also in the suburban household are Josh’s frightened and angry sister and a visiting Bible-toting grandmother who believes that prayers to the Almighty will somehow make everything right. Tami and Bill, however, know that prayers won’t work. D. Candis Paule and Steve Schmitz heroically portray Josh’s parents in InnerMission’s 80-minute production, with Alanna Serrano as the teen sister Lisa and Kathi Copeland playing Grammy Sue. In a performance that never rests, Robert Malave brings dauntless focus, physicality and an undercurrent of innocence to the remarkably complex role of Josh. The character disturbingly sings along to “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from Mary Poppins one minute, then cowers and cries out because of a dog’s barking the next. Malave’s every sound and agitation reverberates in the tiny Black Box theater. Tautly directed by actress Samantha Ginn, who also works with autistic children and young adults, Falling is unsettling and uncomfortable to watch at times. Tension and uncertainty relentlessly accompany every interaction between Josh and his family, no matter how seemingly routine. But the unselfish love exuded in Schmitz’s and especially Paule’s performances, along with Malave’s
14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
fearless commitment as autistic Josh, make for an indelible impression. Falling runs through Nov. 25 at Diversionary Theatre’s Diversionary Black Box space in University Heights. $25; innermissionproductions.org
—David L. Coddon
Theater reviews run weekly. Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.
OPENING: Miracle on 34th Street: A live musical radio production of the classic holiday tale of a little girl and a department store Santa who just might be the real thing. Presented by San Diego Musical Theatre, it opens Nov. 24 at the Horton Grand Theatre in the Gaslamp. sdmt.org Cabaret: A reimagining of the classic musical about an American writer swinging it up in a 1930s Berlin nightclub. Presented by ion Theatre, it opens in previews Nov. 25 at the BLKBOX Theatre in Hillcrest. iontheatre.com A Christmas Carol: Another musical staging of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all those ghosts. Presented by Cygnet Theatre, it opens Nov. 29 at the Old Town Theatre. cygnettheatre.com
NOW PLAYING: Living on Love: In this musical comedy, a diva attempts to make her maestro husband jealous when she discovers he’s fallen for his ghostwriter. Written by Joe DiPietro, it runs through Nov. 26 at the Broadway Theatre in Vista. broadwayvista.biz Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class: A spinoff from the musical Nunsense, this musical features the nun star of that production performing and teaching a variety of cabaret classics. Directed by Kate Hewitt, it runs through Dec. 9 at the OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. onstageplayhouse.org Fly by Night: A “metaphysical musical” about young love set in New York City during the 1965 blackout. Directed by Manny Bejarano, it runs through Dec. 10 at the Coronado Playhouse. coronadoplayhouse.com
For full listings, visit “Theater” under Culture at sdcitybeat.com
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november 22, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 15
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COURTESY OF DENNIS STEIN
CULTURE | FILM
A scene from Tony ennis Stein certainly had no reason to become a filmmaker. He owned a few businesses and even opened a successful restaurant in North Park. Anyone on the outside looking in would have probably thought that dreams of filmmaking would have subsided under the real-world pressures of adulthood and responsibilities. “When I went to a career counselor in college, they told me that making it in the film industry would be really hard and implied I should study something else,” says Stein, whose previous filmmaking work mainly consisted of making skateboard videos in the ‘80s and ‘90s. After he sold the restaurant in late 2013, he began making videos for friends and family. He knew he wanted to tackle a bigger film project, but wasn’t sure what the subject would be. After a friend suggested the topic of homelessness, Stein says he wasn’t sure where to start, but ultimately decided to try to meet some of the people in the homeless community with help from local organization Alpha Project. “The outreach people from Alpha would warn me like, ‘hey, nobody’s going to want to go on camera,’” Stein recalls. Stein ended up interviewing over 10 people in the East Village and, in the process, he met Tony. Tony Rodriguez has been homeless for five years. The San Diego native came from an abusive family and ran into hard times when he was let go from his job. He says he depended on the kindness of friends for a while, but that “only lasted a couple months.” When he met Stein in the streets of the East Village, he was living in a tent outside of an auto body shop. “When someone says they’re making a film you think it’s not going to be a big deal,” says Rodriguez. “I felt vindicated. Like someone wants to know my opinion about something whereas before I was invisible. Just another homeless person.” Stein says he saw someone who was “emotionally open” enough to give voice to a larger problem. He asked Rodriguez if he could follow him around and document his life. To give the viewer a sense of the daily occurrences and travails of not only living on the streets, but also navigating the frustrating bureaucratic processes that comes with trying to find a place to live. One of the more moving scenes in the film is when Rodriguez is answering questions from a homeless intake
18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
professional at Alpha Project. After Rodriguez answers ques- ute film about an issue that had already become all too real tions—where he recounts being sick and beaten up on the for many San Diegans, but since its release in October, lostreets—the interviewer asks him if he has “planned activi- cal screenings of Tony have been packed with concerned, ties other than just surviving” that make him feel “happy and inquisitive and supportive crowds. For Rodriguez, who has fulfilled.” Rodriguez stares ahead for what seems like forever, been present for most of the post-screening Q&As, being thinks hard and simply answers “no.” The look on his face is the face of homelessness for many locals is not one he takes for granted. heartbreaking. “When we’re on stage at screenings and Tony is speakAnd while Stein would never compare his situation to that of someone who is homeless, the process of making the ing, people listen. When I speak, maybe they’ll listen, maybe film did take a toll on him emotionally. He was becoming they won’t,” says Stein. “He just has something about him.” What Stein and Rodriguez have close to Rodriguez, which made it DENNIS STEIN accomplished in the film is remarkall the more heart-wrenching when able. Through one person’s story, he’d have to say goodbye at the end they’ve taken a complicated and of the day. daunting issue and made an inspir“It’s very hard. I’d leave him and ing piece of art that both educates I’d think, ‘am I torturing him? How and emboldens audiences. For Rocan I do this?’” says Stein. driguez, the process has restored his After months of filming, the film faith that homelessness is an issue Tony became not only a character that people care about and that they study on one man’s experience, want their local representatives to but a study of the homelessness take action. situation in San Diego as well. In“This woman came up to me terviewing Stein now, he’s become at one screening and…” Rodriguez a bit of an expert in how and why the homeless situation became so Tony Rodriguez and Dennis Stein stops and breaks down into tears. “She gave me the scarf off her neck dire in San Diego. Eventually, there came a point in the filming process where he wanted to and we just cried and cried. She told me, ‘thank you for letstart to examine the intricacies of the problem while also ting me know what it’s like to be homeless. I’ll never look at looking at how other cities have handled their own home- them the same way again.’ That was beautiful.” For Stein, the film has become so much more than the lessness situations. He and Rodriguez traveled to Houston where they visited with the former mayor and various heads fulfillment of a lifelong dream to become a filmmaker. He of homeless programs. Both men say the process changed plans on continuing to screen the film around San Diego their perspective on how a city can best handle homeless- (the next two screenings are Nov. 27 at the SDSU Student ness. Stein says that Houston’s situation isn’t perfect but Union Theatre and Nov. 28 at the First Presbyterian Church. that the city’s all-encompassing, housing-first approach A full list of screenings can be found at tony-themovie.com). should be a model for San Diego. Rodriguez says he’s found a more comfortable situation “Houston really embraced the housing-first approach,” camping in a friend’s driveway, but still hopes that a day Stein says. “It really refocused their entire non-profit ser- will come soon where he and his girlfriend will no longer vice network away from just cycling people through shelters be homeless. and transitional programs.” “We’re in a safer place now and the police don’t bother After the film was completed, Stein says he honestly us,” he says. “We should know in a couple weeks about a didn’t know whether anyone would want to see a 66-min- place, but who knows.”
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november 22, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 19
CULTURE | VOICES
RACHEL MICHELLE FERNANDES
THANK YOU FOR
STARING
Go fund yourself, part 4: Faces in the crowd
Y
“
ou literally go through your phone and say, ‘OK, these people are pretty close to me, they’d probably give me 20 bucks. Let me add that up,’” says artist/filmmaker Ash Eliza Smith. She’s talking about her online fundraising strategy for the postproduction costs of her “Sci-fi-comedy-noir” web series Candy Ego. As I’m interviewing her, the campaign is just seven days from ending and she only has $1,000 dollars left to raise. According to Smith, it’s been an interesting ride. I couldn’t conclude my series on funding in the arts without addressing crowdfunding. What does an artist do when their work is not yet commercially viable? When government funding is out of reach? When grants are too time consuming, competitive or unavailable? When the day job is just not bringing in enough cash? Start a crowdfunding campaign, naturally. What could be more simple than (cue the sarcasm) asking your closest friends, family members, and random strangers for money? For Candy Ego, Smith and her creative partner Kim Anh Schreiber chose Kickstarter, probably the best known of the rewards-based crowdfunding platforms (the other type is equity-based, meaning backers get shares in the project they give money to). According to the site crowdsourcing.org, 1,250 funding platforms were surveyed worldwide for the 2015 Crowdfunding Industry Report. That’s a lot of ways to ask people for money! I could write an entire book on the history of crowdfunding (for example, philosopher Auguste Compte used a form of crowdfunding in 1850 to continue his work). For the purpose of this column though, I’ll try to summarize: Most artists use rewards-based platforms for their projects because equity is messy. Of the rewards-based platforms, Kickstarter is popular but risky, because it has an “all or nothing” system that only enables the fundraiser to collect if the goal is met in time. Other platforms such as GoFundMe and IndieGoGo do not use the all-or-nothing model. Smith says she went with Kickstarter because the all-or-nothing deadline was motivating. She’s also adjunct faculty member at UCSD, so I was curious as to why, as part of a prestigious university, she chose to go the route of crowdfunding to begin with. “At the end of the day a lot of these institutional routes are looking for certain kinds of stories, and if you’re not making one of those stories, then you have to get really creative with how you’re going to fund it,” she explains. She also talks about how, as an adjunct, she gets no funding for research. For the production, Smith and Schreiber utilized students with access to
equipment as crew, in addition to a whole slew of volunteers. The series is also highly subversive and critical of institutions such as UCSD, so asking for funding from the university would be a bit of a conflict of interest. “It’s like getting funding from Hollywood or something that’s more mainstream. In the end, are you really going to have the power to create what you wanted to create?” Smith asks. It’s a decent question. And one that Ramel J. Wallace has also been asking. Wallace, also known by his hip hop name of Real J Wallace, has been using a GoFundMe campaign called “The Last Black Man in Barrio Logan” for the last few months to raise money to sustain his recording studio and his experimental work blending sound art, hip-hop and storytelling. His work is not exactly of a genre that readily gets funding, especially in San Diego. “I feel like the GoFundMe gave me a core audience for people who support me. I know they care for what I’m doing and that they see the purpose,” he says. “Somebody told me to make a list of all the people that fuck with you, and make a list of the all the people who kind of mess with you. And the people that fuck with you, no matter what you do, they’re going to be down, kind of like a mom.” Wallace brings up an interesting point: Crowdfunding is a way to not only raise money, but to identify your supporters for the long haul. So even if someone doesn’t raise a ton of cash, they’ve at least put the word out about what they’re doing and pinpointed those who care. “The skills required to run a successful campaign are nearly the same as what’s required to run any business,” says Molly Neuman, Kickstarter’s head of music and a Riot Grrrl pioneer. “You have to have a story, know how to convey it effectively and efficiently.” Crowdfunding, just like any other form of raising capital to back one’s dreams, is a mixed bag. Even if goals are met, there are fees to pay (Kickstarter charges five percent in addition to payment processing fees). But what shines through to me from talking to both of these artists is the idea of creative problem solving and community, both local and global. Having conversations about how we all raise our money and finding ways to get our work out there. What it really takes is advocating for each other, especially for those who are struggling financially. Maybe it’s time for a new platform? Or more cooperation between efforts? All I know for certain is San Diego is hungry, and it’s time to seriously create a vision for how to feed ourselves creatively.
What does an artist do when their work is not yet commercially viable? When government funding is out of reach? When grants are too time consuming, competitive, or unavailable?
20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
Thank You For Staring appears every other week.
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CULTURE | FILM
Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri
Enough is enough
Frances McDormand refuses to suffer fools in Martin McDonagh’s new dark comedy by Glenn Heath Jr.
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he white men of Three Billboards Outside of or staring down his racist deputy Dixon (Sam RockEbbing, Missouri are complacent creatures of well) on more than one occasion. Maybe surprisingly, Three Billboards does not stay habit. They talk, drink and whine in almost perfect circles, as if their personal noise was some- beholden to this setup, meshing together aspects of how privileged information. Each has a fragile ego the police procedural, revenge film and dark comedy propped up by patriarchal definitions of masculinity into a singular hybrid. Mildred’s quest for the truth and authority; hierarchies that have left women firm- causes others to reflect on the consequences of their ly planted in subordinate roles. Acts of aggression are actions (or inactions), leading to surprising transformations that complicate relationships between once common to sustain their status quo. Well, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) has had antagonistic characters. Supporting performances by Caleb Landry Jones, enough of this bullshit. Martin McDonagh’s scathing and bleak dark com- Clarke Peters and John Hawkes help to deepen the edy gives the aggrieved mother a strong platform to prickly lead turns by McDormand and Rockwell. Mcgo nuclear on male-dominated institutions that have Donagh is a great actor’s director, and nearly every helped fortify systemic racism and gender inequality minor character gets a showstopper that helps define the overall acidic vibe. in her rural town. First, she Conversely, multiple quiet rents advertising space on moments showcase how three dilapidated billboards compassion can suddenly outside of town, filling each THREE BILLBOARDS appear from the ashes of frame with confrontational OUTSIDE OF arguments. At one point, text that directly calls out Bill questions Mildred after Sheriff Bill Willoughby EBBING, MISSOURI an incident involving her (Woody Harrelson) for his Directed by Martin McDonagh squirrely dentist. Mid-seninability to solve the murStarring Frances McDormand, tence, he coughs up blood in der/rape case of Mildred’s her face. McDonagh lingers daughter. It’s been seven Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrleson on McDormand’s expresmonths since the investigaRated R sion as it turns from shock tion began, with no new evto pity, and then to empaidence or leads in the case. thetic concern. No other Such public demands for accountability force the entire town to grapple with recent film has been able to maneuver such jarring hard truths about violence toward women, as well as shifts in tone so effortlessly. Three Billboards, which opens Wednesday, Nov. 22, race relations between white police officers and black citizens. Most citizens chastise Mildred for embar- doesn’t limit its scorn for inept and corrupt public serrassing one of the most popular community leaders, vants. At one point, Mildred compares the church to who also happens to be dying of cancer. But none of a “street gang” while verbally sparring with one local the social pressure, which eventually devolves into di- pastor (Nick Searcy). Equally contemptible are local rect physical threats and intimidation, dampens Mil- citizens who blindly follow political ideologies and police practices that keep people of color on the fringes dred’s immeasurable resolve. Like McDonagh’s previous two genre-busting ef- of society. McDonagh makes it his mission to skewer forts (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths), Three Billboards each of these groups through Mildred’s sharp tongue. While closure remains elusive for Mildred, it does has the filthy gift of gab. Characters curse, spit and scream in long, eloquent monologues that sometimes seem that her rage transforms into a new kind of interend with extreme acts of violence. Yet this is the first nal strength over time. By pushing male culpability out time the former playwright has given a female charac- into the open, she performs an act of turbulent protest ter the latitude to fully challenge male hypocrisy and that grows more vital with each passing day. weakness. McDormand’s performance is a Category 5 hurricane, producing gale force anger that’s political Film reviews run weekly. in nature. Mildred isn’t afraid of getting in Bill’s face, Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com
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NOVEMBER 22, 2017· SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21
CULTURE | FILM
Coco
Boy wonder
P
eople of color are almost entirely absent from the Pixar canon. With Coco, Disney’s mega animation studio finally confronts this glaring discrepancy in on-screen representation. It takes place in a vibrantly realized rural town in Mexico where one defiant young boy challenges his family history to become an artist. Infused with pastel colors, dense textures and impassioned musical numbers, it’s an ode to the classic Latino melodramas made famous in the mid-20th century. Coco’s celebratory tone contains an underlying critique of self-serving traditions that limit new generations from following their hearts. A scrappy mariachi maestro to be, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) experiences this situation daily with his music-hating family, who’ve collectively sworn off anything melodic due to a scandalous past involving an absent patriarch. Hoping to prove them wrong, he steals the guitar of a famous pop star named Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). The haunted instrument transports Miguel directly to the afterlife, an elaborate neon cityscape populated by skeletal residents whose entire undead existence revolves around visiting their living families during Dia de los Muertos. Co-directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina lean heavily on standard fish-outof-water tropes during Miguel’s supernatural journey, orchestrating gags and chase sequences that lead toward his realization of identity and strength. The end result is an endearing fable, one that confronts the past in order to find meaning in the future. The entire voice cast, which includes Gael García Bernal and Edward James Olmos in key roles, is made up of Latino performers who’ve often been relegated to one-dimensional supporting roles in previous Hollywood films. Coco, which opens Wednesday, Nov. 22, gives them nuance and depth, embracing each char-
22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
acter’s flaws and virtues. In the end, Miguel’s persistence eventually inspires his elders to once again feel the historical energy of music and the transcendent power of memory.
—Glenn Heath Jr.
OPENING Aida’s Secret: In this moving documentary, the discovery of records from WWII sparks a family’s quest for answers as two brothers separated as babies reunite with each other and their elderly mother. Opens Friday, Nov. 24, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Coco: In the newest Pixar Animation film, a young guitarist named Miguel must travel to the afterlife in order to learn the secrets of his family’s past history. Cómo Cortar a Tu Patán: This romantic comedy follows a breakup expert who sets her sights on her biggest challenge yet: ending the relationship between her sister and the douchebag she’s dating. Opens Friday, Nov. 24, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Ken Classics: Special big screen presentations of classics like The Graduate, The Red Shoes, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Wings of Desire and Lawrence of Arabia, among others. Screens Thursday, Nov. 24 through Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Ken Cinema Roman J. Israel, Esq.: Denzel Washington stars as an idealistic and driven lawyer who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous criminal plot. Sweet Virginia: Jon Bernthal and Christopher Abbott star in this thriller about the effects a triple murder has on a tiny Alaskan community. Opens Friday, Nov. 24, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri: An angry and grieving mother (played by Frances McDormand) decides to take things into her own hands after the local sheriff’s department fails to catch her daughter’s killer.
For complete movie listings, visit Film at sdcitybeat.com.
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MITCH WILSON
MUSIC t started shortly after Vanja James turned 21. She had just released her first record and was meeting with a producer at a bar when she excused herself to use the restroom. “Before I could close the door, this guy rushed in, pinned me to the wall and started to make out with me,” she says. “He was so fast, I had no time to think. None.” Harrowing encounters of sexual assault like this are by no means unique to the music business, but James says the music industry is still 20 to 30 years behind the rest. And San Diego’s scene isn’t an exception. “It’s almost like in rock music, it’s expected for men to harass women,” says James. Making matters worse, speaking out against instances of assault can potentially jeopardize women’s career opportunities. Take, for example, a recent experience James faced at The Casbah. A well-known musician approached her, flirted aggressively and didn’t retreat when she told him she was uncomfortable. James detailed the incident in a Facebook video and was faced with backlash (she later took the post down). She says the artist threatened to sue her for slander, even though he admitted he had acted inappropriately. He claimed he was inebriated, but that didn’t stop others from calling James a liar. Several musicians associated with the artist questioned whether they could work with her in the future. “If nobody is willing to back me up or believe that it’s the truth because of this person’s position in the industry, that’s terrible,” she says. “Something needs to change.” James says perpetrators are typically bigname artists, as was the case in this situation, or people in positions of power. Lex Pratt, who’s played in local bands such as Mermaid, The Very and Soft Lions, agrees. “They hide in the corner, and they’re protected and they’re the cool ones,” Pratt says. “They’re the ones either in charge or in the best bands, the most credible bands here. No one will talk about them being terrible to women in their personal lives at the venue with other people watching.” Business relations can overshadow safety, leaving women to take it upon themselves to avoid certain venues and shows. To ward off advancements, James will sometimes wear a faux engagement ring or post photos with someone to look as if she’s in a relationship. Given the recent high-profile cases of ha-
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rassment and assault, she knows she’s not alone in trying to figure what can be done. “A lot of people are speaking out right now, but nobody is really looking at solutions,” James says. Unlike in corporate America, there’s no obvious or direct route to report inappropriate behavior in the music industry. “The HR [solution] is to grin and bear it if you want to make it,” says Pratt. ”You have to deal with the lewd comments and the sexism and the jokes, and just let it roll off your
back. But how long can you do that before it crosses the line of abusive and harmful?” A venue’s stance can have a profound impact on the safety of performing artists and attendees alike. The Belly Up Tavern recently allowed James to reschedule a show after she informed the venue that the musician she was supposed to perform with had targeted her with hate speech after she rejected his advances. Pratt notes that Soda Bar has treated her fairly, and both women agree The Casbah is vigilant as well.
“The problem is that clubs do take it very seriously, but women don’t know that,” James says. Ben Johnson, a part-owner and bartender at The Casbah, says the staff has an overall understanding that if a woman says there’s a problem, it needs to be addressed immediately. He’s also on the lookout for potentially escalating situations, but identifying them is sometimes a challenge. “People hit on each other at nightclubs, that’s an inherent thing,” says Johnson. “That’s kind of one of the byproducts of working at a club; people hook up. Discerning when people are just hooking up and when it’s a sketchy situation is all up to personal interpretation.” On all occasions, he says he defers to the woman. Over the years it has led him to kick out patrons, as well as fire employees on the spot for inappropriate behavior. “Let’s be honest, everyone knows what’s appropriate and what’s not,” says Johnson. “People just choose to go over that line. Does anybody really need training? Just don’t be a fucking asshole. That’s the training, ultimately.” James does believe that training could draw hard lines in the sand. She’s preparing training sessions geared toward industry professionals she’s hoping could begin in 2018. Johnson says he’s interested in lending The Casbah’s space for the sessions, and feels particularly strongly about female-led training. “It would be nice if there was a set curriculum to teach, rather than everybody’s personal interpretations,” Johnson says. “And that should be put forth by women, instead of men with well-meaning intentions for women.” Aside from training, James suggests clubs post signs that emphasize that it’s a harassment-free space. Another proposed solution is providing a phone number in the women’s bathroom for reporting uncomfortable situations. A third is requiring performers to sign an agreement noting the venue’s zero-tolerance harassment policy, and that a breach would result in being banned. “You can be a rockstar on stage and be dirty and be edgy and be raw, and that’s your stage persona,” says James. “That doesn’t have to be you off the stage. There’s no law that says you have to always be a slimebag.” Pratt echoes that sentiment. “It’s not just about being on stage, it’s about being in life.” Write to torreyb@sdcitybeat.com
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23
MUSIC
AFTER HOURS: ABOUT LAST NIGHT
NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO
Maturity levels
CHANGING THE CONVERSATION ON SEXUAL ASSAULT
T
he music industry has a problem. In the past couple ward, the more crucial it is that we as fans, journalists, artists of months, following the many accusations of sexual or promoters need to change how we respond to it. The most important start is to listen to the victims, take assault leveled against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, every day has brought about new revela- their accounts seriously and never dismiss them outright. As tions regarding sexual harassment, assault or rape in seem- the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter showed, a lot of women have ingly every industry: politics, film, TV and technology, to experienced some form of harassment at some point or anname a few. Yet as more women have come forward with other, and the perpetrator often faced no consequences for their #MeToo stories of abuse and harassment from high- their behavior. Historically, the punishment rate has been profile figures in the music industry, the more apparent it is extremely low: According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, only six out of every 1,000 rapists actually that this is just the beginning. San Diego isn’t an exception to these stories, either. Early face criminal punishment. And though false accusations do in October, former local producer William Bensussen, aka occur—like when Conor Oberst was accused of rape by someMIKEY WALLY / FLICKR one who later recanted her story—they’re The Gaslamp Killer, was accused of drugging still extremely rare. and raping two women in Los Angeles after a The other important step is to work to rooftop party. Bensussen—who has not been call out and end toxic male behavior when indicted or charged with any crimes—has we witness it. One of the reasons why acdenied the allegations and has even taken cusations against Harvey Weinstein and cothe step to sue his accusers for defamation, median Louis C.K. took so long to surface asking for $5 million in damages. Last week, publicly is because each of them had manPierce the Veil drummer Mike Fuentes was agers, security or other enablers that siaccused of having an inappropriate sexual lenced victims. It is not easy for someone to relationship with a minor, as well as a second come forward with a story of rape or abuse, account of soliciting nudes from a 15-yearand doing so often leads to shaming, threats old. And though the stories don’t involve figures who are quite as well known, it’s just as The Gaslamp Killer or further harassment. Men who engage in this type of behavior shouldn’t be excused, common on a smaller scale. Being a woman in the industry means having to face all kinds of demoralizing and when enablers circle the wagons in response to serious accusations, it only shows why this kind of abuse continues. situations, no matter how far along they are in their career. Which is why it gave me pause when Flying Lotus ended a This is a watershed moment for music in that it represents a shift in how often these accusations come to light, and the show by declaring “The internet is a fucking liar!” in response consequences attached to being on the receiving end of to allegations against The Gaslamp Killer, who is a friend of them. Allegations this serious certainly happened in the past his and released music on his label, Brainfeeder. Likewise, and just in the past two years other accusations have come I’ve read some worrisome Facebook conversations about The to light in the independent music world, including a sexual Gaslamp Killer in which people reached the conclusion that assault claim against PWR BTTM’s Ben Hopkins. There were his accusers were lying. Neither Flying Lotus nor any of Benalso dozens of sexual assault allegations against music publi- sussen’s fans were in the room of the night in question—and cist Heathcliff Berru, including one from former Dirty Projec- to FlyLo’s credit, he later apologized for his insensitivity—so it’s hard to see how anyone could be so certain one way or tors and Sleeping People member Amber Coffman. The conversation about rape and sexual assault is chang- the other. Still, it’s troubling how willing people are to flip ing rapidly, and increasingly there are real consequences for the victim and the predator. It’s the culture surrounding the abusive, toxic behavior. The one common thread in almost conversation that proves how insidious this problem truly is. In the aftermath of all of these accusations, there have every situation is that the accused are in positions of power, while the victims have been taken advantage of as a result of been conversations of how soon artists engaged in such bethat imbalance. Sometimes these women are young fans who havior can redeem themselves. That’s ultimately up to each are subject to predatory behavior from older men. Sometimes individual fan. But as long as we’re talking about the artist’s they’re young artists or professionals whose careers would be comeback story, and not about safety and justice for the vicin jeopardy if they spoke out against their abusers. Either tims, then we’re not making any progress at all. way, the pattern is clear, and the more allegations come for-
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one are the days when everyone is looking for the cheapest food and drinks in town,” says Chris Cox, Director of Operations for OMG Hospitality Group. He says Pacific Beach’s shift toward more high-end, quality options began eight years ago with the opening of the waterfront hotel Tower 23 and its sister restaurant/bar JRDN. “That helped open up a lot of people’s eyes that there is more than the 21-year-old price-conscious individuals who are going out,” Cox says. Indeed, trendier spots do seem to be pushing out those that aren’t shelling out for succulents and craft cocktails. Over the past five years, Moondoggies and Tiki House both closed, and Fred’s was recently replaced by Moonshine Beach, a large country-meetsocean dance club. The speakeasy tiki bar The Grass Skirt also opened in the former space of Good Time Charlie’s. The list goes on. The most recent sign of change was the closing of PB Bar & Grill and its adjoined club, Tremors. The Verant Group—known for places such as West Coast Tavern and Tavern at the Beach—bought the long-time, low-budget mainstay but has yet to release details on what’s to come. OMG Hospitality Group owns several of the new wave bars, including PB Alehouse and Backyard Kitchen & Tap. With local beer, craft cocktails and American fare, these venues are an upgrade to outlier dives such as Thrusters and The Dog. “We take pride in the fact that we’re trying to elevate the status of Pacific Beach as a whole in the San Diego community,” Cox says. “That takes a long time to be able to change people’s perception, but I think we’re definitely on the right track and it’s not just us, it’s a lot of other venues in the area as well.” OMG Hospitality Group’s incoming project, Waterbar (4325 Ocean Blvd.), signifies another big step for PB. The beachfront space previously housed Joe’s Crab Shack, but in December it will take on a lively lounge setting. The price point will be relatively higher compared to other Pacific Beach venues, although Cox says the menu is considerate of the neighborhood’s demographic. Unlike PB Alehouse and Backyard, the focus won’t be nightlife. However, there will still be happy hours and live entertainment such as DJs or bands that continue into the a.m. “It’s not a full-blown dance party, it’s not a nightclub,” says Cox. “We take pride in the fact that we are a restaurant that happens to serve alcohol as opposed to a bar that happens to serve food. That’s a big difference, and I hope the public understands that difference and appreciates it.”
“
—Jeff Terich
—Torrey Bailey
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november 22, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 25
MUSIC
JEFF TERICH
IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22
PLAN A: The APX, Rosby @ Soda Bar. The APX’s new album is titled Elektric Funk and that’s exactly what the Atlanta-based duo plays. With a heavy emphasis on ‘80s-era sounds, this is dancefloor funk for anyone who can get down to Zapp, The Gap Band or Cameo—which should be everybody. BACKUP PLAN: Haggus, Gulag, Concilio Cadaverico, Artowar @ Tower Bar.
THURSDAY, NOV. 23
PLAN A: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce @ Your House. It’s Thanksgiving, which means everyone’s pretty much taking the night off. That doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no live music at all tonight, but my recommendation is to stay home, feast, watch some TV and maybe fall asleep on the couch.
skills are impressive to say the least. BACKUP PLAN: Spencer Yenson and the Squatters, J. Hofstee @ Soda Bar.
SUNDAY, NOV. 26
PLAN A: ‘The Last Waltz’ with Mrs. Henry and friends @ Belly Up Tavern. On Thanksgiving Day in 1976, Canadian legends The Band played their final show at the Winterland Ballroom with more than a dozen guests. Mrs. Henry are recreating that concert with some guests of their own, and it should be an epic night. PLAN B: Ninet Tayeb, Teleskopes @ Soda Bar. Tel Aviv’s Ninet Tayeb plays dark, moody songs with a rich dose of effects-laden atmosphere. It’s not unlike the moody pop made by Warpaint, or perhaps a more laid-back PJ Harvey. Either way, I’m sold. BACKUP PLAN: Gayle Skidmore, Tori Roze, Minor Birds, Heather Nation @ The Casbah. LUCA VENTER
FRIDAY, NOV. 24
PLAN A: Tennis, Wild Ones @ Music Box. Tennis are a husband-and-wife indie pop duo and they’re kind of adorable. But more importantly, they merge a dreamy modern sound with classic pop in the vein of Fleetwood Mac. It’s tuneful, catchy music that’s easy to love. PLAN B: Barb Wire Dolls, Toothless George and His One Man Band @ SPACE. Greece’s Barb Wire Dolls are a sleazy, loud and badass rock ‘n’ roll band in the vein of The Runaways or L7. It’s not complicated stuff, but they get the job done. BACKUP PLAN: The Creation Factory, Los Sweepers, Thee Allyrgic Reaction @ Soda Bar.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25
PLAN A: Matthew Dear, Sleepy & Boo @ Bang Bang. Detroit producer Matthew Dear has an ample catalog of fantastic electronic records, ranging from techno to house to synth-pop. It’s been five years since his last LP, but he’s recently released an impressive series of great singles, including the new wave jam “Bad Ones,” which features Tegan and Sara. PLAN B: Snow tha Product, AJ Hernz, Chill Clinton, Young Gizmo @ Music Box. Snow tha Product is a 22-yearold Texas rapper whose tracks balance big hooks with out-of-control lyrical flows— sometimes in both English and Spanish. Her
26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
Tennis
MONDAY, NOV. 27
PLAN A: Molotov @ Observatory North Park. Mexico’s Molotov has been making music for a couple decades and shouldn’t be a new name for anyone who keeps up with Latin alternative music. Their song “Gimme Tha Power” was a hit in the ‘90s, and they’ve since kept up an interesting blend of alternative rock and hip-hop. BACKUP PLAN: Dhani Harrison, Summer Moon, Mereki @ Belly Up Tavern.
TUESDAY, NOV. 28
PLAN A: Guns N’ Roses @ Valley View Casino Center. Guns N’ Roses aren’t the same band they once were, and Chinese Democracy wasn’t that great. Still, the opportunity to see a stadium rock spectacle of this magnitude is one that’s hard to pass up. BACKUP PLAN: Wanted Noise, The Midnight Block, 4th N Cedar @ The Merrow.
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MUSIC
CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!
El Vez Merry Mexmas (Casbah, 12/23), Capitol Steps (Spreckels Theatre, 1/11), Dariush (Balboa Theatre, 1/27), Reverend Horton Heat (Observatory, 1/28), Palehound, Weaves (Soda Bar, 2/20), Alex Cameron (Soda Bar, 2/21), Nada Surf (BUT, 5/14).
GET YER TICKETS Syd (Observatory, 12/2), Dag Nasty (Soda Bar, 12/4), Prophets of Rage (Observatory, 12/7), Pere Ubu (Soda Bar, 12/8), Pig Destroyer (Brick by Brick, 12/8), Jamila Woods (Soda Bar, 12/9), The Slackers (Casbah, 12/12), Chris Isaak (BUT, 12/12-13), METZ (Casbah, 12/13), The Album Leaf (Casbah, 12/15), Julien Baker (Irenic, 12/15), Cake (Observatory, 12/16), Jay-Z (Viejas Arena, 12/19), X (Observatory, 12/22), Ozomatli (Music Box, 12/22-23), The English Beat (BUT, 12/22-23), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (BUT, 12/27), Cherry Glazerr (Observatory, 12/27), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/28), Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (BUT, 12/2930), Third Eye Blind (Observatory, 1/1), T.S.O.L. (Casbah, 1/4), DJ Quik, Warren G (Observatory, 1/5), Willie Nelson (Harrah’s Resort, 1/6), Milky Chance (HOB, 1/8), K. Flay (Observatory, 1/13), Luna (Casbah, 1/14), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (HOB, 1/15), Kris Kristofferson (BUT, 1/15), Josh Ritter (BUT, 1/16), Beat Farmers Hootenanny (BUT,
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1/20), Wolf Parade (Observatory, 1/23), St. Vincent (Observatory, 1/27), DVSN (Observatory, 1/29), Killswitch Engage, Anthrax (HOB, 2/13), Miranda Lambert (Viejas Arena, 2/15), Mary Timony plays Helium (Casbah, 2/15), Dan Auerbach (Observatory, 2/19), Superchunk (Casbah, 2/21), Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled (Viejas Arena, 2/26), Margo Price (BUT, 3/3), 311 (HOB, 3/5), Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (HOB, 3/31), Los Lonely Boys (BUT, 4/22), Art Garfunkel (Balboa Theatre, 4/27), Baths (BUT, 5/3), Keb’ Mo’ (BUT, 5/6-7), Weird Al Yankovic (Humphreys, 5/12), Franz Ferdinand (Observatory, 5/13), Madeleine Peyroux (BUT, 5/28), Weezer, The Pixies (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 8/11).
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 Tribal Theory at Belly Up Tavern. The APX at Soda Bar. Deorro at Observatory North Park.
FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Tennis at Music Box. Barb Wire Dolls at SPACE. Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys at The Casbah. The Creation Factory at Soda Bar. Fortunate Youth at Observatory North Park.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25 New Found Glory at House of Blues. The Young Wild at The Casbah. Snow tha Product at Music Box. Wayward Sons at Belly Up Tavern.
SUNDAY, NOV. 26 ‘The Last Waltz’ w/ Mrs. Henry at Belly Up Tavern. Ninet Tayeb at Soda Bar. New
Found Glory at House of Blues. Gayle Skidmore at The Casbah.
MONDAY, NOV. 27 Dhani Harrison at Belly Up Tavern. Molotov at Observatory North Park.
TUESDAY, NOV. 28 Giraffage at Observatory North Park. Matthew Logan Vasquez at Soda Bar. Morgan Saint at The Casbah. Tori Amos at Balboa Theatre. Guns ‘n’ Roses at Valley View Casino Center.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 The Pack A.D. at The Casbah. Trophy Eyes at The Irenic. Chasms at Soda Bar. Tim Minchin at Balboa Theatre. Wish and the Well at Belly Up Tavern.
THURSDAY, NOV. 30 True Widow at Soda Bar. Collie Buddz at Observatory North Park. Creepseed at The Casbah. Mario Aguilar at House of Blues.
DECEMBER FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Fallujah at Brick by Brick. The Heavy Guilt at Soda Bar. XXYYXX at Observatory North Park.
SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Sports at Soda Bar. Syd at Observatory North Park. Darkest Hour at Brick by Brick. Blitzen Trapper at The Casbah.
SUNDAY, DEC. 3 L.A.M.F. at Belly Up Tavern.
MONDAY, DEC. 4 Wheeler Walker Jr. at Observatory North Park. Dag Nasty at Soda Bar. Jewel at Civic Theatre.
TUESDAY, DEC. 5 Murs at The Casbah. Nicole Atkins at Soda Bar. Angus and Julia Stone at Observatory North Park. ‘Rob Machado Foundation Benefit’ w/ Nahko, Jon Foreman, Lukas Nelson at Belly Up Tavern. In Hearts Wake at SOMA.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 Jonny Lang at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Dance Gavin Dance at Observatory North Park. Dru Hill at House of Blues. Aaron Gillespie at House of Blues.
THURSDAY, DEC. 7 Tim Barry at The Casbah. Prophets of Rage, P.O.D. at Observatory North Park. AJJ at The Irenic. Whitechapel at Brick by Brick.
FRIDAY, DEC. 8 Pig Destroyer at Brick by Brick. Pere Ubu at Soda Bar. Slow Magic at Observatory North Park. Chris Robinson Brotherhood at House of Blues. Bob Saget at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.
SATURDAY, DEC. 9 Phoenix at Observatory North Park (sold out). Adolescents at The Casbah. Slothrust at SPACE. Jamila Woods at Soda Bar. Cut Chemist at Music Box.
MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27
MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 SUNDAY, DEC. 10 Death Eyes at The Casbah. Agnostic Front at Soda Bar. Hollywood Undead at House of Blues. The Grouch, Del the Funky Homosapien at Observatory North Park.
MONDAY, DEC. 11 Pat Travers Band at Belly Up Tavern. Carol Burnett at Copley Symphony Hall.
TUESDAY, DEC. 12 The Slackers at The Casbah. The Wrecks at House of Blues. Chris Isaak at Belly Up Tavern.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 Chris Isaak at Belly Up Tavern. METZ at The Casbah. Wayne Hancock at Soda Bar. Natalia Jimenez at House of Blues. Night Drive at SPACE. Vista Kicks at House of Blues.
THURSDAY, DEC. 14 DJ Earl at SPACE. Dave Koz at Balboa Theatre. Rezz at Observatory North Park. Skating Polly at Soda Bar. Everlast at Music Box.
FRIDAY, DEC. 15 The Album Leaf at The Casbah. Pato Banton at Belly Up Tavern. Cake at Observatory North Park (sold out). Hundredth, Spotlights at Soda Bar. Julien Baker at The Irenic. Johnny Mathis at Copley Symphony Hall. Buckethead at Music Box.
SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Moving Units at The Casbah. Cake at Observatory North Park (sold out). Pierce Fulton at Soda Bar.
SUNDAY, DEC. 17 Lorraine Castellanos at The Casbah. ‘Country Christmas’ w/ Sam Outlaw at Belly Up Tavern. Jhene Aiko at Observatory North Park (sold out). Adema at House of Blues. Anuhea at Music Box.
MONDAY, DEC. 18 Jhene Aiko at Observatory North Park.
TUESDAY, DEC. 19 Jay-Z at Viejas Arena. Kehlani at Observatory North Park (sold out). Ottopilot at Belly Up Tavern.
rCLUBSr
710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Wed: The Anodynes, Thirty House Premiere. Fri: Kush, Roots Collective, Introspective Culture. Tue: Indica Roots, Bum Lucky. American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Wed: ‘Doug Loves Movies’ w/ Doug Benson. Fri: Rex Navarette. Sat: Rex Navarette. Sun: Rex Navarette. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Sat: The Fountain of Youth, The Serotonin Experiment, Long Lost Suns. Bar Pink, 3829 30th St., North Park. Wed: DJ Vaughn Avakian. Fri: Glory Bound. Sat: Husky Boy All-Stars. Sun: ‘Rat Sab-
28 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
bath’. Mon: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess. Tue: DJ Sea Base.
MATT KAPLAN
Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown. Fri: Jack Beats. Sat: Matthew Dear. Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Wed: Sam Bybee. Fri: Modern Day Moonshine. Sat: Part Time Model. Sun: Sam Bybee. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Tribal Theory, Culture Crew, Tolan Shaw. Fri: Cash’d Out, Road Noise. Sat: Wayward Sons, Wag Halen. Sun: ‘The Last Waltz’ w/ Mrs. Henry and Friends. Mon: Dhani Harrison, Summer Moon, Mereki. Black Cat Bar, 4246 University Ave., City Heights. Sat: The Downs Family, The 105ers. Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Fri: ‘Through Being Cool’. Sat: Alice Clark. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Sat: ‘Riot at the Brick’ w/ DiVad, Hand Drawn Tree, Skidmarks of Society, Horsefly. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: ‘Booty Bassment’ w/ DJs Dimitri, Rob, Lil Smiley, Air Nandez. Fri: Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys, Hotshot Drifters, The Bedbreakers. Sat: The Young Wild, Creature Canyon, Fashion Jackson. Sun: Gayle Skidmore, Tori Roze, Minor Birds, Heather Nation. Mon: Almost Monday, Aviator Stash, Stray Monroe. Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Fri: Nemesis. Sat: TNT. Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Downtown. Fri: Joshua White. Sat: The JazzMikan Quartet.
MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
Syd plays Observatory North Park Dec. 2
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MUSIC NOLAN KNIGHT
MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: Brett Bodley. Sat: Dre Sinatra.
Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Wed: DJ Mustard. Sat: Direct.
Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Ride the Mule. Thu: DJ Yodah. Fri: ‘Good Times’. Sat: ‘Rock Star Saturday’. Tue: Taco-Billy.
Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: DJs John Joseph, Kinky Loops. Fri: DJs Dirty Kurty, Moody Rudy. Sat: DJs K-Swift, Taj, Nytrix. Sun: DJs Cros, Paulo Ramirez.
Hooley’s, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Sat: Sam Bybee. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Belanova, Moenia. Fri: Wild Child – Doors Tribute. Sat: New Found Glory, The Ataris. Sun: New Found Glory, The Ataris. Tue: Robin Henkel.
Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Fri: Tennessee Tina, Donna Larsen and the Messengers. Sat: Blue Largo.
Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: It’s Never 2L8. Fri: Wildside, Michele Lundeen. Sat: Detroit Underground, The Reflectors. Sun: Groove Squad, Stellita. Mon: Missy Andersen. Tue: Mercedes Moore.
Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sat: The Saline Solutions, Raena Jade. Sun: Julian Jaime, Bad and the Ugly. Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: In Midlife Crisis. Sat: Manic Bros. Sun: Street Heart. Tue: Sophisticats. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Randy Rainbow. Fri: Janice and Nathan. Sat: Tiffany Jane
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Fri:
Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Fri: Juice Box. Sat: Gabriel Sundy. Sun: ‘Sundays in the Park’ w/ Tim Felten.
F6ix, 526 F St., Downtown. Fri: DJ Rell. Sat: Birdy Bird.
Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: The LoFi Freq. Fri: ‘Re:Turn’. Sat: ‘Purps n Turqs’. Sun: Proptech Sessions. Tue: Dallas Higgins, Sempra Sol, pj sparkles.
Downtown. Wed: Borgore. Wearetreo. Sat: Mark Eteson.
Julien Baker plays The Irenic Dec. 15 and the Kicks. Sun: Ria Carey and Don L. Tue: Jonathan Karrant. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: Alexis Lillian Lefranc, Q Ortiz, Tori Roze & Johnny Alexander, Karina Frost & The Banduvloons. Fri: Vampire Squid, Corpsemaker, Orphic Eye, Crematory Stench, Gutsaw. Sun: ‘The Playground’ w/ DJ Heather Hardcore. Tue: Wanted Noise, The Midnight Block, 4th N Cedar. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Fri: Custard Pie. Sat: Cougar and the Snaxx, Celeste Barbier. Sun: Tony Ortega jazz jam.
Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Wed: Vokab Kompany performs Outkast, Gene Evaro Jr., Carlo, Lily Fangz. Fri: Tennis, Wild Ones. Sat: Snow tha Product, AJ Hernz, Chill Clinton, Young Gizmo. Sun: Monophonics, Con Brio. The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘Jive Turkey’ w/ DJs EdRoc, Adam Salter, Kid Wonder. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs Adam Salter, Kid Wonder. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs Kanye Asada, Gabe Vega. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ w/ Tribe of Kings. Mon: ‘Duran Duran Under Cover’. OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave.,
Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., San Diego. Wed: Cedrice and the Addictions. Fri: Ed Kornhauser Organ Trio. Sat: Jimmy Ruelas. Mon: ‘Makossa Monday’ w/ DJ Tah Rei. Tue: The Waylon Hicks Project. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: The APX, Rosby. Fri: The Creation Factory, Los Sweepers, Thee Allyrgic Reaction. Sat: Spencer Yenson and the Squatters, J. Hofstee. Sun: Ninet Tayeb, Teleskopes. Mon: Southern Call. Tue: Matthew Logan Vasquez, Cameron Neal, Kelsey Wilson. SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. Wed: RL Grime, Graves, Kittens. Sat: Ignant Benches, Audiots!, Deep Yogurt, Roode, The Jewels, Suntey. SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: ‘Rollin Wit Tha Funk’. Thu: Daedelus, Wylie Cable, Eraserfase, Goodnight Cody, Mystery Cave. Fri: Barb Wire Dolls, Toothless George and His
One Man Band. Sat: Schizophonics, The Killing Floors. Sun: ‘November Spawned A Monster’. Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri: MK. Sat: Mija. Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sun: Sam Hell, Ryan St. James. Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Sat: ‘Living on Video: New Wave Dance Party’. Sun: Pants Karaoke. Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: Keep Your Soul. Fri: Cassie B Band, Keep Your Soul. Sat: Cassie B Band. Sun: Keep Your Soul, Jen Hecht Duo. Mon: Lauren Leigh and Sam. Tue: Evan Diamond Goldberg. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Fri: The Emergency Exit. Tue: The Mad Hat Hucksters. Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Wed: Haggus, Gulag, Dislate, Hong Kong Fuck You. Sat: Bunch of Heathens. U-31, 3112 University Ave., North Park. Fri: DJ Chris Freeman. Sat: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Sun: Maka Roots, Non-Stop, DJ Non Profit. Mon: ‘All That’. Tue: ’31 Flavors’. Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’ w/ DJs Dimitri, Rob. Mon: ‘Electric Relaxation’. Tue: ‘Videodrome’. Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Wed: New Leaf, Jah Mex, Babylon Rockers. Fri: The Maykers. Sat: The Moves Collective, Elektric Voodoo. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: ‘Séance’ w/ Ill Poetics, Ill Atmospherics.
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29
LAST WORDS | ADVICE
AMY ALKON
ADVICE
GODDESS
Wedding Duress
I’ve been living with my high-school sweetheart (from 20 years ago) for two blissful years. However, he’s still married to his ex (though they’ve been separated for 10 years). Every dollar he has goes into the business he’s building or child support, so I’m paying all the bills. I want to get married and start a family, but beyond his not being divorced, he doesn’t want to marry again or have children… at this time. He says this could change in the future. —Clock’s Ticking You know you can count on him to “put a ring on it”—when he sets his beer down without a coaster on your vintage lacquered Donghia side table. It actually isn’t surprising that you’ve managed to maintain hope—even as your loverman stops just short of tackling you at weddings to keep you from catching the bouquet. Brain imaging studies by anthropologist Helen Fisher and her colleagues find that our love for another person is not merely a feeling. In fact, as she put it in a talk, love is “a motivation system; it’s a drive; it’s part of the reward system of the brain.” Fisher further explains in her book “Why We Love”: “When a reward is delayed, dopamineproducing cells in the brain increase their work, pumping out more of this natural stimulant to energize the brain, focus attention, and drive the pursuer to strive even harder to acquire a reward.” (Welcome to the factory where “Only him!” gets made.) In reality, there are probably a number of love-worthy aspiring Mr. Minivans out there. However, you’re blind to this because getting your boyfriend to hubby up (and daddy up) has become a goal, energizing the human motivational system and all of its neurochemical enablers. Psychologically, the more momentum you gain in pursuing something the less interest you have in exploring whether it even makes sense. Physiologically, surging dopamine and other neurochemicals basically become punks giving rational thought a beat-down so you can keep mindlessly chasing your goal. To drag rational thought into the mix, pause the misty mental footage of this guy someday “putting a ring on it” and put some numbers on your chances— Vegas bookie-style. Things to factor: How likely is he to come around on the marriage thing? Babies? And if there’s a chance he’d agree to make some, how likely is it to happen before your ovaries put out the “Sorry, We’re Closed” sign? Express the odds in percentages—as in, “He’s X percent likely to do Y”—basing your guesses on his
prior behavior, values, etc. Lay out the percentages visually, by drawing a pie chart. This is helpful because we’re bad at understanding odds expressed in abstractions—vague ideas like “He might marry me!” We’re better when the odds are represented in concrete ways—ways we can pick up with one of our five senses. That pie chart, for example, is a picture of how likely it is that the only way you two will ever have a baby is if some sleepless new parent drops by and accidentally leaves one of their triplets on your couch.
How I Met Your Smother
My boyfriend recently ended things, saying he wasn’t ready to be tied down. His mother adores me and keeps calling and saying he loves me and to just be patient. Should I be talking to her at all? Is this normal behavior for a 32-year-old man’s mom? —Confused
In reality, there are probably a number of love-worthy aspiring Mr. Minivans out there.
30 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · NOVEMBER 22, 2017
Stalkers usually want to date you or chain you to a radiator in their basement, not force you to choose between the calla lilies and the “Winter Blessings” wedding centerpiece. Though his mom’s busybodying is weirding you out, it’s actually an example of a common dynamic that evolutionary psychologists call “parent-offspring conflict.” Not surprisingly, parents and children often have competing interests. In fact, evolutionary biologist David Haig explains that parent-offspring conflict starts in the womb. For instance, moms-to-be sometimes get gestational diabetes when their little hog of a fetus puts out a hormone to mess with the mom’s blood glucose—allowing him to suck up not only his share of nutrients but a bunch of his mother’s share, too. What’s in Mommy Meddlingest’s interest? A nice, emotionally stable woman, just the ticket to her becoming a grandma—sooner rather than later—and not just to newborns that bark. But what’s in Sonny Boy’s interest? Well, maybe an endless string of sexfriends. If his mom’s calls make you uncomfortable, set boundaries—kindly! (Say you appreciate her efforts but prefer that she stop intervening.) Ironically, it’s parents keeping lovers apart that tends to bring them together (the “Romeo and Juliet effect”)—as opposed to the tack his mom’s taking: Yes, someone’s rented the apartment directly across from yours, and they’re waving at you. Wait—is that…? (c)2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol. com (advicegoddess.com).
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november 22, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 31