San Diego CityBeat • November 23, 2017

2 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

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UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

Run, don’t walk

I

T’S HARD NOT TO BE CHARMED by erally can’t stay still when he knows others August “Auggie” Castille Sr. as he takes are suffering. me on a tour of his downstairs trophy “We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” room. On the walls hang dozens of says Castille, who started competitively awards, medals, letters and accolades he’s running at the tender age of 50. “I have to received over the years, not only for his try to help myself so that I can help somedistinguished service in the Navy, but for body else.” his long-distance running. He tells me he’s “It’s always been an issue,” adds Carla. probably run in hundreds of races over the “I’m a native San Diegan and we’ve seen years, a lot of which were for charity. Mara- the homeless population grow and grow. thons, half-marathons, 5Ks, 3Ks, he’s done Other priorities just always seem to always them all and admits that he has a hard time get in the way.” saying no when it comes to giving.

The problem is clear enough to anyone Of all the races Castille has done, none who’s willing to look. And for Auggie Casseems to be more important to him than tille, he isn’t content in just sitting back the Father Joe’s Vilor simply writing SETH COMBS lages’ Thanksgiva check to Father ing Day 5K. Having Joe. Just as he did grown up poor in when he became an New Orleans—his elementary school family having bareteacher and later a ly survived on pubprincipal, the now lic welfare—Castille retired Castille still knows what it’s feels it’s important like to be hungry. for people to be an To feel desperate. example for their To feel like others children, grandchildon’t care. dren and, in his case, “It is a very speCarla and August Castille his 14 great-grandcial race for me,” children.

When says Castille, who will be racing in the asked what keeps him going he simply Thanksgiving 5K with his wife Carla. “When says, “I just love it.” we travel downtown in particular, you see So, dear reader, when you’re sitting all these people out there and it’s almost like down with your family this year or passthey’ve given up. And now with the stadium ing out on the couch after a third helping of being an issue, that means even more people pumpkin pie, remember that we could all might be homeless. If they start building do a little more. There are a lot of organizadown there, I can just see so many people tions that could use volunteers on Thursbeing kicked out when they start building day and beyond, especially considering the condos that even I couldn’t afford to live in. issues of homelessness aren’t going away Homelessness is a huge issue for me.” anytime soon.

Here’s the catch, though. As he prepares “I’d like to see more people get infor his 11th Father Joe’s 5K, it’s genuinely volved,” says Castille. “People can walk in shocking to learn that Castille is 90 years and volunteer to work in the cafeteria. If old. Think about that for a sec. In a holiday someone really wants to help, those places known for gluttony, football and, especially will find a place for them.” in recent years, Black Friday-driven vitriol Actually, don’t walk. Be like the man and commercialism, here’s a man who lit- himself and run.

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

UP FRONT | NEWS

Adjusting to new marijuana-related driving laws

required, to walk the line, say the ABC’s, front of oncoming traffic or multitask. For and balance on one foot like a suspected in- example, the driving simulator can initiate toxicated driver would. an incoming call on the monitor, prompting “Field sobriety tests are not very reliable the volunteer to divert their attention to an for marijuana because there aren’t a lot accompanying screen where they have to of specific tests related to marijuana, and locate a symbol, all while controlling the there’s a lot of subjectivity regarding an of- wheel. The goal is to imitate the actions ficer’s observations,” Cindrich said. “Some- a driver would go through if their phone one may not be able to balance on one foot, rang, or they needed to check their GPS. but that may be because they have a bad Aside from putting cognitive skills to the leg, are tired, are nervous, or aren’t wearing test, UCSD is using this study to create an a good pair of shoes or the pavement isn’t iPad application for officers to use during flat. There are a lot of reasons.” a traffic stop when drivers are suspected of What to expect and how UCSD’s research could change To supplement the field sobriety test’s being high. shortcomings, an officer takes observations “It’s gotta be something that can be easfield sobriety tests into account, such as whether the driver’s ily explained if it’s 3 a.m. on a freeway with eyes are bloodshot and watery or whether cars going by,” Marcotte said. “Coordinatheir speech is slurred. tion is one thing that gets impaired with

by Torrey Bailey But the state is searching for a surefire cannabis, such as hand-eye coordination n passing Proposition 64 with 56.24 “Obviously if it [smells like] burnt mari- way to determine whether a high driver and being able to track things. So there will percent support on election day, Cali- juana, it would show it was recently con- is perilous and has commissioned UCSD’s be an object that moves on the screen that fornia legalized recreational marijuana, sumed,” said San Diego County NORML Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research to you need to be able to track. There will be finally making progress on a process Executive Director Michael Cindrich. find the solution. Starting in January, the certain divided attention tasks where you that began 20 years ago. While Californians “Fresh marijuana would just show that it center will use a driving simulator to test need to do two things at once. We’ll be age 21-and-up can now smoke in the privacy was in the vehicle… Although this is a new volunteers’ impairment levels before and looking at memory tasks, since memory of their homes, grow six plants and possess law, I foresee police officers using the smell periodically after they smoke marijuana of gets really impaired by cannabis.” up to an ounce, driving under the influence TORREY BAILEY of marijuana remains against the law.

“It has always been illegal to drive under the influence of a drug or alcohol,” said Scott Wahl, public information officer for the San Diego Police Department, in an email. “Prop 64 hasn’t changed that. The theory (of some) is there will be an increase in DUI offenses that are marijuana related as it is now legal to consume. We will therefore have more DUI marijuana drivers on the road. Time will tell if that is the case.”

An increase of DUIs relies on whether driving under the influence of marijuana corresponds to impaired driving, a discussion that has become a point of nationwide debate.

Nine states have zero tolerance for marijuana detection in drivers, while six states have per se laws, which set a THC limit.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, such per se laws are not sufficiently backed by research.

“Determining whether a person is impaired due to cannabis is not as clear cut as it is with alcohol, particularly when it comes to driving,” said Thomas Marcotte, co-director of UC San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research. “With alcohol, there’s a fairly straightforward relationship with your blood-alcohol content, your breath-alcohol content and level of impairment,” said Marcotte. “When you blow into the breathalyzer, higher numbers are usually accorded to worse performance A research coordinator demonstrating the driving simulator at UCSD’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research on the road. THC is different, it’s more complicated. When you first smoke, the Volunteers will be tested on the app afnumbers go very high in your blood, and of marijuana for probable cause to believe various THC content. Blood, urine and sathen they drop fairly rapidly even though that there is an open container in the pas- liva samples will also be collected to track ter every completed driving simulation, so you’re still high and may be impaired.” senger compartment of the vehicle, which whether these chemical tests show a cor- that the app could hit the ground running relation between THC quantity and perfor- soon after the three-year study wraps up in California legislation falls in a grey area, is in violation of the law.”

Spring 2019. where law enforcement officers must prove Like alcohol, open containers of mari- mance levels.

“There’s a lot of studies out there that “Not everyone’s an easy, laid-back stonimpairment through driving ability, field juana must be out of the driver’s reach. look at cannabis and cognition,” Marcotte er,” Marcotte said. “There could be some sobriety tests and chemical tests in order If a police officer assumes a driver is to warrant a DUI. Before Proposition 64, under the influence based on swerving, said. “There’s a lot of studies that look at people that are aggressive, and we’re trying the smell of marijuana alone was enough straddling lanes or traveling considerably cannabis and driving, but there’s not many to work with the California Highway Patrol to make sure that we actually have somejustification for a police officer to search a below the speed limit, the driver is subject studies that try to put them all together.”

The UCSD study zones in on cognitive thing that is implementable, and if it proves car. Under new state law, that’s not the case, to a field sobriety test. This procedure has but the scent can be a giveaway to another remained unchanged since the passing of ability, such as deciding whether it’s safe to to be successful, it’s something that they violation.

Proposition 64. Drivers are asked, but not continue through a yellow light, turn left in would consider using.”

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4 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 5

JOHN R. LAMB

UP FRONT | OPINION

SPIN

CYCLE

JOHN R. LAMB

Council prez turkey trot – again?

See what the boys in the backroom listening for the first local elected will have/And tell them I’m having to invoke Trump.) the same.

After the swearing-in and sub —Frank Loesser sequent grip-and-grin mingling on Dec. 12, the shiny new model h Thanksgiving, when we of the San Diego City Council— stuff our bellies and then three new Democrats maintainget right on to our holiday ing a 5-4 council majority—will shopping! gather in chambers to appoint Christmas-tree lots began their leader, otherwise known as springing up in Spin’s neighbor- council president. hood last week. Just another callTwo years ago, termed-out ing card to remind us that con- Councilmember Sherri Lightner, sumerism rules, because giving a Democrat, shook the rafters thanks is for fools. So in the spirit by hitching her presidency pick of the season, let’s just skip over to the council’s four Republican the rest of November and get right members in what was seen as an to December. effort to cool the political jets of At City Hall, December is in- then-Council President Todd Gloauguration month, when all the ria by newly minted Mayor Kevin bright newly elected faces con- Faulconer. verge with the grizzled re-electRemoving that platform uneds to make bold, inspiring ora- der Gloria essentially neutralized tory with a stocking full of prom- Gloria as a 2016 mayoral threat, ises that very few believe will be but the move left a bad taste, parfulfilled. (Side note: Spin will be ticularly Lightner’s abject silence

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6 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

on the matter leading up to her coronation.

“It must have been embarrassing for her,” a San Diego Union-Tribune editorial observed later, “to sit through Wednesday’s hearing, at which no one from the public favored her for the president’s job and speaker after speaker heaped praise on Gloria for his fairness, his sense of ethics and his performance as interim mayor following the resignation of Bob Filner.

“She will now have to win those people over, as well as her fellow Democrats on the council who all initially supported Gloria.”

Spin will leave it up to historians to determine how successful Lightner was in her two years as council president. In private, Democrats likely ponder what could have been had they had a more aggressive agenda and pushed back against Faulconer’s chamber-fed pablum.

So, lesson learned, right?

Well, maybe not. While none of the alleged active participants answered Spin’s Thanksgiving wish of a simple call back, there is significant chatter that the mayor is attempting the very same ploy— let’s call it the Sherri Method—to keep Councilmember David Alvarez from assuming the presidency.

As described in the chatter, this is basically The Battle of Personal

Is Mayor Faulconer hosting the game show “Who Wants to be Council President Other Than David Alvarez—You, Myrtle Cole?”

Grudges. Alvarez, you may recall, ran against Faulconer for mayor in 2014. In the world of thin-skinned politics, this type of challenge is apparently akin to an under-thesheets bloody horse head.

To add to the drama, the mayor has apparently joined forces with local Labor Council honcho Mickey Kasparian in an effort to convince Councilmember Myrtle Cole to take Republican backing à la the Sherri Method and thus ascending to the leadership post.

Rumors ping-pong through City Hall that Alvarez, in a counterpunch move, has tried to peel away one Republican, Councilmember Scott Sherman, with an offer of the council president pro tem position, a largely symbolic and meaningless post but one that looks nice on a résumé.

This has apparently caused some amount of grumbling from the mayor’s circle—Imagine a Dem appointing a Republican to pro tem!—which, if true, would seem peculiar considering that Faulconer, while a councilmember, served as pro tem under two Democratic council presidents, Ben Hueso and Tony Young.

And the ironies don’t stop there. Alvarez was an early supporter of Cole’s council candidacy in 2013 when Young resigned to head up the local Red Cross, while Faulconer was busy backing challenger Dwayne Crenshaw.

Democratic insiders believe Kasparian’s involvement is a result of his painful defeats in the party Central Committee races in June, when Kasparian and Alvarez fielded separate slates in what Voice of San Diego described as “a surprising battle for influence over the local Democratic Party.”

“He ran a slate and got slaughtered in all of them,” one party observer told Spin privately. “He just hasn’t let that go. It’s fascinating to me that the head of the Labor Council is making it his number-one priority to di-

vide the Democrats on the City Council.”

As mentioned previously, these are sensitive times, and with sensitive times usually comes an eerie silence. Spin did catch wind of a meeting between Cole and Alvarez just before the Nov. 8 election at which Alvarez asked Cole about the council-presidency rumors.

One interpretation of Cole’s reply concluded that Kasparian asked her to run, although she didn’t want to. Spin has been told that since this happened Cole has not returned calls to Alvarez.

The council president wields significant influence as the setter of the council’s legislative agenda, the decider on what topics get discussed and the assigner of councilmembers to powerful committees.

This would seem an odd time to think Mayor Faulconer’s coattails are much to grab on to, considering the bath he took on Election Day in the races for City Council, city attorney and particularly on Measure C, the Charger stadium ballot measure that took a hard nose dive at the ballot box….

We interrupt Spin’s regularly scheduled speculation to report a player has indeed responded.

Huzzah!

“Thanks for inquiring,” Jimmie Slack, Cole’s chief of staff, said in an email just as Spin approached deadline. “I do not have much to say beyond the fact that the Council President is selected by the councilmembers themselves. If the councilmember’s fellow councilmembers request she serve as their Council President, or do not request her to serve, she is OK with it.”

So there you have it, folks.

Sounds like the Sherri Method will get another tryout next month. So, be careful how much you eat this Thanksgiving, council newbies—indigestion may be right around the corner.

Spin Cycle appears every week.

Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.

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UP FRONT | OPINION

AARYN BELFER

BACKWARDS & IN

HIGH HEELS

Choose a side, don’t be silent

“I think there is something horrifically dehumanizing about saying that the way to reach someone who has denied your humanity is to understand them.”

S

–Bim Adewunmi

o. My last column was right-ish: Hillary Rodham Clinton, the most qualified person—woman or man—to ever run for the most important office in the world, won in a landslide. But thanks to white people in general and white women in particular, we have put a racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, narcissistic sociopath in the White House.

Journalists and pundits who brought us here with their 18 months of fair-and-balanced coverage are busy hammering out “thought” pieces on what went wrong.

On Nov. 9, they started contorting themselves to make the false equivalencies they so adored during the torturous campaign, changing narratives to soften and obscure truth. By which I mean obliterate it: The New York Times referred to Steve Bannon, the next president’s Chief Strategist, as a “nationalist,” instead of a white supremacist, which is what he is.

And the Washington Post questioned, “Is Steve Bannon really as bad as all that?” The Fourth Estate has been looted of its finery.

Personally, my Jew DNA was on fire as soon as the prez-elect shut out the media. This should set off alarm bells for anyone who knows anything about history.

Monday morning quarterbacking is pointless. We are here and we cannot undo. The time to undo was on Nov. 8.

The reality is that most people absolutely do not want to face the plain-ass fact that this was about racism. Straight up. People who voted for the Monster-in-Chief decided that racism was not a deal breaker. And that makes them racist. Period. There is no need to dive into the polls and analyze what “we” missed and where “we” went wrong. We do not need to be empathetic toward those who voted for racism; particularly people of color and other marginalized groups do not have to find empathy. That’s an insult. No, the need is to be goddamned fucking honest with who we are as a society and where that has taken us.

Here is where we are: A Muslim woman in a hijab was attacked and robbed at San Diego State University the day after the election by two white men using the name of their next president. Two days after the election, a 14-year-old black boy in St. Louis suffered third-degree burns on his arm and buttocks after a white teen racist attacked him using a glue gun. In Brooklyn, a white racist, who loves his new president so much, returned to a restaurant where he’d just eaten and punched a woman in the face after overhearing her express her dismay at the outcome of the election.

The list goes on. Between Nov. 9 and Nov. 14, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) recorded 437 reports of hateful intimidation and harassment.

Keep in mind that his number only represents those that were reported.

Racism has always been here, even as so many refuse to admit it. Only now, white supremacy has been legitimized. Known and documented white supremacists such as Steve Bannon and Sen. Jeff Sessions have been invited into the room where it happens.

The majority of voters like myself, who rejected the hate at the center of the Republican candidate’s campaign, can feel sad and struggle to get out of bed and find ourselves brought to tears day after day, enjoying a smidgen of what it feels like to be marginalized in America.

But we must have our meltdowns in the privacy of our own homes and in our white-friend circles because ain’t nobody feeling sorry for us.

So feel all the ways you need to feel about this bullshit, but do something. Do. Something.

Call the House Oversight Committee (202225-5074) and ask for a bipartisan review of the president-elect’s financials and apparent conflict of interest.

Call Mitch McConnell (270-781-1673), Paul Ryan (262-637-0510) and your senators to demand that they reject white supremacists as part of the 45th president’s cabinet. Then follow that up with hand-written letters.

When you read that a child was physically or verbally attacked in school or on a school bus, find the phone number to that school and the district and call to express your outrage. Share that information on your Facebook page and ask friends to call.

Write a letter to the editor once a week. Correct coded language, halftruths, lies and propaganda.

Listen to people of color. Shaun King, Luvvie Ajayi, Deray Mckesson, Jamelle Bouie, Baratunde Thurston, Roxanne Gay, Charles Blow. Check out This Week In Blackness, Black Girl Dangerous, Very Smart Brothas, The Read and Another Round.

Report hate crimes to the SPLC. If you see something, stop and disrupt. Download the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) app to record incidents and automatically transmit video to the ACLU. Spend money wisely. Support black- and brownowned businesses. Be really bold and join the Injustice Boycott.

Rather than buying gifts this holiday season, make donations in honor of your friends and family. Donate to Standing Rock, the Flint Child Health & Development Fund, the Council on American Islamic Relations, the Disability Rights Network and Planned Parenthood (focus donations directly to red state offices).

Talk. Talk to your family. Talk to your friends.

Talk to your coworkers. Talk to strangers. Don’t let any racist comment or joke slide. Ever.

Don’t expect gold stars and fanfare. Just do the work. It is time to choose a side. It’s past time to choose a side.

Racism has always been here, even as so many refuse to admit it.

#SDCityBeat

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

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 7

UP FRONT | VOICES

RYAN BRADFORD

WELL THAT WAS

AWKWARD

When they go low, I go lower

“

8 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

W

hen they go low, we go high.”

Sorry, Michelle. I can’t do that. The rest of y’all can attempt to understand Trump voters and bridge the divide that has separated this great nation, but I have no interest. By no means am I advocating for you to stop trumping hate with your love, but when they go low, we need someone on our team to go lower.

And there’s no other reason to attend the San Diego Republican Party’s post-election meet-up other than to expose the squealing piss party that it is.

I ask CityBeat staff writer Torrey Bailey to join me because I’m about to intrude on what will very likely be the future Fourth Reich and need all the backup I can get. Plus, together we look like a nice, compliant Aryan couple, i.e., we’ll fit right in.

The meet-up is held in a convention center adjacent to the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley, which is a complete shithole, but still north of Interstate 8, thereby lessening the chance of Republicans having to see or touch or be in the vicinity of poor people.

Imagine that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when Indy has to don a Nazi uniform to infiltrate a book-burning protest, and you get the idea of how it feels to be a libtard-cuck-Hillary-supporting journalist in a room full of celebratory Trump supporters.

Red “Make America Great” hats bob through the crowd. Adults look ridiculous in them, but I imagine it also seemed silly when people started wearing red armbands.

Torrey and I beeline it to the bar, order the highest ABV beers available and chug. Another young couple approaches us, probably because we’re among the few non-geriatrics in attendance.

“We saw another couple standing awkwardly, so we figured we’d join you.”

They’re nice enough. They just completed the bar exam in July and are waiting to hear the results.

They live downtown, “right around where it gets sketch.”

The guy straight-up asks if I voted for Trump. I lie and say I voted third party. He pulls me aside and asks if I’ve ever read C.S. Lewis.

“He has an argument for God,” he says. “‘What do I have to lose?’ That’s what I thought of when I voted for Trump.”

“Huh,” I say, trying to treat this statement with the profundity that I’m sure he wants to imbue, but comparing the freedom of religion to a decision that will probably strip American Muslims of their fundamental rights is a shitty argument. For his sake, I hope he didn’t use that on the bar exam.

Tony Kvaric, the gregarious, self-deprecating chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego County takes the stage. “FELLOW DEPLORABLES!” he yells into the microphone. “Please take your seats.”

Kvaric leads us through a prayer, blessing the

newly elected officials. There are #bigleague whoops when he asks heavenly father Lord Jesus Christ to bless Donald Trump.

The excitement in the room is electric. There’s no hint of contrition, or—at the very least—cautious optimism regarding a candidate who nearly dismantled their party. They’re just fucking giddy to not be on the losing team anymore.

Then, Kvaric’s chumminess breaks, replaced with exasperation. “Now, what are we?” he asks. “Oh right. We’re sexist. We’re racist. We hate women.”

He shakes his head. “That’s not who we are, and I never want to have to be forced in that corner again.”

Then, to prove his point, he brings up the six or seven minorities in attendance and parades them in front of the audience like trophies. Each tells a story of why they wanted to Make America Great Again. “I need to take a picture with you after all this,” Kvaric says. “It’s going to blow liberals’ minds.”

You’re right, Tony. Fulfilling the base requirement of living in America and knowing someone— nay—having your picture taken with someone who looks different than you = mind blown.

But this will be the key to triumphing over Trump. I don’t believe that every Trump voter is a racist, misogynist and an idiot, but they voted for one. Their denial of the frightening repercussions that are already happening—open harassment of minorities, a proposed registry of Muslims, etc.—is an incredible act of compartmentalization. Passing the buck is how evil becomes banal. We need to keep reminding them of their insidious-isms, similar to swatting a lapdog on the nose when they’re bad.

Halfway through the diversity portion, Tony’s fresh-faced, redheaded son takes the stage. This was the first election he was old enough to vote in. “If you think being a Trump supporter in your daily lives is difficult, try being one on a college campus,” he says. The crowd gets a kick out of that because colleges are so strange! Just filled with gays, safe spaces and vegans, right?

Young Kvaric points out the lack of young people in the room. “We need to reach out. Young minds are waiting to receive this information…The truth is they don’t care about family values anymore.

They’re not having children. They don’t even want children!” He ends the speech with a Reagan quote: “If not now, when?”

So a beautiful, purebred ginger-boy trying to sway college students into conservative thought by telling them to procreate is not working for the cause? Weird.

Young Kvaric gets a standing ovation. Torrey and I get up to leave. On our way out, I hear Tony take back the mic. “My kids refer to him as Uncle Reagan.”

I shudder all the way back to the car.

Well That Was Awkward appears every other week.

Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com.

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UP FRONT | FOOD

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

tired version on offer at San Diego Chicken Pie Shop for the last 75 years, Pop Pie’s filling is rich, savory and thoroughly delicious. The chicken breast is tender, vegetables retain texture and the herb sauce brings it all together. The crust, though, is special: classic short crust on the botSan Diego joins the tom with what co-owner Steven Torres describes British Commonwealth as “a half puff pastry” on top. It is rich and buttery but not heavy.

Pop Pie’s Steak & Ale pie is a variation on a o Americans, especially as Thanksgiving classic British theme. Featuring that same gornears, pie means pumpkin, pecan or apple. geous crust, the filling holds tender braised beef In Britain and many of its former colonies, and barley, and is rounded out with mushrooms pie brings to mind a world of robust, savory ofand a British-style ale. Like all of its savory pies, ferings. Pop Pie Co. (4404 Park Boulevard) in it is sized for a single serving. The effect is a dish University Heights aims to get us in touch with that is rich and filling but not overwhelming. our inner Brit.

The veggie curry option— MICHAEL A. GARDINER featuring Indian-style yellow curry, shiitake mushrooms and potatoes—is fully satisfying without meat. But not all the savory pies are as good. The green chile version, in particular, was downright dry. It didn’t work as a green chile dish, nor as a pie.

If you want something other than a savory pie ignore the “sides” and just put one of its pies a bit to the left of your savory one. They’re small enough but make up in flavor what they lack in mass and stature. The honey bourbon pecan pie is sweet but not overly so, with a buttery, nutty richness. It wasn’t the crust or even the fudge that Chicken pot pie with creamed corn was the star of the salted caramel chocolate fudge pie, but rather the salted carThe origin of the pie lies in the savory realm amel. I’m a sucker for a bit of salt with my sweet and the need for nutritious, easy-to-store and and this did the trick. carry foodstuffs. This was particularly evident When Americans consider the arsenal of powith sea voyages but adapted well for long days tential delivery devices for their proteins, pie in the fields or, with the industrial revolution, becrusts tend not to be what they reach for—slices low ground in the mines. The Romans developed of bread, sure, or (at least here in Southern Calia tradition of encasing protein-based dishes in a fornia) tortillas. But with options like Pop Pie Co., pastry dough (flour, water and fat) that, particuthat may be changing. San Diego might be taking larly in the British Isles, evolved into a repertoire its rightful place in the British Commonwealth of dishes typified by the Cornish pasty (think [insert Brexit-Trump comparison joke here]. But “empanada on steroids”) and more traditional I still want my Thanksgiving apple pie. single-serving pies. Typical fillings included steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, and pork.

The World Fare appears weekly.

A good place to start exploring the savory pie Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com. world is with Pop Pie’s chicken pot pie. Not the

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD

BY RON DONOHO

URBAN

EATS

New eats in East Village

T

his Urban Eats column has been on hiatus— in part because my ability to dine out was hampered by partial-knee-replacement surgery. During two months of moderate immobility I missed out on some exciting downtown comings and goings. To make up for lost time I hoofed, gingerly at first, over to East Village to check out a trio of new and nearly-new eateries.

Still on crutches, I clomped into RMD Group’s Salvucci’s (935 J St.), formerly Común Kitchen & Tavern. Now with a more open/inviting floorplan, this casual Italian spot is near Petco Park. One reason compelling me to swing by was convivial manager Derek DiNublia, the face of the place. He used to manage Ciro’s Pizzeria & Beerhouse in the Gaslamp, and organized fun, intimate pizza-making classes. At Salvucci’s, though, DiNublia doesn’t let amateurs near the dough. It’s made fresh every morning, along with the eatery’s breads and pastas. My wife put the dough to the test and ordered the dolce maiala pizza, with fontina, mozzarella and a balsamic glaze (a vegetarian, she got it sans pancetta). It was light and fluffy and passed the bar. My shrimp scampi (with garlic, white wine, lemon butter and spaghetti) didn’t last long in the bowl, and was notably enlivened by the zesty lemon butter.

Days after ditching those crutches I discovered Beshock Ramen & Sake Bar. It seems to have been catapulted out of Japan and dropped onto the corner of Market Street and 13th Avenue. Beshock means “beauty of food,” and there are a lot of eye-pleasing aesthetics here, starting with the high-gloss, book-like menu that offers colorful food photos. What looked and tasted good was an octopus appetizer that nearly melts in your mouth. I ordered the Tantan ramen, with

10 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

pork sesame broth, spicy pork soboro, bok choy, leek and chili pepper. The pork was flavorful but the chili pepper was the takeaway. I finished the broth even though the chili pepper made it akin to downing liquid lava. (Now off oxycodone, I cooled the fire with a Long Island iced tea.) My wife, who can sniff out truffle oil anywhere, found it here in the Beshock sushi roll—snow crab, avocado, green onion, crispy fried leek, tuna, ponzu and that sublime truffle oil, which takes over, mellows your mouth and, I swear, put us in a state of Zen. On a more recent weekend, now back on my bicycle, I rolled up to colorful, new Como Ceviche! (317 Tenth Ave.), a site that has turned over a bit and was most recently a Carnivore Sandwich shop. Ownership is a partnership between Johan Engman (Breakfast Republic) and William Lopez (Alternative Strategies). The only food offered RON DONOHO

Salvucci’s dolce maiala pizza and shrimp scampi is eponymous, served fast-casual style. You can get your ceviche served alone, in a salad or as a burrito. The dishes come in a variety of styles— Mexican, Cuban, Peruvian, Caribbean and vegan.

I won’t go for Peruvian again (the choclo, or large corn kernels, aren’t appetizing), but I’ll be back for some Mexican (Baja style) ceviche with fresh fish, calamari, octopus and shrimp, mixed with red onion, cilantro, serrano peppers and avocado—and fresh plantain chips on the side.

Feet don’t fail me now.

Write to rond@sdcitybeat.com.

#SDCityBeat

UP FRONT | DRINK

FINAL

BY BETH DEMMON

DRAUGHT Surviving Trumpsgiving

I

’m terrified about our country’s future. But more immediately, I’m terrified at the prospect of this holiday season. How is anyone supposed to make it through Thanksgiving or any upcoming winter festivities without getting dragged into a heated political debate?

Answer: You’re going to have to get drunk. Sure, you can try to take the high road, but based on the last few weeks’ horrifying uptick in hate crimes and xenophobic propaganda, I’m not holding out much hope on calm, or even rational, discourse with racist relatives over the dinner table.

Luckily, there are plenty of local craft beers that can subtly (some not so subtly) make your political leanings known. ’Tis the season to pop some bottles that either bridge the gap or burn some bridges. Either way, the holiday season this year is going to be a doozy, so stock up.

Bully Pulpit: Council Brewing Company (7705 Convoy Court)/American IPA, 7.2 percent.

#SDCityBeat

Doofus: Bagby Beer Company (601 South Coast Highway)/Fresh Hopped American IPA, 6.7 percent.

This one’s Judgment Day: The Lost Abbey (155 painfully obvious Mata Way, Suite 104)/Quadrupel, 10.5 and available in growlers. percent.

The Day of Reckoning is upon us. Bring a bottle of this year-round release (if Double Bastard: you can find it in your heart to forgive Arrogant Brewing Citracado The Lost Abbey for Duck Duck Gooze) (1999 and embrace the Four Horsemen of the Parkway)/American Strong Ale, 11 percent.

Drunkpocalypse.

Make a (fairly straightforward) Mokasida Speedway Stout: AleSmith statement about our president-elect Brewing Company (9990 AleSmith without having to say a word by bringing a bottle or two of this to the table. Plus, Court)/Imperial Stout, 12 percent This one is perfect to share with your your ultra-conservative uncle will birther relatives. Not only is it named probably love the fact Stone laid a bunch for two African coffee regions, a portion of people off recently. America! of the proceeds go to the California Lost Boys and Girls Foundation. Plus, it’s deli- Long and Stout: Hillcrest Brewing cious. A limited supply of bottles are still Company (1458 University Avenue)/ Russian Imperial Stout, 11 percent. available in AleSmith’s gift shop.

I’m resigned to the fact that our new president-elect-who-must-not-be-named now has the biggest bully pulpit in the world, so bringing along a growler or fourpack of this crazy hoppy brew would be appropriate to mark the occasion.

Nothing like a growler full of highABV beer brewed within a gay enclave to leave a good taste in your homophobic family’s mouths.

Literally any beer you can get your hands on.

Let’s be honest— you’re going to need more than a few sips this season. For irony’s sake, it would be great to bring Mexican brews to upcoming family gatherings, but you should probably just stock up on whatever you can find, and as much of it as your mom’s fridge can fit. If you can find it in your heart to grab a pint instead of a pussy, it gives me a shred of hope that we can make it to 2020.

Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com, check her out on Instagram at @thedelightedbite or via Twitter at @iheartcontent.

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 11

SHORTlist

EVENTS

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

CITY HEIGHTS

1

CROSSING LINES

In visual art, the line is everything. It rates or parallels with other local artists,” says starts and completes the piece, and it Ruiz. “What I’ve found is that the connections are intersects and interweaves all that is within. As actually pretty strong.” anyone who ever went to art school can attest, For the exhibition, Ruiz curated a varied cast trying to make free-hand straight lines and perfect of artists working in a variety of mediums. From circles was often a lesson in futility. paint and photography, to sculpture and video, That’s one of the elements that makes Line / over a dozen names will be showcased. One of the Align / Realign (gvgcontemporary.com) so fasci- local artists in the exhibition is Melissa Walter, an COURTESY OF THE ARTIST illustrator who specialnating. Opening Saturday, Nov. 26 from 5 to 8 izes in highly detailed p.m. at the City Heights and geometrical patPerformance Annex tern pieces that attempt (3791 Fairmount Ave.), to explain the universe. the group exhibition Regional works include attempts to explore a sound piece by Renee how artists use lines, Lauzon, poetry-based as well as how their apworks from Barbara proach is often as varyRickman and paintings ing as the art itself. The from Blair Vaughnshow was originally Gruler. The opening meant to showcase lowill also feature music cal and national artists from DJ Aki Kharmiwho were graduates “Neutron Star” by Melissa Walter cel and DJ Uplift. Ruiz and alumni of the Verhopes the exhibition mont College of Fine Arts, but co-curator Michael works as a catalyst for artists, who might not othRuiz points out that they wanted to include other erwise think their work has anything in common, artists as well. to see the dualities and consider working together.

“It was important to highlight the work of the “This is something that’s just beginning,” folks who’ve graduated from the school and who Ruiz says. “It’s really an attempt to create locally are working artists in the community, but just as grown artists and communities that help support important was to explore how that work collabo- each other.”

SAN DIEGO

2

HOLIDAY SPIRITS

After a stressful Black Friday, we’d like to think that it’s time for some much-needed booze. Now in its second year, the Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll is a great way to support the avenue’s hoods (University Heights, Normal Heights and Kensington) on Small Business Saturday. From 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, patrons can sip holiday-themed cocktails at a variety of independently owned restaurants and stores. For $24, you can taste 14 different cocktails. Some of our favorite locations include Jaynes Gastropub, Polite Provisions and Sycamore Den, but there are even less likely businesses involved in the stroll such as Cal Coast Bicycles and Villainous Lair Comics. We’re not sure what those mysterious cocktails will be (a bike or Green Lantern-themed martini?), but check out the full list of participating venues available at adamsavenuebusiness.com.

GASLAMP DISTRICT

3

AQUATIC MAN

We all miss David Bowie, and while no amount of musical tribute nights or midnight screenings of Labyrinth seem to fill the void, they still offer a touching reminder of just how much musical awesomeness he left behind. No one knows this more than Seu Jorge, the Brazilian musician who readers might remember as the scene-stealing, singing sailor in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic. His covers of Bowie songs sung in Portuguese will be the centerpiece of The Life Aquatic—A Tribute to David Bowie, a one-night concert featuring Jorge playing songs from the movie, as well as deeper cuts audiences may not have heard yet.

It happens Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. at the Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.). Tickets start at $39.50 at sandiegotheatres.org.

MARIANA JORGE

HThis is an Art Show at Helmuth Projects, 1827 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. Tattooinspired art from Young Otis, Justin Cota and Cameron David Smith, as well as live music from Exasperation and Buddy Banter. Opening from 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23. Free. 619-265-6842, sayingtheleastandsayingitloud.com HBarrio Art Jam IV at La Bodega Studios and Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. The fourth annual event will showcase art from over 20 artists whose work centers on the theme of music. Includes musical performances all day. Opening from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Suggested donation. facebook.com/la.bodega.1 HLine / Align / Realign at City Heights Performance Annex, 2745 Fairmount Ave., City Heights. Local artists and alumni from Vermont College of Fine Arts will be included in this group exhibition that examines the subject of line. Artists include Irene Abraham, Doris Bitar, Melissa Walter and more. Opening from 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26. Free. 619-641-6123, gvgcontemporary.com Shop Small Saturday: The Studio Door’s ART Sidewalk Sale at The Studio Door, 3750 30th St., North Park. An art sidewalk sale, in which the gallery will spill onto the sidewalk and sell art from studio artists. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Free. thestudiodoor.com Aglow With Color at The San Diego Watercolor Society, 2825 Dewy Road #105, Point Loma. The San Diego Watercolor Society presents an art exhibition juried by award-winning artist, Drew Brandish.

Includes nearly 100 original ready-tohang paintings for sale. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. Free. 619876-4550, sdws.org

BOOKS HAmy Lisewski at Industrial Grind Coffee, 1433 University Ave., The founder of Finest City Improv will sign and discuss her book, Relax, We’re All Just Making This Stuff Up, in which she tells the lessons of a seasoned improviser. At noon. Saturday, Nov. 26. Free. finestcityimprov.com HKathy Griffin at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The comedian and TV personality will be promoting her new book, Kathy Griffin’s Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index. Ticket price includes admission for two and one copy of the book. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. $29.15. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com Joyce Maynard at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The bestselling author of Labor Day and After Her will sign and discuss her new novel, Under the Influence. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. Free. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com

COMEDY HDoug Loves Movies at American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., Downtown. Doug Benson for his traditional pre-Thanksgiving show and live recording of his popular podcast Doug Loves Movies. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23. $18. 619-7953858, americancomedyco.com

FOOD & DRINK

COURTESY OF THE ADAMS AVENUE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

HAdams Avenue Spirit Stroll at various locations. Over two dozen indie businesses through University Heights, Normal Heights and Kensington offer up drinks, bites and specials as part of the nationwide Small Business Saturday. See website for full list of participants. From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. $24. adamsavenuebusiness.com HDel Mar’s Fall Beer and Cider Fest at

Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll

12 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

Seu Jorge

H = CityBeat picks

Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Sample from a variety of more than 100 San Diego craft brews, special seasonal beers and a variety of ciders at this annual fest. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. $6-$20. 858755-1141, delmarracing.com Del Mar’s Fall Food Truck Festival at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. More than 30 Souther California-based food trucks will gather at the race track with chefs serving up snacks that can be paired with craft beer and cider.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. $6. 858-755-1141, delmarracing.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS Fantasy on Ice at NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. The annual skating rink and park features holiday-related activities and performances, as well as handmade goods and artwork for sale. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23. $120-$14.

619-573-9300, fantasyonicesd.com Hops & Shop at 32 North Brewing Co., 8655 Production Ave., Miramar. Peruse over 15 local artisan brands for the holidays. Includes complimentary gift wrapping, a children’s art and movie corner, beer specials, and more. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Free. 619-3632622, facebook.com/hopsandshopevent Surfin’ Santa’s Arrival at Seaport Village, West Harbor Drive, Downtown. Although we don’t get winter in San Diego, a bunch of surfing Santas will make this Southern Californian Christmas extra chill.

From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.

Free. seaportvillage.com HHoliday Tree Lighting at NTC Plaza Liberty Station, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. Enjoy a display of thousands of twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, along with live musical performances and a European-style popup market featuring local eateries and shops. From 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. Free. libertystation.com

MUSIC Give Thanks at Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Multiple reggae bands perform including Arise Roots, Ease Up, Cityside and Dubbest. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 23. $12-$30. 619-7360026, musicboxsd.com 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. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 27. 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. 25. Free. recordstoreday.com Count Basie Orchestra: Sinatra’s Jazz at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. The acclaimed musical ensemble will be joined by guest vocalist Jane Monheit for a tribute to Frank Sinatra’s unique contributions to the jazz repertoire. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. $20-$30. 619235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org Moein at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. The popular Iranian singer is known mainly for his love songs like “Hamdam” and “Bigharar.” At 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. $50. 619-5701100, sdbalboa.com

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 #SDCityBeat

EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 HArt of Elan Presents: CROSSFIRE at Glashaus, 1815-B Main St., Barrio Logan.

In celebration of Art of Elan’s 10th anniversary, this concert will feature the world premiere of AJ Nilles’ “Beat Suite no. 2.”

From 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. $15$30. artofelan.org Dorado Schmitt & the Django AllStars at The Auditorium at TSRI, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. The jazz band plays a swinging “jazz manouche” sound, created in the ‘30s by pioneering Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. $30-$35. 858784-2666, ljathenaeum.org HThe Life Aquatic: A Tribute to David Bowie at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. In commemoration of David Bowie’s recent passing, Brazilian singer/songwriter Seu Jorge will perform a special tribute among a recreation of the set of the film The Life Aquatic. At 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 30. $39.50-$49.50.

619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

PERFORMANCE

“Library, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire, 196572” by Louis Kahn is now on view through Jan. 31 at Louis Kahn: The Power of Architecture, a career retrospective at the San Diego Museum of Art (1450 El Prado) in Balboa Park.

#SDCityBeat

HToruk: The First Flight at Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. The new Cirque du Soleil show inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar uses a mix of visuals, puppetry and cinematic score to create a prequel to the movie. Various times. Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 27. $27-$200. cirquedusoleil.com HA Drag Queen Christmas at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown.

Popular contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race perform live on stage. Hosted by Season 8 contestant Thorgy Thor, along

with runners up Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls and Chi Chi DeVayne. At 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. $22.50-$152.50. 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

SPECIAL EVENTS HFather Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk at Balboa Park. The 15th 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 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24. $35-$45. thanksgivingrun.org Del Mar Thanksgiving Family Mile Fun Run at Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Participants can do a one-mile lap around the racetrack. A portion of the proceeds benefit Helen Woodward Animal Center and their equestrian therapy programs. From 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24. $12-$22.

858-755-1141, dmtc.com Salvation Army Thanksgiving Dinner at Golden Hall, 202 C St., Downtown.

The Salvation Army invites the community members, whether alone, without a home, in need of a hot meal, or simply wishing to share in the fellowship of neighbors, to join them for a Thanksgiving Dinner. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 24. Free. 619-231-6000, sandiego.salvationarmy.org HSan Diego Thanksgiving Day Dining Cruise at Flagship Cruises & Events, 990 N. Harbor Drive, Enjoy a gourmet three-course traditional Thanksgiving meal, complimentary champagne, views of San Diego Bay and live musical entertainment onboard a luxury yacht. From 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 24. $41.70-$69.50.

8004427847, flagshipsd.com HBlack Friday Cat Adoption Event at Coronado Animal Care Facility, 1395 First St., Coronado. Adopt any cat that has black on any part of their body (even a nose counts) on Black Friday, and pay reduced adoption fees. From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. Free. 619-5227371, pawsofcoronado.org Pomegranate Days at Oasis Camel Dairy, 26757 Old Julian Hwy, Now in its sixth year, the annual festival features camel rides, petting zoos and animal shows, as well as a circus and magic show. From noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 27. Friday, Nov. 25. $10-$15.

HNorth Park’s Small Business Saturday at various locations. This familyfriendly weekend event celebrates the locally-owned mom-and-pop shops that offer eclectic shopping experiences. Includes treats, discounts and pop-up live music. From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Free. northparkmainstreet.com 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. 26. americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/ HTijuana Market Hop at Turista Libre Meeting Spot, 727 E. San Ysidro Blvd., Tijuana. Tour the city’s longest-running flea market, as well as the Mercado Miguel Hidalgo, the city’s oldest open-air farmer’s market. Tickets include roundtrip border transport and complimentary pan dulce and coffee. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27. $30. 858-754-9406, turistalibre.com

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 13

THEATER

COURTESY OF ION THEATRE

Claudio Raygoza (center) in ion theatre’s staging of The Normal Heart

Revisiting the rise of AIDS

I

n these disturbing times, in which so many of us are apprehensive about the now and the soon to come, the darknesses of our collective history may be obscured, especially those that did not spring purely from war, terrorism or politics. This makes the timing right for ion Theatre’s mounting of Larry Kramer’s 1985 play, The Normal Heart.

The semiautobiographical work, which chronicles the horrifying emergence of the AIDS virus, is both a reminder of a devastating period in America and of how far (and how little) we’ve come on so many levels since the early ‘80s.

Ion Executive Artistic Director Claudio Raygoza delivers a fearless performance as Ned Weeks, the gay activist whose passion and anger over what’s happening to his fellow man, including his first true love, undermines his fight for help. As with the best of ion’s productions, The Normal Heart benefits from the Hillcrest theater’s intimate blackbox environs. Being part of the audience and feeling the burst of emotions—the pain, the frustration, the fury—from Raygoza’s Weeks is inescapable.

The first act of The Normal Heart, co-directed by Raygoza and ion Artistic Director Glenn Paris, is measured compared to the second act, where playwright Kramer’s narrative structure is more monologic. Not only Raygoza, but ion Associate Artistic Director Kim Strassburger (as a fiercely committed doctor), Michael Lundy (as an advocate breaking down from the strain) and Joel Miller (as the conflicted president of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis), lay bare all their raw emotions.

In spite of its ensemble’s heightened performances and riveting discourse, The Normal Heart is a disquieting theater experience, as it should be. Its story is still one without a finish, and that reality must not be lost amid the

14 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

exigency of our current political anxieties. Whether intentional or not, ion has made a bold choice to stage this still-important play during the compulsory merriment of the holiday season. If you’ve only seen the fine 2014 HBO film adaptation, catching ion’s production will deepen your understanding, and perhaps your outrage and compassion as well.

The Normal Heart runs through Dec. 17 at ion theatre’s BLKBOX in Hillcrest. $12-$45. iontheatre.com

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly.

Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING: A Christmas Carol: The mean and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge gets visited by three ghosts and, well, you probably know the rest. Adapted to be a musical by Sean Murray for Cygnet Theatre, it opens Nov. 25 at the Old Town Theatre.

The Mystery of Love and Sex: A “Southern Gothic romantic comedy” about two teens coming to grips with their respective bodies and sexualities. Written by Bathsheba Doran, it opens Nov. 25 at the Diversionary Theatre in Hillcrest. diversionary.org White Christmas: Based on the film of the same name, this classic Irving Berlin musical tells the tale of two singing sisters on their way to a gig in Vermont. Presented by San Diego Musical Theatre, it opens Nov. 25 at the Spreckels Theatre in Downtown. sdmt.org Hedwig and the Angry Inch: The Broadway musical adaptation of John Cameron Mitchell’s film tells the tale of a transgender East German rockstar who is just looking for her other half. Presented

by Broadway San Diego, it opens Nov. 29 at the Civic Theatre in the Gaslamp. broadwaysd.com

For full theater listings, visit “Theater” at sdcitybeat.com

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 15

CULTURE

ANDREWS MCMEEL PUBLISHING

COURTESY OF RANDALL CHRISTOPHER

Nothing spoils civilized quiet at the Thanksgiving dinner table more than a heaping helping of generational politics. For those who can’t bite their tongues there’s a collection of Doonesbury comic strips out that’d be great reading while spending time on the porcelain throne. Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau had been trying to warn us for three decades. Since 1987, his comic strip has lampooned the president-elect, and even foretold of the billionaire’s then (and still now) farfetched notion of claiming the presidency. If your memory fails you, or you’re too young to recall the ’80s, check out Yuge! 30 years of Doonesbury on Trump (Andrews McMeel Publishing). It’s essentially a 112-page satirical yearbook that chronicles all the narcissism, misogyny and general buffoonery we’ve come to expect in a modern resident of the White House. If you want review-type comments from the subject himself, The Donald has called Trudeau a “sleazeball,” “a third-rate talent” and an “over-rated” artist who “very few people read.” That equates to a rave for most of us.

—Ron Donoho

Nothing says gluttonous family fun like watching an animated short film about Nazi war criminals, amirite? No? OK, well, you should still make it a point to watch local artist and animator Randall Christopher’s bone-chilling 14-minute film, I Watched Ricardo Klement Get Off the Bus. Using stop-action animation to tell the story while the drawing is pieced together bit by bit, Christopher recounts the true story of an Israeli Mossad agent’s attempts to track down the notorious Nazi Adolph Eichmann in 1960s Argentina. The result is a magnificently paced thriller that deals in themes of justice, espionage and the concept that those who don’t remember history are doomed to repeat it.

Christopher is attempting to raise money via crowdfunding site IndieGoGo (where you can also watch the film) to complete the score and add sound effects, and he’s already in the process of entering the short into film fests. I tweeted a few months ago that I wouldn’t be surprised to see Christopher accept an Oscar in a few years. I stand by that statement. ricardoklementfilm.com

—Seth Combs

ROB CRANDALL / SHUTTERSTOCK

It’s easy to look at the holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, as a non-stop orgy of feasts and football, with a welcoming family couch to crash on around 4 p.m. or so. (I know I’ll be nursing a Tryptophan low around that time at my folks’ house.) But not every family’s history is so warm and fuzzy. Anagnorisis’ new album Peripeteia (Vendetta) is proof of the kind of torment that family can cause, in a black metal package. After frontman Zachary Kerr’s father died, he discovered a series of tapes his dad made when he was a kid, painting a portrait of an idyllic childhood that was anything but. He channeled that fraught relationship into this epic, intense and beautiful black metal album interspersed with samples of those childhood tapes. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s a powerful case of personal torment made into something greater.

16 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

—Jordan Packer

COURTESY OF SYFY NETWORK

This Thanksgiving, there will be blood. Not just the post-Friendsgiving Bloody Marys or the red rushing to Aunt Martha’s face when cranberry sauce stains the new carpet. But a fullfledged massacre of political values reminiscent of the holiday’s origins. In my white, largely-Catholic, Orange County family, I am guaranteed rah-rah Trump commentary. Inhale, exhale. I’m not the only one who should prepare exit strategies. Arm yourself with NPR’s Radiolab spin-off More Perfect, a podcast series that separates itself from the 24/7 presidential banter by focusing on the U.S. Supreme Court. Host Jad Abumrad uses interviews and audio clips to map out how past justices have arrived at major decisions on affirmative action, gay rights, capital punishment and more. While it will surely elicit fiery discussion, it’s a nice transition into thoughtful discussions about filling the ninth seat. In case the conversation gets too tense, wave around Obama-Biden memes like a white flag. Season two of More Perfect is set to release in 2017.

Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!

—Torrey Bailey

As college students will attest, it can be hard to cook a turkey when you aren’t going home for Thanksgiving. Even many people beyond college can relate to struggling to make something as simple as pasta, so cooking a big bird might be out of the question. But don’t get discouraged, Spoon University (spoonuniversity.com) is a website that provides recipes, articles and food advice for college students and the greater community. The website not only gives Thanksgiving recipes—such as how to make a turkey dinner out of fast food or solely out of Trader Joe’s premade dishes—but also allows you to select recipes based on your current mood, if its hung-over, sad about the election or healthy. Additionally, Spoon University has chapters where University of San Diego and UC San Diego students write articles that pertain to dining on campus. So whether it’s for someone who’s sticking around campus or someone just looking for easy recipes, thanks to Spoon, it’s entirely possible to make a successful Thanksgiving on the cheap.

COURTESY OF COMPOUND RECORDS

Oh man, this Thanksgiving is going to be bad. Your racist uncles are going to have a field day squealing about the election before farting themselves to sleep. Kind of makes you shudder, right? But hey, if you’re going to dwell in existential dread, you might as well be entertained by it, and Syfy’s Channel Zero is the most dread-filled TV show I’ve seen since Twin Peaks. Based on Internet urban legends, or creepypastas (a wordplay on the “copy/paste” method of how lore evolves in the virtual realm), Channel Zero’s first season follows Kris Straub’s “Candle Cove” story, which was originally formatted as a comment board where users shared troubling memories of a short-lived children’s TV show. The Syfy show fleshes out this plot in remarkable ways, turning what is essentially a fiction meme into a rich and terrifying meditation on memory, submission and the horrors of youth. Oh, and there’s also a monster with skin made of teeth, just in case you’re not shuddering enough during the holiday.

—Jeff Terich

—Ryan Bradford

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 17

CULTURE | ART

SEEN LOCAL HEART OF GLASS

“

T

his is my smallest truck,” exclaims Jean Wells (wellsart.com), referring to the giant, bright red Ford F-150 Raptor that’s parked in front of her Miramar studio. It’s the kind of truck you might see parked outside of a NASCAR race, but Wells is quick to add that the truck is more utilitarian necessity than flashy accessory.

“Maybe I should get a gun rack, and I can put a mosaic gun in it. Wouldn’t that be that hysterical?”

What she uses that truck for is transporting the extraordinary amount of colored glass and materials that go into just one of her gigantic sculptures.

One of the more successful artists on the local scene, Wells has done everything from giant mirrored toilets to an “Urban Fruit Tree” that is fashioned to look like it’s sprouting junk food. She recently created a glass art taxicab using a Smart car complete with hubcaps made to look like Life Saver candies.

A third-generation mosaic artist, Wells’ uncle was a Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, and her father and grandfather created mosaic pieces for the Catholic church in Wells’ hometown of Seattle. When she moved to San Diego for college in the ‘80s, she says her outlook on art changed when she was exposed to artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollack and Roy Lichtenstein. She started creating things like mosaic hot dogs before deciding that she wanted to use another kind of material.

“I moved to glass because glass could sparkle a lot more,” Wells says. “It was more exciting, and I felt limited by the little tiles I was using. It’s not as much fun.”

Her latest “fun” piece is the “GamBLING Machine,” a customized slot machine that brilliantly

Jean Wells and the “GamBLING Machine” blurs the lines between art and commerce. Ten months in the making, the machine was recently debuted at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center.

“I really felt the enthusiasm and excitement of the place, so it was easy to be highly creative,” says Wells, who adds that, as far as she knows, this is the first slot machine customized and created by a fine artist. “I think it’s a novelty, and Harrah’s really wants to incorporate art into the environment.

I think it elevates the experience.”

Harrah’s is already building a custom rotating stand for the machine, and Wells is now ready to start working on new pieces for an upcoming show in March at the Imago Gallery in Palm Desert. After that, well, she has some ideas.

“I told my husband I’m going to create a big giant hamburger,” Wells says. “We’re going to live in it.”

—Seth Combs

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE: GIVE ME A MINUTE, I’M THINKING

E

veryone should collect art, but for anyone who’s pronounced predilection for taxidermy and animal thinking about collecting, there’s something they bones, but there’s also fascinating pieces of folk art, should know: It’s addictive. Whether it’s buying vintage hanging lamps and a huge, vibrant stack of small-scale prints at a local art show or investing in Afghan blankets. There’s even a glass-encased acappreciable pieces from big names, it’s hard to stop tion figure of a Napoleon Dynamite character, beafter buying that initial purchase. cause why the hell not?

SETH COMBS I’d like to think that no one It’s all very interesting, but is more aware of this fact than by main issue with the exhibiMark Quint. While I’ve only met tion is simple enough: While I the man a number of times, the certainly agree with the sentiLa Jolla art dealer and man bement of “one man’s trash is anhind the highly regarded Quint other man’s treasure,” I’m not Gallery (and the newer Quint entirely sure what the point is Projects space) seems to have a of a showcase like this one. It problem knowing when to stop. also lacks any sense of symmeAfter seeing the Quint-curated try or cohesiveness, and while I Give Me a Minute, I’m Thinking wasn’t expecting subtleness, I at the Athenaeum Music & Arts was hoping for something more Library in La Jolla (1008 Wall than just, well, a well-organized St., ljathenaeum.org), I began accumulation of stuff you’d to speculate that this was a man usually find in a basement. The with multiple storage units. rather disturbing tooth chart In fact, to call Give Me a Minand the collage of taxidermy ute an art show or exhibition is animals is enough to make anya bit of a misnomer. Rather, it’s one’s eyes widen in perplexion, Give Me a Minute, I’m Thinking but the show may as well have a showcase of the myriad trinkets, antiques, knick-knacks, been called Hoarders of the ephemera and just bizarre randomness that Quint World, Unite! That’s cool and all, but that’s just it: has collected over the years at flea markets, auc- It’s just cool and not much more than that. tions and garage sales. It’s clear that Quint has a

—Seth Combs

18 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 19

CULTURE | FILM

Tower

Response time Trauma and memory fuse together in new doc/animation hybrid

by Glenn Heath Jr.

M

ass shootings are a terrible reality of mod- ity momentarily counterbalance such massive loss ern America. That was not yet the case on of life.

August 1, 1966 when student Charles WhitAnother sequence that leaves an impression inman took up a sniper’s position atop the University volves responding Austin Police officer Houston of Texas Tower and started firing indiscriminately. McCoy. Upon first being fired upon by the sniper, After 96 minutes of terror, the gunman was dead, 14 he reenters his car and drives away, an act of reinnocent bystanders had been killed and 32 others treat he later comes to regret. Similar feelings of wounded. Local news cameras and photographers helplessness can be found in co-eds who are caught captured the scene in fragments, leaving personal between wanting to help wounded classmates and stories of those involved obscured by terror. keep themselves out of harms way. One young womKeith Maitland’s new experimental documen- an is especially hard on herself for not having the tary Tower tries to fill in the gaps by powerfully de- strength to become an active participant in history. picting that fateful, hot summer day in Austin from Tower, which opens Friday, Nov. 25, at Digital the perspective of multiple survivors. Archival foot- Gym Cinema in North Park, is a strangely intoxicatage and animated re-enactments paint the events ing deconstruction of the non-fiction form. It openly as pivotal for both the individuals admits that documentary is unaffected and the nation at large. able to capture the whole truth In a unique twist on the talking even when stating “facts.” For evTOWER head formula, real life subjects are ery story Maitland follows, there Directed by Keith Maitland drawn as their former selves using are countless others that are ineviStarring Violet Beane, a process known as rotoscoping, tably experiencing the same event then portrayed by young actors in different ways. This includes Blair Jackson, Louie Arnette reading first hand accounts. the killer himself, who’s never and Chris Doubek The result is a fluid, drowsy and shown even after Austin PD OffiNot Rated nightmarish vision of trauma that cers Ramiro Martinez and McCoy seems to unfold in real time. Ini(both critical subjects in the film) tially, a sense of calm reflection takes hold with each shoot him dead after storming the clock tower. interview, as if the subjects were just remembering In this sense, Tower utilizes off-screen space like any other day. But that tenor of normalcy quickly a narrative film might, building tension from the subsides as memories of violence and sacrifice flood unseen. Other vantage points always seem to be linto the forefront. Maitland often paces the film like a gering around those core perspectives that are more suspense thriller (sometimes problematically) with fleshed out, calling into question how we witness set pieces that display courage and regret of those history unfolding and, in turn, how we process those involved. Splashes of primary color and comic book- memories over time. style panel framing heighten the emotions.

Maitland’s stirring film ends with some prophetClaire Wilson (voiced by Violet Beane), a preg- ic words on gun violence from Walter Cronkite, and nant student who lay wounded on the hot asphalt then a montage of footage examining modern day for nearly an hour, becomes a focal point for the atrocities committed on schools from Columbine film’s most engrossing segments. As shots ring out in to Virginia Tech. While never overtly political or the midday sun, she lies helpless, waiting for some- preachy, Tower refuses to become numb to such a one to assist until a passerby decides to put herself disturbing trend in our society. Instead, it leans on in harm’s way in order to keep Claire awake. Their hypnotic stylistics to remind us of the humanity betime together is stretched out to replicate the in- hind the headlines. tense waiting game where any one moment could Film reviews run weekly. be the last. These small but crucial acts of human- Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com.

20 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

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CULTURE | FILM

Sing Street

Loud and proud

S

uffering from the post-election blues? John Carney’s Sing Street might be the perfect film to temporarily lift your spirits. Set in Dublin during the 1980s, this coming-of-age blast of nostalgia is obsessed with the future. Fifteen-year-old Connor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) starts a rock band to impress an older woman named Raphina (Lucy Boynton) and discovers his own identity, as well as his love for musical expression in the process.

A glowing youth fantasy surrounded by the increasing pressures of real life, Carney’s musical is caught between the wonder of adolescent discovery and cynical adulthood. Each of Connor’s bandmates becomes a charming mentor that assists in traversing the difficult road of transition. For long spells, one forgets about the divorce, alcoholism, mortality, abuse and economic distress that threaten to define each of their lives.

That’s a testament to Carney’s strategic use of musical cues. Pivotal songs by The Cure, Duran Duran and The Jam all enter Connor’s impressionable headspace at the right time, often thanks to his burnt out but wise older brother Brendan (Jack Reynor). This inspires Connor to write his own lyrics with key collaborator Eamon (Mark McKenna), a quietly brave one-man band, then turn those songs into guerilla music videos.

Sing Street, released earlier this year in theaters and now streaming on Netflix, empowers its young protagonists to stand up against bullies of all kinds.

During a rowdy, and by some turns political, live concert that takes place at the annual school dance, Connor and his band use music to rebel against the Catholic priest administrator who uses violence to keep order.

It may sound like cliché on paper, but witnessing such a courageous act of expression with our current political climate in mind can’t help but inspire new level of hope after the storm. More than ever, film and art of all kind must remind us that Trump and everything he stands for is not normal. Not now or ever.

—Glenn Heath Jr.

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OPENING Allied: An American intelligence officer (Brad Pitt) falls for a French resistance fighter (Marion Cotillard) in North Africa at the height of WWII. Directed by Robert Zemeckis.

American Honey: For their “Last Chance Indies” series, the programmers at Digital Gym Cinema bring back Andrea Arnold’s divisive Cannes award winner about a gang of ruffians travelling around America. Opens Friday Nov. 25, and screens through Thursday, Dec. 1, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Cien Años de Perdon: A bank robbery gone wrong leads a group of criminals toward unexpected loot. Opens Friday Nov. 25, and screens through Thursday, Dec. 1, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Moana: In Disney’s latest animated adventure, a young woman uses her navigational talents to discover a mysterious island and is joined by the demi-god Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson).

Rules Don’t Apply: Warren Beatty directs and stars as Howard Hughes in this unconventional biopic that focuses on two of his young employees who fall in love.

Seasons: The latest documentary by filmmakers behind Winged Migration and Oceans looks at how climate change has impacted seasons around the world. Opens Friday, Nov. 25, at the Ken Cinema.

Tower: This experimental documentary mixes animation and testimonials to tell the story of the University of Texas mass shooting that occurred in 1966. Opens Friday Nov. 25, and screens through Thursday, Dec. 1, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

ONE TIME ONLY Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: All Steve Martin wants to do is get home for the holidays, but John Candy’s got other plans.

Screens at 8 pm. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

War Dogs: Based on a true story, this crime comedy follows two arms dealers played by Miles Teller and Jonah Hill who underbid the competition and score a massive government contract.

Screens at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26, at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills.

Pan’s Labyrinth: Guillermo del Toro’s sweeping horror film follows a young girl who encases herself in fantasy to escape the horrors of Franco’s Spain. Screens at 11:55 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Ken Cinema.

Bad Santa: Billy Bob Thornton plays an angry booze hound who uses his cover as a mall Santa to commit crimes. Screens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma.

For a complete listing of movies, visit “F ilm” on sdcitybeat.com.

November 23, 2016 • San Diego CityBeat · 21

HEATHER HUNTER

MUSIC

Kool Keith

“

MAKE MORE SONGS THAN I CAN REMEMBER.” Kool Keith isn’t lying. The prolific Bronx-based rapper born Keith Thornton has at least 26 albums to his name. Add endless collaborations, compilations and one-off appearances, and the number of musical contributions from the emcee and producer far exceeds expectation from someone 32 years in the game.

As a co-founder of pioneering New York hip-hop crew Ultramagnetic MCs, Thornton quickly became known for his distinct delivery, offbeat production and abstract, often sexually explicit lyrics. His long-running solo career, now more than 20 years old itself, has only added to the unique legacy through an unparalleled cast of alter-egos and aliases he’s created with near-method fervor. Whether as Dr. Octagon, Black Elvis or Dr. Dooom, the pseudonymhappy performer never fails to engage listeners with tales from his idiosyncratic bizarro world.

On his latest, the September-released Feature Magnetic, the rapper’s most compelling role is behind the scenes under the alias of Number One Producer.

With an all-star cast of rappers including MF Doom, Ras Kass and Atmosphere’s Slug guesting on every song, Feature Magnetic has no shortage of distinct and hilarious wordplay. But it’s Thornton’s tailor-made beats that steal the show.

“I customized each track for the person on it,” he tells CityBeat from his longtime home in the Empire State.

“Most of the stuff that’s out there right now is the same.

And it’s time for something different in the rap world.

There needs to be a real drastic change musically. People need to know there are different sounds to work with than what’s been in hip-hop for the last 10 years. And originality means a lot.”

While that last statement could stand as Kool Keith’s career mantra, his journey to full-fledged beat maker was actually born of necessity.

22 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

“For a long time,” says Thornton, “I had to beg guys for beats. I got tired of that. It’s a scenario like when I always had to ask people to drive me places. I ended up having to buy a car. It’s the same thing with beats.”

It wasn’t just the supply and demand chain that drove Thornton into production, he adds. “It was the politics of it as well. A lot of producers want you to feel handicapped.

When you don’t have a way of making beats, people don’t want to give you any. And as a rapper, that’s my food. My mind and creativity has to have that food.”

Self-sufficiency and sustainability are assets to any artist.

But for a 53-year-old emcee who refuses to retire the mic, it’s like the gift of eternal life. Fueled by an undying passion to create, the rapper’s unshakeable persistence also burns with the refusal to follow rap’s systemic ageism.

“Rap is the only style that has an age limit,” says Thornton. “It’s still seen as urban hood music and people don’t respect it as art. They respect jazz. People respect rock. But stereotypical rap protocol is five or 10 years before throwing it away to ‘move on’ to something else. A rock star can have a family and play guitar until he’s 99 years old. But there’s a limit on rap.”

Surprisingly, Thornton believes a pair of unlikely sources is responsible for the lion’s share of the problem.

“Most of it comes from black people,” he says. “They’re the only demographic that puts an ending on it. And it’s not just the audience but the rappers themselves. People just use rap to go on to do other things. They start acting, they get into television, do radio. And when they make it, they never have any compliments back about how rap is

why they’re popular. But they used it to gain these things.

It kills me how people take the art and abuse it.”

Thornton cites T.I. as an example of a successful rapper who not only juggles a massive family, multiple revenue streams and an ongoing creative output, but someone who didn’t forget what got him there in the first place.

Yet the lack of like-minded peers is anything but a deterrent. If anything, it’s just another thing that helps to stoke his creative fire.

Inspired equally by Curtis Mayfield, the Ohio Players and New York street artists creating aluminum menageries from Dr. Pepper and Shasta cans, the rapper is content funneling it all into his singular passion as long as he’s able.

“Some people need a bottle every morning,” says Thornton. “I’m a record-aholic. I like making records. I like going into the studio. And even though Feature Magnetic just came out, I feel like making more music right now. It’s my cause. My creative technique never dries up.”

As can be expected from an artist as prolific as Thornton, there are plenty of Kool Keith projects in the works.

While he’s anything but a predictable artist, that all-inclusive role of rapper/custom producer is likely to be around for many years to come—probably until the day someone is able to pry the microphone from Thornton’s hand.

“I never feel like there’s going to be an ending,” he says.

“Recording is what makes me happy. There are a lot of people out there who don’t like their jobs. And it’s not like a basketball player that can’t dunk no more. People can do this in a wheelchair. Music is in your heart. The creativity and dedication keep me going.”

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 23

MUSIC

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO LOCALS ONLY

F

ormer members of Cuckoo Chaos and Deadphones have started up a new band, Body Song.

The duo, comprising Jeremy Scott and Jackson Milgaten, have announced their debut live show on Friday, Dec. 23 at Soda Bar. However, Scott—who began Body Song as a solo project—says that, initially, the plan wasn’t even to perform live.

“I was writing and recording songs at home and over the course of a couple years ended up producing a record,” he says in an email to CityBeat. “I never intended to develop the project into a live act. Jackson (Milgaten) saw the potential for that, however, and we decided to give the project a legitimate try.”

So far, Body Song has released just one song from their upcoming album, titled “Eyes Will Follow.” The track is a stylistic pivot away from Scott and Milgaten’s previous bands and embraces a heavier electronic presence, with glitchy, programmed drum patterns and atmospheric piano. When Scott began writing the music, he taught himself how to make electronic beats, but found the process came naturally.

“The style developed pretty organically, as I pretty much just followed my intuition regarding the stylistic choices of each song,” he says. “It made for

a pretty eclectic palette of tones and soundscapes but the inclusion of saxophone, acoustic guitar, and voice, together with an overall moody atmosphere keeps the record from being TOMMY MCADAMS incoherent.”

Scott and Milgaten have worked together for more than a decade and Scott says that their friendship makes for a strong creative partnership.

“Having had such a longstanding friendship and musical relationship immediately lent itself to this project,” he says. “Because we’ve incorporated such new (to us) equipment and the live approach of this band is different than any band we’ve played in before, it could have been kind of a nightmare to actualize, but we communicate well and have similar enough perspectives Body Song and interests so that it’s been nothing but fun and rewarding.”

Another project featuring former members of Cuckoo Chaos, Exasperation—featuring Garrett Prange and Dave Mead—will also be playing their debut live show on Nov. 23 at Helmuth Projects, followed by a performance at Soda Bar on Friday, Nov. 25.

—Jeff Terich

LOCAL MUSICIANS REMEMBER JON GREENE

S

an Diego’s music scene lost one of its MVPs “In those moments I felt more alive than ever and earlier this month when Jon Greene died I know Jon was feeling the same way,” he says. “Creatunexpectedly on Nov. 8. He was 35 years old. ing and performing music amongst friends becomes a Greene performed in a long list of bands, including transcendental experience that is equally indescribPlateaus, Barbarian, able and supernatural Lowlands and Los and, I’m so glad we Platanos, and recordgot to share so many ed an even longer list of those memories for of other bands, such so many years.” as The Soft Pack, Chris Rosi, Crocodiles, Heavy Greene’s bandmate in Hawaii and Dum Plateaus, said that the Dum Girls. two became friends A memorial sershortly after he revice was held at Soda corded Rosi’s first Bar last weekend to band, The Anasazis. remember Greene One of Rosi’s fondest and pay tribute to memories was when his musical influence Greene spoke at his and the music that wedding.

Jon Greene, second from left, with Barbarian influenced him. Like“The day of my wise, many musicians he’s worked with have also wedding, Jon drove up early to help out and all day shared memories and tributes to their friend and he kept saying how he was going to give the best collaborator. wedding speech ever, kept hyping this speech and “Heroes are remembered, LEGENDS NEVER when the time came, he totally choked—saying mayDIE,” read a post from Barbarian’s Instagram account be two sentences—but it was so sweet and thoughtlast week. “You’re with me every day and always.” ful, I’ll never forget it,” he says. “Jon had such a treSeton Edgerton, of Barbarian and Well Well mendous impact on the music scene, but he also had Well (whose debut Greene also recorded), has a huge impact on me—he really was the definition a particularly fond memory of performing with of a great friend. I hope I can live up to the standard Greene at the Open Air Theatre in an opening slot he set.” for Arctic Monkeys.

—Jeff Terich

24 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

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November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

MUSIC

JEFF TERICH

IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

PLAN A: Bluetech, Dreamers Delight, Michael Be @ Soda Bar. Sometimes when you go to a mid-week show, especially right before a major holiday, you need something a little more chill than an in-your-face punk band. Bluetech is such an artist, creating downtempo electronic soundscapes to let the week wash away.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

PLAN A: Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Pie @ Your House. It’s Thanksgiving, so you deserve a night off from going out. Maybe your neighbor’s garage band will be playing, though. If they know “The Final Countdown,” then I might drop by. Save some pie?

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

PLAN A: The Lulls, Garden Echo, Exasperation @ Soda Bar. The Lulls, formerly known as Ed Ghost Tucker, are releasing their new record, so pick up a copy at the merch booth after watching them put on a great live show. Make it there early to catch new band Exasperation, featuring former members of Cuckoo Chaos.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

PLAN A: Nik Turner’s Hawkwind, Hedersleben @ Brick by Brick. Somebody slip some shrooms in your mashed potatoes and gravy? Nope, that’s just the psychedelic swirl of Nik Turner’s Hawkwind, who have been churning out epic feats of hallucinatory hard rock for more than four decades.

Space out. PLAN B: Brian Ellis’ Birthday Show w/ Birdzilla, Ruben Lady, Birth, DJs Eddy Funkster, Hotthobo @ The Hideout.

North County psych/funkmeister Brian Ellis is having a birthday show here, where everyone can help him blow out the candles with a night of deep grooves. BACKUP PLAN: Black Sabbitch, Wild Honey, Revolt-Chix, DJ Heather Hardcore @ Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

PLAN A: Kool Keith @ House of Blues.

26 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

Read Scott McDonald’s feature this week on veteran hip-hop artist Kool Keith, whose career has taken him from Ultramagnetic MCs in the ‘80s to Dr. Octagon in the ‘90s, and beyond. He has a new album full of bold and innovative hip-hop jams, so expect an eclectic, career-spanning show. PLAN B: Hot Chip DJ set, Goose Mavrk @ The Casbah. I don’t often do DJ sets in If I Were U—this is a live music column, after all. But if you’re going to opt for the wheels of steel, come hear members of UK electronic outfit Hot Chip play some tracks that’ll get the dancefloor moving like crazy.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

PLAN A: Young Thug, 21 Savage @ Observatory North Park. I confess that I don’t always get Young Thug, but I like what he’s doing regardless. He embraces androgynous fashion, bucks stylistic trends and does pretty much whatever he wants. And his new album JEFFERY (it’s not about me, I assure you) features some of his most interesting tracks yet. PLAN B: Gemma Ray, Minor Birds, Cosmics @ Soda Bar. Singer/songwriter Gemma Ray has a great voice, a dreamy aesthetic and a penchant for haunting songwriting that would make any Monday night more enchanting. BACKUP PLAN: AJ Froman, Boostive, Manganista @ The Casbah.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

PLAN A: Peter Murphy @ Observatory North Park. Peter Murphy played at The Irenic in the spring and it was an incredible show. The former Bauhaus frontman played many songs by his classic goth-rock band, as well as solo material from throughout his career.

He also warned us about Trump.

Guess we didn’t listen. Sigh. Well, at least we have more dark music of Peter Murphy his to hear. PLAN B: Part Time, Minor Gems, Nite Lapse, Mezzanine, DJ Amnesia @ Blonde. Part Time’s music is woozy, laden with synths (and sometimes saxophone) and feels like it was dubbed from an old ‘80s VHS tape. Which is to say it’s pretty fun and weird.

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MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Incantation (Brick by Brick, 12/15), Kaytranada (Observatory, 12/29), Pepper, Less Than Jake (Observatory, 1/25), You Blew It! (Irenic, 2/9), Senses Fail (Observatory, 3/3), Shiner (Casbah, 3/5), Menzingers (Irenic, 3/12), California Honeydrops (BUT, 3/17-18), Suicide Girls Blackheart Burlesque (Music Box, 4/13).

GET YER TICKETS Porter Robinson, Madeon (Valley View Casino Center, 11/29), Peter Murphy (Observatory, 11/29), Lee Fields (BUT, 11/30), Daughter (Observatory, 12/1), Living Legends (Observatory, 12/2), Queen Latifah (Harrah’s, 12/2), Helmet (Casbah, 12/2), Two Door Cinema Club (Harrah’s Resort, 12/3), Amy Schumer (Valley View Casino Center, 12/3), Miike Snow (Observatory, 12/5), The Album Leaf (Irenic, 12/9), Pylon Reenactment Society (Hideout, 12/10), Mr. Carmack (Observatory, 12/10), Pere Ubu (Casbah, 12/10), Jonathan Richman (BUT, 12/12), X (Casbah, 12/15-18), Gucci Mane (Observatory, 12/23), Henry Rollins (Observatory, 12/27), Citizen Cope (Observatory, 12/28),Mannheim Steamroller (Civic Theatre, 12/28), OFF! (Casbah, 12/28), Donovon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/28-29), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (Music Box, 12/29), Brian Setzer Orchestra (BUT, 12/31), The

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Donkeys (Soda Bar, 12/31), The Devil Makes Three (Observatory, 1/4-5), Warren G (Music Box, 1/6), Pepe Aguilar (Civic Theatre, 1/6), Beat Farmers Hootenanny (BUT, 1/7), Dawes (BUT, 1/10), Ozomatli (Music Box, 1/13), Lucero (BUT, 1/15), Marching Church (The Hideout, 1/20), Chevelle (HOB, 1/21), Lemuria (Hideout, 1/26), Lydia Loveless (Soda Bar, 1/27), Hamilton Leithauser (Casbah, 1/28), Devendra Banhart (Observatory, 1/28), Blind Boys of Alabama (BUT, 1/29), Run the Jewels (Observatory, 1/30), Mike Doughty (BUT, 2/1), Alcest (Brick by Brick, 2/8), Austra, The Range (Casbah, 2/8), Juicy J (HOB, 2/8), D.R.A.M. (Music Box, 2/9), David Duchovny (Music Box, 2/12), Reel Big Fish, Anti Flag (HOB, 2/17), Slim Cessna’s Auto Club (Soda Bar, 2/17), Adam Ant (Observatory, 2/18), Circa Survive (HOB, 2/212/22), Priests (Che Café, 2/22), Tennis (The Irenic, 2/22), Moon Duo (Casbah, 2/25), Steve Poltz (BUT, 2/24-25), Bon Jovi (Viejas Arena, 3/5), Sinkane (Soda Bar, 3/5), Japandroids (Music Box, 3/11), James Chance and the Contortions (Hideout, 3/18), Tinariwen, Dengue Fever (BUT, 3/30), Passenger (HOB, 4/2), The Damned (HOB, 4/7), Green Day (Valley View Casino Center, 4/8), Reverend Horton Heat (BUT, 4/20), The Wedding Present (Casbah, 4/30), Robin Trower (HOB, 5/19), Brian Wilson (Civic Theatre, 5/24), The Primitives (Hideout, 6/6), Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (Civic Theatre, 6/26), Coldplay (Qualcomm Stadium, 10/8).

NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23 Cash’d Out at Belly Up.

FRIDAY, NOV. 25 Chris Isaak at Belly Up. Yelawolf at Observatory North Park. Hirie at Music Box. Mother Hips at The Casbah. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at Belly Up Tavern.

SATURDAY, NOV. 26 The Interrupters at The Irenic. Nik Turner’s Hawkwind at Brick by Brick.

Mother Hips at The Casbah.

SUNDAY, NOV. 27 Kool Keith at House of Blues. Taylor Williamson at Belly Up Tavern. Hot Chip DJ set at The Casbah. Jai Wolf at Observatory North Park.

MONDAY, NOV. 28 Young Thug at Observatory North Park.

AJ Froman at The Casbah.

TUESDAY, NOV. 29 Arc Iris at Soda Bar. Peter Murphy at Observatory North Park. The Fink Bombs at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30 Lee Fields at Belly Up Tavern. Seu Jorge at Balboa Theatre (sold out).

Doyle Bramhall II at The Casbah.

DECEMBER THURSDAY, DEC. 1 The Widows at The Casbah. Besnard Lakes at Soda Bar. Daughter at Observatory North Park.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2 Living Legends at Observatory North

Park. Terry Malts at The Hideout.

Queen Latifah at Harrah’s Resort. Guttermouth at Soda Bar. Helmet at The Casbah. Lil Durk at House of Blues.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3 Home Free at Poway OnStage. Rufus Du Sol at Music Box. Amy Schumer at Valley View Casino Center. Pink Martini at California Center for the Arts. Two Door Cinema Club at Harrah’s Resort.

Agent Orange at The Casbah. Gonn at The Hideout.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4 Haley Bonar at The Casbah.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11 SIMS at The Casbah. Chasms at The Hideout. Sorority Noise at Che Café.

Jonny Lang at Belly Up Tavern. ‘91X Wrex the Halls’ w/ Blink 182, Pierce the Veil, Jimmy Eat World at Valley View Casino Center.

MONDAY, DEC. 12

MONDAY, DEC. 5 Miike Snow at Observatory North Park.

Jonathan Richman at Belly Up Tavern.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

TUESDAY, DEC. 6 The Slackers at The Casbah. Alex Cameron at Soda Bar.

The Shelters at The Casbah. Sara Watkins at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7 Muuy Biien at Soda Bar. CRX at The Casbah. The Cherries Jubilee at California Center for the Arts.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8 Anthony Raneri at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 The Album Leaf at The Irenic. Jackie Greene at Belly Up Tavern. Tijuana Panthers at Soda Bar. Merchandise at The Hideout. Barrington Levy at Observatory North Park.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

Benjamin Francis Leftwich at Soda Bar. Jonny Lang at Belly Up Tavern.

Pylon Reenactment Society at The Hideout. Pere Ubu at The Casbah. Mr. Carmack at Observatory North Park.

‘91X Wrex the Halls’ w/ Beck, Band of Horses, Local Natives at Valley View Casino Center.

Royal Teeth at Soda Bar. Sego at The Hideout. X at The Casbah. Dandy Warhols at Belly Up Tavern. Incantation at Brick by Brick.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 X at The Casbah. Eukaryst at Soda Bar. Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Observatory North Park. Red Not Chili Peppers at Belly Up Tavern.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 X at The Casbah.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 27

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 SUNDAY, DEC. 18 X at The Casbah. ‘For the Sender’ Holiday Show at Belly Up Tavern. Dave Koz at Balboa Theatre. Unwritten Law at House of Blues.

MONDAY, DEC. 19 Anuhea at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 Barb Wire Dolls at Soda Bar.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23 Hideout at Soda Bar., Gucci Mane aty Observatory.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27 Henry Rollins at Observatory North Park.

SPOTLIGHT Nobody was really asking for a continuation of the Eminem sound, but Yelawolf delivers it anyway. The rapper’s songs deal heavily with his poor upbringing, and his rapid-fire delivery is so reminiscent of Mr. Mathers’ that there would be grounds for a lawsuit if Yelawolf weren’t signed to Em’s Shady Records.

But if you’re into nostalgia, Yela’s latest album Love Story takes that late ‘90s fury and stacks it on top of Everlast-esque acoustic raps. This dude also has a pretty good voice, and can actually sing when he wants to. Yelawolf plays Friday, Nov. 25, at Observatory North Park.

28 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

rCLUBSr

32 North Brewing Co., 8655 Production Ave., San Diego. Miramar. Sat: Hops & Shop.

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., San Diego. Pacific Beach. Wed: Electric Mud, The Chrome Domes. Fri: Orange Grove, Sol Remedy. Sat: Twisted Relatives, Krooktone Classics. Tue: Irieality.

American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Wed: Doug Loves Movies. Fri: Yannis Pappas. Sat: Yannis Pappas. Sun: Yannis Pappas.

The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley. Spring Valley. Thu: Bottomfed.

Sat: Dark Globe.

Bang Bang, 526 Market St., San Diego.

Downtown. Wed: Sonny Fodera. Fri: Nora En Pure. Sat: Tensnake.

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

North Park. Wed: ‘Mid-Week Boogie’ w/ DJ L. Fri: ‘80s vs. 90s’. Sun: ‘Rat Sabbath’. Mon: Tori Roze and the Hot Mess.

Tue: ‘Tiki Tuesday’.

Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Wed: Adam Block Duo. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Cash’d Out, Delta Bombers. Fri: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Sat: Wayward Sons, Way Cool Jr.. Sun: Taylor Williamson, Jesse Egan.

Tue: Over the Rhine.

Fri: Privatized Air, Everything Undone, Amaya Lights, Hocus.

Chico Club, 7366 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa. Wed: DJ Harvest Karaoke. Fri: DJ Harvest Karaoke. Sat: DJ Harvest Karaoke. Sun: DJ Harvest Karaoke.

Dirk’s Nightclub, 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Fri: FX5.

Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. Mission Bay. Sat: Joshua White.

F6ix, 526 F St., San Diego. Downtown.

Fri: DJ Dynamiq. Sat: DJ Rell, Paris Paul.

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., San Diego.

Downtown. Fri: DJ Jam. Sat: DJ Brett Bodley.

Blonde, 1808 W. Washington Street, San Diego. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’. Fri: ‘Oasis/New Order/Stone Roses Night’. Tue: Part Time, Minor Gems, Nite Lapse, Mezzanine, DJ Amnesia.

Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Wed: Ride the Mule.

Thu: ‘Night Skool’. Fri: ‘Good Times’.

Sat: ‘Rock Star Saturday’. Tue: ‘50s/60s Dance Party.

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

The Hideout, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Sat: Brian Ellis, Birdzilla, Ruben Lady, Birth, DJs Eddy Funkster, Hotthobo.

Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

Hillcrest. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJ Junior the Disco Punk.

Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego. Bay Park. Sat: Nik Turner’s Hawkwind, Hedersleben.

Cafe Sevilla, 353 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

Downtown. Thu: Thanksgiving at Cafe Sevilla. Sat: Flamenco Dinner Show.

Sun: Buena Vista Sundays.

The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. Midtown. Wed: ‘Booty Bassment’.

Fri: Mother Hips. Sat: Mother Hips. Sun: Hot Chip DJ set, Goose Mavrk. Mon: AJ Froman, Boostive, Manganista. Tue: The Fink Bombs, Alvino and the Dwells, Secret Samurai.

The Che Cafe, 9500 Gilman Dr,, La Jolla.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Downtown. Sat: ‘Holiday Hangover’ w/ The Cured, Strangelove. Sun: Kool Keith.

The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., San Diego.

North Park. Sat: The Interrupters, Left Alone, Oceanside Sound System.

Java Joe’s Normal Heights, 3536 Adams Ave., San Diego. Normal Heights.

Fri: Veronica May. Sat: ‘25th Anniversary Showcase’ w/ Berkley Hart, Gregory Page, Veronica May. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. Midtown. Wed: Psilo. Fri: ‘Progress’. Sat: Lee Reynolds.

Lestat’s West, 3341 Adams Ave., San

#SDCityBeat

MUSIC

SPOTLIGHT

The best part of being in a cover band is coming up with a good name, and there’s decades of precedent to prove that women are much better at it than their male counterparts: Ms. Fits, AC/D-She and Cheap Chick being some of the best puns to come out of the tribute band genre. Black Sabbitch can be counted among those MVPs, and not just because of their name. The all-female Black Sabbath tribute band rocks so hard that someone once called the cops on them, but instead of shutting down the show, the police hung around and had a good time. That’s metal AF. Black Sabbitch plays at Soda Bar on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Diego. Normal Heights. Fri: The Fears, Hosanna Aim. Sat: Courtney Preis, Tony Palkovic.

Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Fri: Flipside Burners. Sun: Ron’s Garage.

The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., San Diego. Hillcrest. Wed: Mockingbird, Enter The Blue Sky, Peter Ray Band. Fri: WestCope, Electric Church, Roots of a Revival. Sat: Kid Wilderness, The Boondock Brothers, The Tommy Mitchell Show.

Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego.

Little Italy. Wed: Give Thanks, Arise Roots, Ease Up, Cityside, Dubbest. Fri: Hirie, Micah Brown, Iya Terra, DJ Queendom Tribe. Sat: Earl Cunningham, Father Psalms, Roots Covenant.

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

North Park. Wed: ‘Jive Turkey’ w/ DJs Kanye Asada, Ikah Love. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs Adam Salter, Kid Wonder. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs Kanye Asada, Gabe Vega. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’.

OMNIA Nightclub, 454 6th Ave, San Diego. Wed: Robin Schulz. Fri: DJ Five.

Sat: Dannic.

#SDCityBeat

Parq, 615 Broadway, San Diego. Wed: DJ Mustard. Fri: ‘Black Friday’. Sat: DJ Shift.

the Unkind Ravens, Jesse Lamonaca and the Dime Novels.

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

Hillcrest. Wed: DJs Cros, John Joseph.

Fri: DJs John Joseph, Moody Rudy. Sat: DJs K-Swift, Taj. Sun: DJs Casey Alva, Hektik.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Thu: Lochness Mobsters. Fri: Sick Sick Sinners, Cursed Bastards, Rodeo Riot. Sat: ‘Louder Than Bombs’.

Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Fri: Good Mojo. Sat: Pushin’ Rope.

Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., San Diego.

Bay Park. Wed: Gino & The Lone Gunmen. Fri: Good Time Karaoke. Sat: Good Time Karaoke.

Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. City Heights. Wed: Bluetech, Dreamers Delight, Moontribe DJ. Fri: The Lulls, Garden Echo, Exasperation. Sat: Black Sabbitch, Wild Honey, Revolt-Chix, DJ Heather Hardcore. Sun: Skinny Lister, Lincoln Durham, Trapper Schoepp. Mon: Gemma Ray, Minor Birds, Cosmics. Tue: Arc Iris, Qais Essar, Blood Ponies.

SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Midway. Fri: Ash Jetson, Nate Fitzbutler, Disciples of the Canyon, Osiris Jeph and T-Def, lendarius, J-Run. Sat: Sleeping With Sirens, State Champs, Tonight Alive, Waterparks, ‘Black Cat Wax’.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sun: Daniel Crawford and

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., San Diego. City Heights. Fri: Clit 45.

Ux31, 3112 University Ave., San Diego.

North Park. Wed: DJs Artistic, Tramlife.

Fri: Camron Zibaie. Sat: DJ Junior the Disco Punk. Sun: ‘Reggae SD’.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St, San Diego.

South Park. Wed: ‘Open Oscillator’. Fri: ‘Death by Dancing’ w/ DJ Jon Blaj. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’. Sun: ‘Obviously Orduno’.

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., San Diego.

Ocean Beach. Wed: Psydecar, DJ Carlos Culture . Fri: Pato Banton & Fluid Foundation. Sat: The Fuzz Junkies. Mon: Electric Waste Band.

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 29

LAST WORDS | ADVICE

AMY ALKON

ADVICE

GODDESS Knight Shift My boyfriend of a year is a big sweetheart, but whenever we go out to eat, he always orders first. It really bothers me, and I feel disrespected and embarrassed that people are seeing this, despite how this probably makes me a bad feminist. How do I ask him nicely to let me order first when we dine out?

—Irked Suddenly, he’s shoving you out of the way to get to the lifeboat—yelling back, “Babe, you’ll be fine!

You were on the swim team!”

At least, that’s the way the older couple next to you are likely to see it when he orders his meal first, and that is embarrassing. Sadly, it doesn’t help that feminist academics have deemed customs like women ordering first “benevolent sexism”—casting women as weak and in need of protection and coddling by men (aka patriarchal cockroaches).

Males, throughout human history and throughout the animal kingdom, did evolve to be the protectors and defenders of women. This makes biological sense, considering that women provide a cozy B&B for the developing fetus, plus liquid refreshment and child care after the kid is born. And even a relatively wimpy man is likely to have more muscle mass, upperbody strength and aggression-energizing testosterone than most women.

A number of modern behavioral protocols come out of these sex differences. For example, there’s how the man’s the one to walk closest to the curb, open the car door, and act as a human shield against a gun-toting mugger—despite how, these days, even the itsy-bitsiest woman can make quick work of an attacker with her sparkly “My Little Pony”-emblazoned Smith & Wesson.

The reality is that the psychology driving these customs, which evolved over millions of years, doesn’t just change all “presto gloriasteinemo!” because women now have ways to defend themselves.

That’s probably why you feel embarrassed about others’ eyes on you. Evolutionary psychologist Daniel Sznycer, who researches shame, explains that shame is not just a feeling. It seems to be an information management program that evolved to help us protect our reputation. That feel-bad that rises up in us is a signal that we’d better do something pronto to stop our slide down the social totem pole.

As for how to tell your boyfriend, keep in mind that you can school a guy in social customs but you can’t school him in being “a big sweetheart.” Use a compliment as your launchpad—about wonderful things he does for you—and then throw in a “I

know you didn’t realize this, but…” This way, it’s not so much a criticism as a pointer on how to make you happier.

And the truth is, if you’re like a lot of women, you might find it sexy when the physical differences between men and women are emphasized in small symbolic ways like this. No, you aren’t a traitor to womankind if you say “Thanks…that’s so sweet!” when a guy puts his coat around your shoulders— instead of “Get that thing off me! I’ll do the feminist thing and freeze.”

Make Vroom For Daddy I’m a divorced woman in my 40s, and I just started dating again. I’m seriously tired of it already, after just two dates with two really disappointing guys. I want to cut to the picture in my head— cuddling on the couch and watching Netflix with my new handsome beau. Meeting somebody shouldn’t be this hard. I’m launching a new business, and my time seems better spent working than on some crappy date. But I also don’t want to be alone forever.

—Annoyed

It’s not so much a criticism as a pointer on how to make you happier.

30 · San Diego CityBeat · November 23, 2016

Your expectations about how easy it should be to find new love aren’t just unrealistic; they’re unrealistic by fairy-tale standards. It’s “Someday, my prince will come,” not “Get crowd control over here pronto for the mob of handsome, fabulous royals who will soon be gathering on my front lawn.”

Picturing yourself in the cuddly-wuddly life you feel you should already have may be part of the problem. Motivation researcher Gabriele Oettingen finds that fantasizing is often demotivating—fooling our mind into believing that we already have the thing we’re dreaming of. Oettingen’s research makes a case for combining fantasizing with what I’d call “positive pessimism”—making yourself consider all the things standing in the way of what you want. As Oettingen explains it, thinking concretely about the obstacles we have to overcome helps energize us to tackle them.

The reality is, the older you get and the more you expect from a boyfriend the harder it will be to find one. So either buckle down and prepare for the dating grind or do what it takes to immediately have a life partner who will look at you with great adoration: Give your dog salami.

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@ aol.com (advicegoddess.com). (c)2016, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved.

#SDCityBeat

#SDCityBeat

November 23, 2016 · San Diego CityBeat · 31