Vote Travel Bus Visits San Diego National Campaign Urges Voters to Consider Potential Tourism Dollars

P.O. BOX 633031, San Diego, CA, 92163 • T 619 269 8001 • F 619 839 3118 www.mancecreative.com

Volume 13 issue 5

May 2012

Columbia • Core/Civic • Cortez Hill • East Village • Gaslamp/Horton Plaza • Little Italy • Marina

➤➤ feature p. 11

2012CLIENT MayoralPROJECT VERSION ElectionCLIENT APPROVAL DATE SAN DIEGO Logo Design DOWNTOWN NEWS FINAL X 1/9/12

Sicily in Little Italy

➤➤ dining p. 16

Glass Door’s view

➤➤ theater p. 24 Congressmember District Attorney Assemblymember Councilmember Bob Filner Bonnie Dumanis Nathan Fletcher Carl DeMaio

By Esther Rubio-Sheffrey By Esther Rubio-Sheffrey By Anthony King with Anthony King By Margie M. Palmer Downtown News Downtown News Downtown News Downtown News

ith the primary election set for an Diego District Attorney and hen Assemblymember ouncilmember Carl DeMaio is W June 5, Congressmember Bob S 2012 mayoral candidate Bon- W Nathan Fletcher announced C one of two Republican candi- Filner is the sole Democrat in the nie Dumanis said she thinks being March 28 he was leaving the dates vying to become San Diego’s race to be San Diego’s next mayor. the sole woman running for mayor Republican Party to run for next mayor. During the June 5 He is fond of saying his political gives her an edge heading into the mayor as an Independent, many primary election, he will square off career began in prison because he June 5 primary election. “I think felt this was the right decision against three other major candi- “Brownie Points” was one of many Freedom Riders it’s really an advantage because I for the Marine-turned politician. dates: District Attorney Bonnie see Filner, page 6 see Dumanis, page 7 see Fletcher, page 6 see DeMaio, page 7 ➤➤ travel p. 2 6 Vote Travel Bus visits San Diego National campaign urges voters to consider potential tourism dollars

By Ashley Mackin in elections, Michael Jacobson, Downtown News manager of grassroots efforts for the U.S. Travel Association, said On its 16th of 37 stops, the the purpose of the bus’s visit was to U.S. Travel Association’s Vote educate voters. He said the tourism Ojai delights Travel bus tour visited Petco industry creates 14.4 million jobs Park in downtown on April 19. nationwide and generates $1.9 tril- The bus tour began in Memphis, lion for the national economy. Index Tenn. on March 27 and ends in “Our main message is to get Tampa, Fla. on May 21. out there and ask people to not Briefs…………………10 With the message of “Vote necessarily focus on Republican or Balboa Park…….……12 Travel” when it comes to candi- (center l to r) Councilmember Todd Gloria and ConVis CEO Joe Terzi with Vote Calendar………………14 dates and issues voters support see Travel, page 9 Travel representatives at the San Diego tour stop. (Photo by Daniel Solomon) Happening……………18 Art……………………21 Fashion……..………27 Contact Us Editorial/Letters 619-961-1953 [email protected] Advertising 619-961-1958 [email protected] www.sdcnn.com San Diego Community News Network 2 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 news San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 3 Sherman Heights Walmart gets past construction controversy East Village business owners see no concern with proposed store

Construction on the old Farmers Market building can resume; photo taken Monday, April 23. (Photo by Daniel Solomon)

By Margie M. Palmer done none of that. They are not April 18. Coordinated by the Labor Downtown News talking to us.” Council, the effort called upon Gonzalez also said she, along Councilmember David Alvarez and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced with other Sherman Heights resi- Mayor Jerry Sanders to issue a it would be opening their first San dents, are heartbroken to see the stop-work order for the site until a Diego Neighborhood Market, ongoing demolition of parts of the judge could review the permitting. choosing the former Sherman Farmers Market building. “Leaders will outline the disre- Heights Farmers Market building Demolition crews began spect shown to the community and as their desired location. The once removing a corner segment of the demand immediate intervention to bustling Farmers Market, located building in the early hours of April stop work at the site,” Pierce said in at 2121 Imperial Ave., opened over 17. A Walmart spokesperson said a press release. 100 years ago but has been vacant the temporary removal was neces- Although the group was suc- since 2010. sary in order to complete necessary cessful in having the construction Walmart announced that at seismic retrofits. temporarily halted, a Superior completion, the 45,800-square-foot A community rally was held store would offer a selection of outside the building at 6 a.m. on see Walmart, page 23 fresh foods and produce, home-care items and would employ 67 people. Steven Restivo, senior director of Walmart community affairs, said the size, scale and price-point of the store was reflective of the community’s needs. “Our affordable grocery offerings help serve a real need in the neighborhood,” he said in a press release. Labor leaders have said they believe the soon-to-be neighborhood market is being anything but neighborly. San Diego and Imperial Coun- ties Labor Council Media Director Patrick Pierce and CEO Lorena Gonzalez have been among the strongest voices against the store’s move into Sherman Heights. Pierce said upon learning of Walmart’s plans to open the Neighborhood Market, residents, non-profit organizations and faith and labor leaders began the process of soliciting the community’s input on the proposed store. Among the requests presented to Walmart Senior Manager for Public Affairs and Government Relations Aaron Rios were to have the company hire locally, provide affordable health care and invest in community programs. “All of the issues included are considered vital commitments to meeting the needs of local residents and [are] important for any large retailer interested in being a partner in the success of our community,” Pierce wrote in an April 10 letter. Gonzalez said instead of hiring locally, the big-box retailer brought in a contractor from San Clemente, Calif. and Walmart also failed to acknowledge their other community requests. “We asked they meet with the community to discuss traffic mitigation [and] we asked they hire locally,” Gonzalez said. “They have 4 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 news Cajun-style food, music and fun Gator by the Bay festival takes over Spanish Landing Park

By Bart Mendoza Downtown News

Although New Orleans may be 1,800 miles from San Diego, the weekend of May 11 to 13, locals will not have to go further than Spanish Landing Park and the 11th annual Gator by the Bay festival to experience a taste of Louisiana. Over 14,000 people are expected throughout the weekend, with the event featuring three days of dancing, Cajun culinary delights and fun for all ages. Food is always an important component of any open-air music festival, but that’s especially true with Gator by the Bay. Among the highlights for food lovers will be a cooking demonstrations tent, featuring Marine Room Executive Chef Bernard Guillas on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Also perennially popular is the crawfish, with more than 10,000 pounds of the New Orleans staple on Participants at last year’s festival (Photo by Peter Oliver) hand and lessons provided on how to eat them properly. New this year including national acts such as tional festival, first and foremost it’s will be a Louisiana-style oyster bar in blues rocker Commander Cody of a San Diego festival, so we always the Cajun and Creole food court. “Hot Rod Lincoln” fame, Grammy- try to include as many area artists The event has expanded into winning zydeco hero Chubby as we possibly can,” he said. Friday evening, as “Gator by Night,” Carrier and Flying Burrito Brothers Oliver also said variety has features a Blues Supper Club atmo- founder Ian Dunlop, will perform at increased within the musical lineup. sphere around the Bourbon Street the festival. Notably, Gator by the stage, with Louisiana cuisine for din- Bay will also shine a spotlight on see Gator, page 19 ner followed by dancing. Non-danc- local artists, such as seven-time San ers need not worry; the festival has Diego Music Award winner, Eve an official “no fault” dance policy, Selis, as well as acoustic bluesman with the point being to just have fun Robin Henkel and hot jazz combo on the dance floor. However, free the Zzymzzy Quartet. lessons are also provided should This is the second year perform- the need arise. ing at the event for Selis. “I’d never More than 85 performers, done a festival like that, with blues and the incredible food,” she said. “It’s so much fun because the people that attend this are in a great mood, as you can tell, because everybody’s dancing.” She also said she does adjust her set slightly for events like this. “We don’t play as many ballads or slower tunes as we might otherwise,” she said. “This is a crowd that likes to get out there and move. It’s about having a good time.” Henkel agreed with Selis’s senti- ment. “People that attend this are just so happy and open to hearing things, it’s great that organizers do such an outstanding job bringing together so many different musical styles,” he said. “Of the shows that I do, this is a really good one, with a respectful, fun loving audience. I wouldn’t miss it.” Gator by the Bay co-founder Peter Oliver said he considers the local performers as important as the internationally known Grammy More than 10,000 pounds of craw- winners. “Although this is a na- fish are on hand.(Photo by Jim Boyle) San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 5 6 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 news From page 1 From page 1 Filner fletcher arrested during the civil rights Fletcher’s move sparked many movement for attempting to to leave the traditional political register, educate and inform parties, including the formation African-American voters. of “Movement to the Middle,” a Police took Filner, then 18 coalition of local business lead- years old, into custody, which led ers re-registering as Indepen- to two months in the Mississippi dents to “end partisan gridlock.” State Penitentiary. While incar- “What Nathan [Fletcher] cerated, several Freedom Riders did was an incredibly bold move were nearly beaten to death and that gave voice to what so many Filner said he feared for his life of us were already feeling,” said but never regretted his actions, Donovan’s Steakhouse President nor has he stopped pursing an and CEO Dan Shea in a press end to racism. “Racism still ex- release. Shea is a founding mem- ists today in jobs, housing and ber of Movement to the Middle. education, and I continue to be “You can sit around complaining, involved in many efforts to eradi- or you can stand up and say, cate [it],” he said. Congressmember Bob Filner with a constituent. (Courtesy office of Bob Filner) ‘We’re not going to accept this Education is one of Filner’s anymore,’” he said. biggest issues, having been increase a family’s educational heavily advocated by fellow The Assemblymember’s a teacher at San Diego State choice in a positive way. candidate, Councilmember Carl move also makes the primary Nathan Fletcher University for 20 years before Regarding higher education, DeMaio. While all other major election on June 5 important, as (Courtesy office of Nathan Fletcher) his election to the San Diego Filner said our high schools and mayoral candidates support voters in San Diego will be decid- School Board in 1979. You community colleges can lead the June’s ballot initiative, Proposi- ing on which candidates move to makes him most proud. might even call education his way on a national level by taking tion B, Filner said he does not the November general election. “We partnered with an amaz- soft spot; it is a cause for which full advantage of the region’s feel it is the right path to take. The mayor’s office is non-parti- ing family, a motivated commu- he strongly advocates. bi-national geographic position, “It puts employees who do san, and the top two candidates nity and we led a broad delega- “My children and grand- and added he would “work with not have social security on a in June – regardless of political tion that passed one of the most children have all been enrolled the higher education system to plan subject to stock market affiliation – will appear on the sweeping pieces of public safety in, and continue to attend, San provide tuition in exchange for uncertainty, and it does not November ballot. legislation in California history,” Diego’s public school system,” local public service.” save a nickel for our budget,” Fletcher was elected to the Fletcher said of the bill. Filner said. He also said he Of the nearly two decades Filner said, listing the top three Assembly in 2008 after 10 years “It is certainly difficult in recognizes our school system is he has spent in Congress, proposals that are part of his of active and reserve duty with Sacramento,” Fletcher said, “but in trouble but, if elected mayor, Filner said he is proud of car- plan to fix the pension crisis: “We the U.S. Marine Corps. In his if you your cause is just and if he would not mediate or get rying the 21st century GI Bill cannot have any more six figure role in the Assembly, Fletcher your approach is honest, noth- involved in negotiations between to provide college and housing pensions; we need to refinance oversaw several pieces of legisla- ing is impossible.” the teachers’ union and the benefits to veterans returning the debt to free up hundreds of tion into law, including bills for Outside of his work in the As- school board. from Iraq and Afghanistan. millions of dollars; and we need veterans, pension reform, jobs, sembly, Fletcher said his work in “I would work to make our city He also said he is proud of its work with employees on a five- the environment and health care. the Marine Corps helped shape help the school district, especially significance, and uses it as an year labor agreement.” One piece of legislation, Chel- his drive for politics, including before and after school hours,” example of the many ways in Concerning job growth, sea’s Law, is a bill Fletcher said his experience as a leader. Filner said, “and I would be a part which he knows how to lead Filner said he feels renew- of the political coalition to ensure and build a consensus. able energy companies have Esther Rubio-Sheffrey: more adequate state funding.” A highly debated component the ability to create more jobs, Was there something about your He said he also feels “rigorously of the mayoral campaign is the pointing to local companies like U.S. Marine Corps service that accountable charter schools” can city’s pension reform, most Sullivan Solar and CleanTech inspired you to pursue a career as examples. “New companies in politics? If the inspiration will rise to meet demand if City came from somewhere else, Hall streamlines the permitting please share. process, lowers fees and opens contracting opportunities to Nathan Fletcher: My include more minority-, women- decade in the Marine Corps is and veteran-owned businesses,” something I will always treasure. Filner said. As mayor, he would I worked in counter-intelligence, also “mandate solar-powering of in counter-terrorism [and] as a public buildings and establish team leader on the front lines of more rigorous guidelines on the global war on terror. water reuse,” he said. I was responsible for the Through his eyes, Filner lives of my men. We made life- said he embodies Democratic and-death decisions, at times values but has the ability to under direct enemy fire. Those represent Independent and experiences lend perspective to Republican voters because the rest of your life. They give fighting for the middle class you strength to draw from in has defined his career and he is times of crisis and confidence to not beholden to any special in- make decisions when there’s no terest. “San Diego has tremen- margin for error. dous potential,” he said, “and Combat teaches you a lot: through experience, leadership about leadership, about team- and vision, we can create jobs, work [and] about life, Lessons fix the infrastructure and have Nathan Fletcher you can’t learn anywhere else the livable city we deserve.”v (Courtesy office of Nathan Fletcher) [and] ones that I apply on a daily basis and shape who I am. After I finished with the Ma- HAIRSTYLIST WANTED rine Corps I still wanted to tackle tough problems and make a Day Spa & Salon. Friendly difference. I had a desire to work to improve people’s lives [and] Atmosphere. Located in the fight to protect the American dream in California…. That took Heart of San Diego near USD. me to the California legislature. Booth Rental $125/per wk. ER: Many Marines say there Call Lana: 619-743-8201. is no such thing as an ex-Marine, would you agree? If so, which specific Marine Corps values and traits continue to influence your daily life, both personally and as a politician?

NF: You are never an ex- Marine, only no longer on active duty. I learned many lessons in the Marine Corps. I learned how to lead a team, how to make life-or-death decisions and a great appreciation for those who have served.v news San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 7 From page 1 From page 1 Dumanis DeMaio think our approaches [as women] Dumanis, Republican; Congress- often are different,” she said. member Bob Filner, Democrat; “As a woman, by nature I am and Assemblymember Nathan collaborative, I bring people to- Fletcher, Independent. The top gether [and] I can multi-task,” she two vote-getters will advance to said. “I think we deescalate things the general election in November. more.” Dumanis did say function- ing as mayor did not always rely Margie Palmer: We’d first on gender, and that for her, it is like to congratulate you on your about representation, too. endorsement by the Republican Representing women profes- Party of San Diego County. At the sionally began at Dumanis’s first same time, you’re facing three job as a junior clerk typist in the other big-name mayoral hopefuls San Diego County district attor- come June. What do you feel most ney’s office. “I was working in the differentiates your campaign from office [when I] passed the bar, but the others? I had to work during the day volun- Bonnie Dumanis teering as a lawyer and then doing (Courtesy office of Bonnie Dumanis) Carl DeMaio: I don’t see this my regular job at night before I got as a race against any particular hired as a lawyer,” she said. available to support the industry. individual. I’m running against Dumanis said she is aware the “Venture capital is not as read- downtown and government last elected female mayor, Susan ily available in San Diego,” she insiders that have taken over city Golding, served over 10 years ago, said, “so as mayor I’m going to government and gotten sweet- and said San Diego has not seen have to go out and talk to venture heart deals. I’m running against a a woman “in the mayor’s seat” in capitalists to [tell them] why they system that has failed taxpayers. (far r) Councilmember Carl DeMaio meets with residents. a long time. At first, Dumanis said should invest in San Diego and I am the only candidate that has (Courtesy office of Carl DeMaio) people questioned whether she stay in San Diego.” outlined plans on how to reform was tough enough, as a woman, to Also of concern for the District local government in a way that CD: It’s going to be a heck benefits are no better or worse be district attorney. However, she Attorney is making city offices will benefit local taxpayers and of a lot smaller. Implemented than they are in the private sector. I said she does not get that kind of more culturally and ethnically I’m the only one who has put payouts will drop pretty sig- believe CPR accomplishes that. I stereotyping any longer. diverse, and Dumanis said the them into action. This is why I nificantly because we will be think that current city employees Dumanis said when she ini- relationship between San Diego left the campaign to qualify the constraining high pensionable are not happy about reforming the tially elected district attorney, she and Tijuana is critical in making CPR [Comprehensive Pension pay amounts. Each passing year current pension system because was the first woman “at the table this happen. “Diversity has always Reform] ballot measure. the impact of CPR will become their payouts will be lower, but with all the chiefs,” and there were been something that’s been a part more and more pronounced as there is benefit to solving this fears associated with her being of me and about everything I have MP: It wasn’t that long ago pensionable pay amounts are problem now and avoiding the city openly gay. “I’m in an area that’s done,” she said. that union leaders filed two sepa- more today. The plans of current having to file for bankruptcy. Right traditionally male, so I’ve broken a “One of the critical compo- rate lawsuits in an attempt to keep retirees can’t be changed. Once a now, the city is being held hostage lot of glass ceilings and I’ve over- nents is having a U.S.-Mexico CPR off the June ballot. Were you person is retired their pension is and our goal is to show a fair and come… a lot of prejudice as well.” commerce special assistant; surprised at that course of action? set in stone. This is why we need equitable reform. Dumanis received her law somebody that is trained in Mexi- to move quickly. Each passing degree in downtown San Diego at can law and [is] bilingual to work CD: Not at all. I was sur- day more people retire and those MP: If CPR does not pass, the Thomas Jefferson School of on those issues because we are prised they used such a desper- payouts cannot be changed under what impacts would that have to Law in 1976, and served 12 years all one region,” she said. These ate tactic to try and deprive current law. That’s not to say we the city’s financial status in both as deputy district attorney. In 1994, issues, Dumanis said, include reform. Due diligence had been won’t pursue reforms. CPR will the short and long term? after working as Superior Court making importing and exporting done and the ballot measure had affect current employees and new referee, Dumanis was elected easier both for professionals and been reviewed by multiple sets of employees on an ongoing basis. CD: First and foremost it has to judge of the municipal court and private citizens. “It’s good for com- lawyers. We did our homework pass. It’s more important to me that served until elected as San Diego merce, but we are so much a part ahead of time and the law is very MP: Are you concerned a I’m successful in fixing and reform- Superior Court Judge in 1998. She of each other’s fabric that we need clear. I think this is just a pattern change to the system will impact ing the pension system than becom- was elected to her current position to work together,” she said. of behavior you will continue the ability to hire and recruit ing mayor, although the two are as district attorney in 2003. “We have to make sure that to see and the next mayor has city employees? linked hand in hand. If I’m elected, Using her position as district government reflects the people to be completely committed to I can hit this from the ground run- attorney, Dumanis focuses her that we serve,” Dumanis said, add- vigorously implement CPR once CD: I’m a businessman. I rec- ning and I am committed to fully campaign on initiatives she said she ing, “It has to be reflected in the it’s passed. ognize the importance of offering implementing pension reform. I am would implement if elected mayor. city government but it also has to attractive salaries and benefits to very pleased to see the level of sup- “Number one, we’ve got to get our be reflected in the attitude of the MP: Do you have projections not only recruit, but to retain qual- port we’re seeing in the polls. People fiscal house in order,” she said. leader of this city. That is a critical at what the number of people ity employees. I’m not suggesting from all party backgrounds are “Number two, we’ve got to reorga- component, and it’s part of the receiving $100,000-plus pensions we cut arbitrarily. I’m suggesting stepping forward to help with us in nize the city, streamline the process richness of San Diego.”v might look like in five years? we make sure that salaries and campaigning for CPR.v and make it business friendly. When we do that, we will bring jobs here… particularly small business because that’s who employs most of the people in San Diego,” she said. “We have to have a mindset [and] a change of culture that makes it easy for people that are starting a business to start it, and [for] people that have a business to maintain it or expand it,” Duma- nis said. She also said the region was full of “entrepreneurial spirit” and was a hub for technology and science, but lacked the finances

Dumanis as DA (Courtesy office of Bonnie Dumanis) 8 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 news San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 9 From page 1 San Diego attracting tourists travel ConVis to spend millions in advertising to market Democrat throughout 2012, with the region as an affordable destination it being such a heated election year, but to instead vote travel be- By Johnny McDonald cause travel is a bipartisan issue,” Downtown News Jacobson said. Saying the Bus is designed to Although the latest gas prices mimic a presidential campaign, weigh heavily on tourism traffic, Jacobson said he asks voters to for some, San Diego continues to “keep in mind that travel is an be economically reachable. The important economic engine when Convention and Visitors Bureau they go to the voting polls,” and (ConVis) makes sure visitors that it is important for elected know that the city’s attractions officials to enact policies that sup- provide an affordable option. port travel and tourism. From February through June “A lot of times elected of- The Vote Travel bus on tour (Courtesy U.S. Travel) of this year, ConVis intends to ficials take our industry for spend $6.2 million in advertising granted and what we do for the to be aware of the tourism indus- “U.S. Travel… works with all and promotional incentives to community,” he said. “They try when they cast their votes. “I of our country’s legislators and promote San Diego as a tourist don’t realize the impact we have, hope [voters] would understand even President Obama in trying destination, said Kerri Kapich, so its one of our main objectives the fortunes of our city are very to promote travel and communi- ConVis senior vice president of to get our elected officials to much connected to the tourism cate how important travel is to marketing. She said 62 percent of realize it and consider us when industry,” he said, including our economy,” he said. all overnight visitors come from they make their decisions.” when deciding which candidates “This is a really important California, Arizona and Nevada. District Three Councilmem- to support. campaign,” Terzi said. “[Tour- “We are definitely sensitive ber Todd Gloria said tourism For Gloria, one of those aims ism] one of our key draws and to all the situations: gas [prices], and travel are directly con- includes the Convention Center we’re happy they stopped here to higher plane expense and the ConVis CEO Joe Terzi (Courtesy Sandiego.org) nected to the economy and expansion project, of which say hi.” cruise ship decline,” said ConVis jobs, issues about which he Gloria is a supporter. “When you Gloria cited Sept. 11 as an President and CEO Joe Terzi. travel- and tourism-related jobs, said his constituents are most look at our efforts to expand the example of people traveling less, However, he said, despite including large-scale destinations concerned. “We know that for Convention Center, that’s really and the economic impact that similar gas concerns during the like the San Diego Zoo and Sea every voter [the priority] is the ground zero when it comes to had on the economy. “After 9/11, 2008 recession, San Diego did World. “We’re running a major economy and jobs,” Gloria said. the effort to attract tourists people were terrified to travel. not feel the effects as much as partnership with Sea World, shar- “We need to make sure they un- here,” he said. “We believe That had a huge impact on our other locations. ing media expenses,” she said. As derstand that tourism is directly that expanding the Convention economy,” he said. “We didn’t see a major im- additional incentives, Kapich said connected to that. That’s what Center not only will allow us “We’ve had other instances pact for day-type traffic with our hotels sometimes offer a package this effort is about today.” to keep important conventions where elected officials have attractions,” he said of the 2008 deal, which sometimes includes a Gloria said the bus tour is like ComiCon in San Diego, but said, ‘you shouldn’t travel’ [or] ‘I gasoline-price spike. “Right now, pre-paid gas card. also designed to draw people’s it’ll also create 4,000 temporary wouldn’t want to fly right now.’ people are rethinking what they’re ConVis received three 2012 attention to tourism’s impact on construction jobs and 7,000 Those are kinds of messages doing and being more cautious, Excellence in Tourism Marketing the economy, “especially in a permanent jobs.” [we see] and we have to have but I’m not sure $4.50-a-gallon awards at the Visit California Out- place like San Diego, where so Joe Terzi, president and CEO other voices out there,” Gloria gas will change people’s behavior look Forum that took place Febru- many people come to visit,” he of the Convention and Visitors said. “That’s why I wanted to significantly.” ary in Sacramento. ConVis was said. “They spend their money, Bureau, said the U.S. Travel As- lend my voice to say, ‘Travel is Terzi said, “Overall analysis selected as Best in International which helps creates jobs and sociation is an important partner important. It’s good for business, shows we’re a destination where Marketing, Broadcast Advertising improves our overall economy.” because of the representation it’s good for jobs and it’s good people can get to fairly easy and and Integrated Marketing.v Gloria also said people need they offer in Washington, D.C. for our economy.’”v that we’ll do better. Still, airline costs are kind of out of whack and might be a bigger concern.” British Airways and Japan Air- lines recently added direct flights to San Diego from the U.K. and Japan. San Diego is the 11th most visited city in the United States for overseas travelers. “We do special promotions, mostly through the online travel agencies, that offer special values for price discounts,” Kapich said. “These promotions often target travelers researching popular fly destinations such as Hawaii and other key competitors. We give them an option.” Saying the reason many come to San Diego is for the beauty and biodiversity, Kapich also listed Balboa Park, Coronado and the Gaslamp Quarter as popular tourist attractions. Kapich said a total of 153,000 San Diegans are employed in Help Wanted Assistant Editor/Reporter Part time and possibly full time editor/reporter for San Diego Downtown News please send your resume & clips to: [email protected] 10 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 opinion/news

3737 Fifth Ave. Suite 201 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 519-7775

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EDITORs Anthony King (619) 961-1952 [email protected]

Ashley Mackin (619) 961-1953 [email protected]

REPORTERS & COLUMNISTS Amanda Ashley Toombs Charlene Baldridge Will Bowen Logan Broyles Diana Cavagnaro Connie Cook Jeff Josenhans Cuauhtémoc Kish Johnny McDonald Bart Mendoza Darlynne Menkin Marc Menkin Kia Oliver-Kurtin Margie M. Palmer Esther Rubio-sheffrey Frank Sabatini Jr. Ron Stern

PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel Solomon

Director of Sales Marketing Mike Rosensteel (619) 961-1958 [email protected]

account execitive Editorial Deborah Vazquez (619) 961-1956 [email protected] Coming together to to rotate out every two years. Wilson has served as account execitive DowntownBriefs Jennifer Muth (619) 961-1963 create green jobs president of the board from [email protected] 1996 to 1998 and continues California’s legislature is Linda Thomas-Mobley to work for the San Di- account execitive constantly working to find named Executive of ego Opera on the Opera’s Brennan Maclean (619) 961-1957 [email protected] the right balance between the Year Audit Committee and as an environmental protection and The National Association advisor to staff and board ART DIRECTOR promoting a friendly business of Women in Construction members. Eddie Ramos climate. Senate Bill 20 (Sher) (NAWIC) San Diego Chap- (619) 961-1961 of 2003 is a good example ter named Linda Thomas- ‘DEV AS MJ’ HIGHLIGHTS [email protected] of how the legislature has Mobley, chair of the con- MICHAEL JACKSON IMPER- ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR created jobs through smart struction management SONATOR Rebecah Corbin environmental policy and by program at NewSchool of WoMan in the mirror, (619) 961-1961 providing incentives – not Architecture and Design the one-woman show about [email protected] (NSAD), 2012 Executive the life of Michael Jack- mandates – for businesses. Accounting SB 20 pays private par- of the Year. She formally son impersonator “DEV Denise Davidson ties to recycle harmful waste received her award at as MJ,” is coming to the (619) 961-1962 such as cathode ray tubes NAWIC San Diego’s 53rd 10th Avenue Theater May [email protected] Anniversary and Executive 18-20. Devra Gregory’s from televisions and monitors. OPINIONS/LETTERS What’s unique about Califor- Night on April 10. Prior candid and introspective San Diego Downtown News encour- nia’s SB 20 is that it doesn’t Assemblymember Toni Atkins to joining NSAD in 2010, journey weaves the thread ages letters to the editor and guest put the responsibility on the Thomas-Mobley was a fac- of her spiritual quests as editorials. Please e-mail both to editor@ ulty member at the Georgia she seeks to find truth and sdcnn.com. Include phone number and manufacturer to recycle, but events in their parking lots on address for verification. We reserve instead invites any company weekends. Recycle San Diego Institute of Technology for empowerment as a woman. the right to edit letters for brevity and to collect and recycle hazard- simply puts the word out to 13 years, serving the last She shares her life through accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do ous electronic waste through local communities about the three years as associate storytelling, movement and not necessarily reflect the views of the a reimbursement program event and folks drive through chair of a building con- dance excerpts from the publisher or staff. that pays per pound. to drop off their hazardous struction program. She is various styles she has en- SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS Recycle San Diego Presi- waste which would otherwise a civil engineer with re- countered including a per- Press releases and story ideas are dent Jeffrey Harding started go to a landfill. Recycle San search interests in facilities formance by “DEV as MJ.” welcomed. Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to editor@sdcnn. his business when he heard Diego has workers ready to management, indoor envi- Tickets are $20 and avail- com. For breaking news and investiga- about SB 20 and now he lift the heavy electronics and ronments and the applica- able at brownpapertickets. tive story ideas contact the editor by employs ten full-time workers the customers don’t even have tion of American law to the com/event/235148. phone or e-mail. and two part-timers as well. to get out of the car. Now construction industry. distribution Additionally, he is helping to that’s service! Operation homefront an- San Diego Downtown News divert tons of electronic waste In addition to recycling over San Diego Opera Honors nounce scholarship for is distributed free. COPYRIGHT 2012. from landfills per year and one hundred types of electronic Faye Wilson as Life military wives All rights are reserved. Printed in giving back to the community. items, Recycle San Diego has Director Operation Homefront the United States of America. Last year Harding gave 20 recently expanded its mission San Diego Opera an- and the Women’s Self computers to the South Bay to be a resource for all types nounced April 4 former San Worth Foundation (WSWF) YMCA by refurbishing com- of recycling in San Diego Diego Opera board presi- announced they have puters that would have other- County. They now provide a dent, Faye Wilson, has been begun accepting applica- wise been thrown out. “This is free online search tool that al- named a Life Director of tions for the 2012 Saban an example of the legislature lows you to find out where to the San Diego Opera. This Military Wife Educational coming together to create jobs dispose of anything near you. marks the fifth Life Direc- Scholarship. The scholar- in the new green economy,” he They will be opening a free tor honor that the Company ship is aimed at wives of told me. telephone recycling hotline in has bestowed in its 47-year uniformed service members SB 20 created a free the next few months, and they history. The Life Director so they can attend voca- market approach, which ben- offer the only witnessed hard position is an honorary title tional training programs efits the consumer because drive destruction service in that recognizes Wilson’s in the medical field. This hundreds of companies offer San Diego so that customers contributions and leader- year’s scholarships will be unique services for differ- know that their information ship within the company. awarded to pay for tuition ent markets. For example, – and privacy – is protected. It also entitles Wilson to for vocational training in Recycle San Diego teams up To learn more visit recycle- an honorary place on the one of the following fields: with local community in- sandiego.org or call my office board of directors, which stitutions to hold recycling at 619-645-3090.v normally requires members see Briefs, page 20 feature San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 11 Sicilian Festival parades the streets Little Italy festival celebrates history and heritage

Last year’s Sicilian Festival procession. (Courtesy Sicilian Fest)

By Kai Oliver-Kurtin sion will send costumed danc- Downtown News ers, musicians and local officials through the streets with flags For the 19th annual Sicilian representing various regions of Festival on May 20, Little Italy will Italy and Sicily. transform into a lively, colorful “So much of the Sicilian-Amer- stream of musicians, food vendors ican culture has remained intact and historical lore. here,” DiBona said. “The festival With an attendance of over procession is really indicative of 100,000 people last year, one of what’s seen in Italy and Sicily.” which was Food Network host Among those providing Giada de Laurentiis, the festival festival entertainment is soprano has maintained its status as the Cristina Fontanelli, the acclaimed largest of its kind in the country. Roman Holiday Ensemble, the “We’re committed to celebrat- Alessandra Belloni and Ensemble ing the history and heritage of tambourine troupe and the Screa- Sicilian-Americans,” said Entertain- min’ Primas performing Italian ment Director Giovanna DiBona. Swing, among others. A classical music and op- A family-friendly event, the festi- era stage have been added to val also includes several children’s this year’s lineup, as well as an activities throughout the day. Tak- expanded cultural pavilion. The ing place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the pavilion will showcase historical festival is free to attend. Free park- memorabilia and photos, including ing is also available in the north information related to San Diego’s lot of the county administration tuna fishing industry, traditional building with a shuttle to and from Italian chalk art and displays from the festival. For more information, local museums and organizations. visit sicilianfesta.com.v Mandolin artist (Courtesy Sicilian Fest) DiBona said one of the main highlights of the festival is the food, with an emphasis on Sicil- ian cuisine’s earthy, rustic flavors and distinct spice. She said she invites all members of the community to “eat, drink and be Sicilian for a day,” adding, “It’s like a big family reunion. People come to see each other and catch up over a meal.” On one of the five major stages, local chefs will prepare Sicilian dishes during a cooking demonstration, followed up by a pasta-eating contest. In a unique opportunity, attendees are invited to kick off their shoes, step inside a barrel and participate in a traditional grape stomp. Those with a taste for speed can visit the Italian car show, where brands such as Fer- rari, Maserati and Lamborghini will be on display. At 11:30 a.m., a festival proces- 12 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 Balboa PArk Spanish Art Center’s long-time resident Fleet Science Center As to subject matter, Knapp said he is pretty much premieres new IMAX film across the board. “I try not to be classified into only doing Photography director Brad Ohlund discusses the buildings or scenery. I do a lot of abstract work with production, environmentalism and the IMAX process really, really bright colors, working from my heart or mind,” he said. Those projects could take a week or a month, due to inter- ruptions. Knapp said he likes to en- lighten visitors about art, if he can, and spends as much time as he can. “Old or young, I like to encourage them to get into [art] because it’s a very soulful thing,” he said. “I learned to paint as a teenage watching my talented grandmother work [at the Spanish Art Center],” he said. “She was one of the founders.” “When the exposition [of 1935] closed, they were going to tear this place down. She joined with several other art- Brad Olhund filming on location.(Photo by Rob Walker/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.) ists to convince city officials that it should be retained as an art center.” By Anthony King to make a film about the Arctic for a Artist Don Knapp (Courtesy Spanish Village Art Center) Knapp said the stipulation Downtown News long time,” Director Greg MacGil- in an agreement with the city livray said in a press release. “In 45 By Johnny McDonald ering bougainvilleas and was that the artists would The Reuben H. Fleet Science years of producing films, many of Balboa Park Update multicolored cobblestones spend time discussing their Center premiered its latest IMAX which have been about oceans or that welcome visitors into work with the visitors. film, “To the Arctic,” on Friday, April remote areas, I was still unprepared Artist Don Knapp is an the courtyard. Knapp, who To participate as a studio 20 in their newly renovated Heikoff for what I found in the far North.” individual who takes pride in describes himself as a mixed- artist in the Center, a jurying Dome. Narrated by Meryl Streep, Ohlund attended the Brooks a 75-year-old tradition at the style painter, has been at the system, handled by college the documentary includes coverage Institute of Photography in Santa Spanish Art Center in Balboa Center for 30 years, 14 of instructors and other mu- of a mother polar bear and her twin Barbara, Calif. and has worked in Park, blending friendliness, them in one of the studios. seum representatives, assure cubs as they maneuver through the the large-format film industry for crafts and art amidst beautiful “I work with more than one higher standards from the changing climate of the Arctic. 25 years. He and MacGillivray went old country surroundings. art product by using acrylic, artists. “I think because of The film focuses on the effects into production on “To the Arctic” The unique buildings are pencil, pen and ink,” he said that, the quality of work has global warming has on animals. with a specific, environmental focus, situated between the San in describing his style. “I improved over the years,” The polar bears, while only one Ohlund said. Diego Zoo and the Natural can make a collage or three- Knapp said. “That’s the aspect of the educational film, are “We actually started this film History Museum with flow- dimensional drawings.” criterion for being a member the main draw. with environmental issues in mind. of the village, to give them a Director of Photography Brad We don’t want to be political, but we reason to step up.” Ohlund said the Polar Bears are “a also won’t steer clear of controversy,” Knapp, who said he has great device to use in telling this Ohlund said. “No matter what you held every position on the story because people can relate think about climate change… the Center’s board of direc- to them.” Ohlund appeared at the fact is that the Arctic region is being tors but president, recently Science Center for a pre-screening affected by changes in weather.” received an inspiration award event on April 17 to introduce the The melting ice resulting from by the Friends of Balboa Park film and answer questions. climate change adversely affects the organization. “We were fortunate in that we polar bear population, Ohlund said. Chris Stell, publicist for came across this mother and two “Polar bears live on the ice and if the Center, said there are 200 cubs who seemed to not only not they don’t have ice, they can’t hunt,” artists who work in 37 studios. mind us being around, but actu- he said. “If they can’t hunt, they They include painters; sculp- ally appreciated us being around,” can’t continue to exist.” tors; metal smiths; jewelry de- Ohlund said. “Even when we would Ohlund said both animals and signers; clay, gourd, fiber and get… close, she would hardly even people living in the Arctic feel global glass artists; photographers; take note of it. It allowed us to really warming effects, and the purpose printmakers; basket weavers get some really fantastic footage. We of the film was, in part, to introduce and mixed-media artists. stayed with her and her two cubs for audiences to all aspects of the region Stell said the Center has five days and witnessed some pretty without causing unnecessary dam- several functions throughout amazing natural drama.” age. As a result, he said he was con- the year, including a July open “To the Arctic” is the latest pro- stantly aware of what the production house with a silent auction, duction from MacGillivray Freeman crew was doing when on location. pottery and glassblowing Films, the company behind “The “It would be a contradiction for shows. The Center is open Living Sea,” “Everest,” and “Dol- daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.v phins,” among others. “I’ve wanted see Imax, page 13 Balboa PArk San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 13

The polar bear is a marine mammal. Its scientific name is Ursus maritimus, meaning “sea bear.”

Polar bears live in the platforms of sea ice to survive. Arctic regions of five countries: The bears use these platforms Greenland, Norway, Canada, for hunting ringed seals, their Russia and the U.S. favorite prey. Polar bears are descended They have curved, non- from brown bears isolated in retractable claws, and bumps the Arctic 150,000 years ago. on the pads of their feet so they Their bodies grew bigger for don’t slip while walking on ice. Polar bear skates on thin ice in Svalbard, Norway. (Photo by Shaun MacGillivray) protection from the cold and Polar bears are born blind their snouts grew longer so and toothless in a den built by are really bulky and the magazines some sort of message in there. Our they could smell prey better. their mother. They are usually From page 12 carry three minutes of film. There job is to inspire, to educate and to en- Polar bears are the world’s born as twins. They spend a are so many shots we didn’t get,” he tertain but… we don’t want people to largest land carnivore, up to 10 few months in the den, grow- imax said, adding, “We always erred feel like they’re being preached feet tall. ing rapidly from their mother’s on the side of not to so we want to Their 12-inch-wide paws en- rich milk. us to be making a film which is try- disturbing the entertain them ing to show people an environment animals, first.”v able them to run up to 25 miles A mother polar bear stays and animals that we want them to even per hour. with her cubs for about 2.5 care about, and not be caring about if it They are strong swimmers years, teaching them how to them ourselves as we’re filming. We and have blubber up to four hunt and survive on the sea ice. always try to be very respectful,” inches thick, for buoyancy as Aside from mothers and cubs, Ohlund said. well as warmth. Their large feet polar bears don’t winter in dens Filming for “Into the Arctic” act as paddles and help spread like other bears. They can enter a took more than three years, with their weight for walking on ice. state of “walking hibernation” by several month-long trips to the Arc- tic followed by two to three months They are so well adapted reducing their metabolic rate while in the United States. “Typically what to the Arctic that they are more staying active. we’ll do is we’ll go out to a loca- likely to overheat than suffer The Arctic Ice Cap is shrink- tion… with a script, if not an outline, from cold. Two layers of insulat- ing each summer. By 2050 or knowing what it is that we want to ing fur, and their small ears and earlier it will be reduced to a get. Then when we get there, we tails help prevent heat loss. small fringe on the coast of adjust according to the conditions Their white fur is actu- Canada and Greenland. Only that we run into,” Ohlund said. Ohlund said his production team ally transparent with no white about 20,000 polar bears would then use the film captured cost pigment. It is the reflection of remain, and their survival is in on location to guide the next steps us the the sun that causes the fur to jeopardy. for the film, although as director of shot.” appear white. —Provided by One World photography, he worked closely with “Into Swimming They depend on floating Ocean, oneworldocean.org. MacGillivray to stay with the direc- the Arctic” was polar bear (Courtesy tor’s original vision for the project. especially difficult on the Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.) “The director of photography cameras, Ohlund said. They outfit- performs a number of different ted the cameras, film and batteries functions,” Ohlund said, includ- with weather protections because of ing composing and lighting the cold and wet conditions. While shots, deciding what appears in they occasionally used footage a scene and choosing how a shot taken on digital cameras, Ohlund will be accomplished. said the primary footage was taken Calling IMAX the “perfect on IMAX cameras. medium to engage people,” Ohlund “With these IMAX films, we try said shots were the core of the film to introduce Hollywood-quality pro- but also said they were difficult to duction value in a documentary so get. “The IMAX format is a really you’re drawn more into the experi- challenging format. The cameras ence,” he said. “All of our films have 14 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 calendar CalendarofEvents

April 27 Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. the urban landscape share their gallery-sized installation comprises writer, Anthology, 1337 India St., ConFunkShun: 7:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, farmers distinctive views of San Diego. 12 animal heads, each depicting tickets start at $10 and 9:30 p.m. shows, funk music, market with over 100 booths, Date Noel – Baza Fine Art, 2165 India a segment of the ancient Chinese Say Anything with Kevin Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets & India streets, free St., free zodiac, Museum of Contemporary Devine and The Goddamn start at $16 Ingrid Michaelson: 8 p.m., Gaslamp Farmer’s Market: Art, 1100 Kettner Blvd., free - $10 Band, Fake Problems and Tall- Plays by young writers: House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 400 block of Third hart: 7 p.m., House of Blues, 1055 7:30 p.m., This year’s Playwrights tickets start at $20 Avenue between Island Avenue May 1 Fifth Ave., tickets start at $16.50 Project Festival adds a new twist— Dedicated to Doomed and J Street, free Dyeing Elegance: Asian Sara Watkins: 7:30 p.m., Plays by Young Writers will rotate Romance: 8 p.m., San Diego John McEuen: 7 p.m., folk Modernism and the Art of Kūboku Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets with Lifestages: Reflections, plays Symphony performs Bernstein’s rock, Anthology, 1337 India St., and Hisako Takaku: 10 a.m., ex- start at $10 from Playwrights Project’s Recol- “Symphonic Dances from West tickets start at $10 pressions of the ancient Japanese Father John Misty with Har lections program for adult play- Side Story,” “The Love” by Tan BreakThru Entertainment technique of wax resist dying to Mar Superstar: 8:30 p.m. doors, wrights ages 55 and older, Lyceum Dun, Chen/He’s “The Butterfly Presents: 6:30 p.m., House of create textile paintings, 1450 El The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $12 Theater 79 Horton Plaza, tickets Lovers Violin Concerto” with violin- Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets start Prado, free - $12 start at $15 ist Cho-Liang Lin, and “Romeo and at $10 Rita Wilson: 7:30 p.m., Anthol- May 3 Barber of Seville: 7 p.m., San Juliet”. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 The Scottsboro Boys: 7 p.m., ogy, 1337 India St., tickets start at $10 Omar Sosa: 7:30 p.m., Afro- Diego Opera closes season with B St., tickets start at $20 opening night, From the creators Taste of Little Italy tickets go Cuban jazz, Anthology, 1337 India Rossini’s “riotous musical comedy,” Rock Out for Hunger: 7:30 of “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and “Kiss on sale: the June 20 event. With St., tickets start at $10 San Diego Civic Theater, 1100 p.m., a benefit for the organiza- of the Spider Woman,” Conrad the purchase of a ticket, visitors Middle Class Rut: 8 p.m., House Third Ave., tickets start at $50 tion’s Hand Up Youth Food Pantry Prebys Theater, 1363 Old Globe to Taste of Little Italy receive of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets Camarada presents It’s So and the Hand-up Teen Leadership Way, tickets start at $39 a passport that is validated by start at $15 Very Tango: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Program, and will feature the band Charles Phoenix and His each restaurant in exchange for a Unusual Suspects: 10 a.m., Cathedral 2728 Sixth Ave., for more Lucky and Wild, Alexander Salazar Big Retro Slide Show: 3 p.m., taste of their featured menu item, Exhibition of paintings and photo- information, visit camarada.org, Gallery, 1040 Seventh Ave., bring Charles Phoenix brings his hilari- tasteoflittleitalysd.com/tickets. graphs by Holly Roberts, Museum tickets start at $20 two canned food items for a free ous one-man show that celebrates php, $35 of Photographic Arts, 1649 El opportunity drawing ticket, $20 in classic and kitschy mid-century San Diego Potters’ Guild Prado, free - $6 April 28 advance or $25 at the door. American life and style Museum of presents “Cooks Corner:” 11 Frank Gambale Soulmine: Strunz and Farah: 7:30 p.m., Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, a.m., Local potters create works for 7:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 India St., contemporary jazz, Anthology, April 29 $25. For more information, visit kitchen needs, Studio 29 in Spanish tickets start at $10 1337 India St., tickets start at $13 Three Artists Paint The City: charlesphoenix.com Village in Balboa Park, free Tennis: 8:30 p.m. doors, The Griffin House with Haley noon, final day, featuring paintings Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $12 in Sales: 9:30 p.m., folk rock, and works on paper by Wade Cline, April 30 May 2 advance, $14 at the door Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets Kim Reasor and Brad Maxey, the Circle of Animals/ Zo- Sarah Watkins of Nickel start at $10 three artists who primarily explore diac Heads: 11 a.m., Ai Weiwei’s Creek: 7:30 p.m., singer and song- see Calendar, page 15 calendar San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 15

From page 14 Where’s the money? Access Harvey White Theater, 1363 Old May 12 of Reality: 8:30 p.m. doors, The to Capital Business Expo: 8 Globe Way, tickets start at $29 Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $20 calendar a.m., a comprehensive access to A Fantastic Voyage — The – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, farmers New York Philharmonic: 8 capital expo ideal for business own- Art of Ynez Johnston: 10 market with over 100 booths, Date p.m., Led by Music Director Alan May 4 ers looking for money for expan- a.m., surveys six decades of & India streets, free. Gilbert, the Philharmonic’s San Di- Thrice with Animals as sion, working capital, inventory, the artist’s wood and bronze BoDeans: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., ego program will include Dvořák’s Leaders and O’Brother: 7 p.m. commercial real estate or equip- sculptures, paintings, prints, Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets “Carnival Overture, Opus 92,” “De- show, House of Blues, 1055 Fifth ment purchase, DoubleTree Hotel, ceramics, Mingei International start at $13 for the 7:30 show and bussy’s La Mer” and Tchaikovsky’s Ave., tickets start at $23 7450 Hazard Center Dr., $10 Museum, 1439 El Prado, free $10 for the 9:30 show “Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Opus Valerie Simpson – A Trib- - $7 The Jezabels with Benjamin 36.” Copley Symphony Hall, 1245 ute to Nick Ashford: 7:30 p.m., May 6 The Wombats with The Francis Leftwich: 8:30 p.m. doors, Seventh Ave., tickets start at $27 Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets Nipsey Hussle: 8 p.m. show, Static Jacks: 8:30 p.m. doors, The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., start at $25 House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $10 in advance, $12 at the door May 16 Trace Bundy: 9:30 p.m., Anthol- tickets start at $25 $13 in advance, $15 at the door Object Lessons – France in ogy, 1337 India St., tickets start at $10 Sunday Brunch: 10:30 a.m., May 13 the Golden Age: 10 a.m., concen- Deer Tick with Turbo Fruits: featuring a benefit concert for May 10 House of Blues Gospel tration of five French 17th-century 8:30 p.m. doors, The Casbah, 2501 homeless youth in San Diego, Harold and Maude Brunch: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., House paintings, Timken Museum of Art, Kettner Blvd., $18 in advance, $20 Anthology, 1337 India St., reserva- Screening: 6 p.m., Museum of of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets 1500 El Prado, free at the door tions recommended, 619-595-0300, Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, start at $37.50 Down by Law: 2:30 p.m., The no cover tickets start at $8 Jimmy Thackery and The May 17 San Diego Public Library will Gaslamp Farmers Market: Respect – A Musical Jour- Drivers: 7 p.m., Anthology, 1337 Royal Southern Brother- screen films from filmmaker Jim 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 400 block of Third ney of Women: 8 p.m., a musi- India St., tickets start at $10 hood: 7:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 Jarmusch, Central Library, 820 E Avenue between Island Avenue cal look at the lives of women Eyes of a Nation - A Century India St., tickets start at $10 St. third floor auditorium, free and J Street, free as told through Top 40 songs, of American Photography: 10 The London Souls: 8:30 p.m., Miss Cinco de Mayo and Allo Darlin’ and with The Lyceum Theater, 79 Horton a.m., final day of exhibit, Museum The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $8 Miss Teen Cinco de Mayo Wave Pictures: 8:30 p.m. doors, Plaza, tickets start at $42 of Photographic Arts, 1649 El in advance, $10 at the door pageant: 6 p.m., Lyseum Space, 79 The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $8 Brendan Benson with Prado, free - $6 miXtape: 7:30 p.m., miXtape Horton Plaza, $20 Young Hines: 8:30 p.m., The Gaslamp Farmer’s Market: is performed with rampant energy May 7 Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $15 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 400 block of Third and polish by an eight-person cast. May 5 Natasha and the Coat: 7 p.m., Avenue between Island Avenue Memory-triggers zip past of Pet Valerie Simpson – A Tribute a staged reading be Deborah Stein, May 11 and J Street, free Rocks, Pac-Man, Nelson Mandela to Nick Ashford: 7:30 and 9:30 Garfield Theater, 4126 Executive Augustana with Greylag: 8 Todd Barry: 8:30 p.m. doors, and AIDS. Horton Grand Hotel, p.m., Anthology, 1337 India St., Dr., tickets start at $10 p.m. show, House of Blues, 1055 The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $15 311 Island Ave., for more informa- tickets start at $25 for the 7:30 show Rocky Votolato with Kevin Fifth Ave., tickets start at $18 tion, visit lambsplayers.org, tickets and start at $15 for the 9:30 show Long: 8:30 p.m. doors, The Keiko Matsui: 7:30 p.m., May 14 start at $26 B-Side Players’ Cinco de Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $12 in Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets Dita Von Tess “Burlesque: Mayo Party: 8 p.m. show, House advance, $14 at the door start at $25 Strip Strip Hooray” Variety May 18 of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets Rachel Platten: 9:30 p.m., Show: 7 p.m. show, House of Gramatik: 9 p.m. show, House start at $20 May 8 Anthology, 1337 India St., tick- Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets start of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. Jay Nash with Jesse Thom- ets start at $10 at $35 start at $12.50 – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, farmers as: 7 p.m., Anthology, 1337 India St., Hanni El Khatib with The OFF with Retox: 8:30 p.m. Joan Osbourne: 7:30 p.m., market with over 100 booths, Date tickets start at $10 Sundelles: 8:30 p.m. doors, The doors, The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets & India streets, free. Ramona Falls: 8:30 p.m. doors, Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $10 Blvd., $15 start at $13 Concierto El Cinco a las The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $10 in advance and $12 at the door Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Cinco: 5 p.m., musical tribute Night on Earth: 2:30 p.m., May 15 Stars: 9:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 to Mexico and Latin America May 9 The San Diego Public Library Dita Von Tess “Burlesque: India St., tickets start at $10 performed by San Diego State Uni- Nobody Loves You: 7 p.m., will screen films from film- Strip Strip Hooray” Variety Show: WoMan in the Mirror: 8 p.m., versity School of Music and Dance, opening night, about the search maker Jim Jarmusch, Central 7 p.m. show, House of Blues, 1055 one-woman show of the life of held in honor of Cinco de Mayo for real love on the set of a real- Library, 820 E St. third floor Fifth Ave., tickets start at $35 holiday, Balboa Park, free ity television show, Sheryl and auditorium, free Flight to Mars with Mistress see Calendar, page 23

owntown is a uniquely vibrant metropolis home to some of the best restaurants, clubs, and events that San Diego has to offer. The city has come a long way in the last ten years, producing some of the best hot spots only found previously in places like LA or New York City. Needless to say, Downtown San Diego has evolved into a rich landscape full of life, D love and a whole lot of liquor, topped with sophistication of course. Follow me as I take you on a tour of what our city’s most exclusive and fashionable destinations have to offer. The Onyx Room was resurrected Whiskey Girl can boast about its from the remnants of the infamous reputation as being the longest- 1960’s “Famous Door” cocktail lounge. running venues in our historic Gaslamp With two floors, Thin upstairs and Onyx Quarter. Settling into its new location, downstairs, this venue is known as being the bar is home to the Gaslamp’s only the only hot spot that keeps their doors Karaoke booth that links to social open after hours until 4 a.m. Their Cinco media sites like Facebook where De Mayo party will feature pinatas, guests can immediately upload and mariachis and Corona Girls surely not to e-mail their rock star debut for the disappoint. Featuring a variety of music world to see. This 8,500-square-foot genres from house to hip hop, Onyx is playground has a capacity of 450 one venue that successfully captures the where glow sticks, Coyote-Ugly- The Onyx Room diversity and style that Downtown San style shot girls, and 30 TV’s all come 852 5th Avenue | San Diego, CA. 92101 Diego is known for. together for a night of unparalleled fun tel 619.235.ONYX and excitement. www.onyxroom.com F6ix is one of the newest kids on the Be a part of block. From the famed management team that brought you FLUXX, Sidebar, Downtown After and Ciros, F6ix crossed over to a Dark next issue new concept that Downtown has June 1st never seen. “Reinventing the hip hop experience” is what F6ix is all about with For advertising its 6,000-square-foot space which was call Brennan once home to Sin Nightclub. Here, club enthusiasts experience the electrifying (619) 961-1957 energy from the old-school disco balls glistening off pink and red lights set to Whiskey Girl F6ix harmonize with the beats. F6ix is the Happy Hour Mon. - Fri. from 4pm to 8pm & Live 526 f street (on f street between 5th and 6th) Entertainment Nightly! 619.238.0138 essence of upscale hip hop. 702 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 www.F6ixsd.com (619) 236-1616 www.WhiskeyGirl.com 16 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 dining

frank sabatini jr. / restaurant review

Glass Door 1835 Columbia St. (Little Italy) 619-564-3755 Prices: Starters, salads and burgers, $7 to $16; entrees, $16 to $30

(l top,Little bottom) Mussels (Photo by JessItaly’s Purple Photography), Lasagna cupcakeroom (Photo by Jim Hennum) with a view (Above) The downtown skyline looms largely from the patio of the newly remodeled Glass Door in Little Italy. (Photo by Jim Hennum)

ittle Italy’s reawakens with a less-fussy ambi- The sustainable mussels show rounded off with a Peruvian touch only “view ance and new entrees that match up twice more, as a welcome gar- of purple potatoes. restaurant” is root beer to ribeye and bleu cheese nish to lobster risotto cakes with Other beef choices land you back with a to mussels. sherry reduction, and in cioppino squarely in the burger category, bang afterL closing temporar- Gone are the white table- blanco, a zippy seafood stew with with “the notorious bib” encasing a ily for a remodel. Perched cloths and mustard-yellow walls. San Francisco roots that Smith whole egg. A slathering of bacon- atop the fourth floor of the They’ve been replaced by large, enhances with salmon and lobster beet aioli adds novelty and rich- Porto Vista Hotel & Suites, metallic high-top tables and a tail. He keeps the recipe’s classic ness to the patty. All of the burgers the west-facing Glass Door muted-blue color scheme embrac- foundation of crabmeat, white wine sell for $14, although they’re 25 ing flat-screen televisions. The and an openhanded measure of percent off during happy hour. design changes also extend to the chili flakes. The lasagna cupcake is a car- elongated patio, which overhangs From the salad offerings, my ryover from the old menu, but Columbia Street and looks out to companion effused over a pretty worth trying. Smith uses sheet San Diego’s skyline and harbor. composition of heirloom toma- pasta to neatly wrap the spherical Purple, recessed lighting illumi- toes, super-fresh strawberries, stacking of ricotta, mozzarella and nates the space now, with seating feta cheese and basil. My choice truffled portabella mushrooms. that looks straight out to the pre- – oddly named “The Lock Smith” My only complaint was that it could cious view. The gorgeous Moroc- for reasons we couldn’t decipher – have used a little more marinara can lights that contributed to Glass featured a piling of baby lettuces, between the layers. Door’s original highbrow chic have heirlooms, bacon, garbanzo beans Longtime denizens will also been kept, however, along with a and smoky cheddar. Perhaps it be happy to see that Smith kept couple of popular dishes from the was the tortilla wheel garnishing his famous duck confit fries previous menu. the salad that prompted the name, on the menu. Consider it his Despite the restaurant’s casual given that the organics flowed gourmet take on carne asada re-branding, Chef Eric Smith has through it like a thick key entering fries, in which tender pulled duck upped the ante with his menu by a big round keyhole. meat replaces the beef on top and toying creatively with celebrated Smith melds together two pure duck fat (a.k.a. liquid gold) American-Euro recipes. From the American staples for creating a replaces the vegetable oil used “light fare” section, for instance, a highly tasty entree named “root for frying. heaping pound of Prince Edward beer ribeye.” Indeed, the herba- Glass Door’s cocktail menu has Island mussels arrive in a pond of ceous flavor of root beer (con- also been revised by bar manager béchamel, bleu cheese and bacon. tained here in compound butter) Dean Powers, who might fool you Miraculously, the petite bivalves re- pairs brilliantly with the fatty notes into thinking you’re drinking a Man- tained their delicate, pristine flavor and spicy rub of a good steak. This hattan with his namesake Deano. amid what seems like an aggressive was a generous cut that demands The difference is that it’s far boozier assemblage of other ingredients. a wolf’s appetite. The plate was and more complex due to a few per- mutations involving Makers Mark, ginger liqueur, blackberries and rosemary. Another drink, Bebida de los Muertos or “Drink of the Dead,” mimics an Old Fashion except that it’s made with tequila instead of whisky and uses agave instead of sugar. So what if view outside turns a little blurry. For dessert we lucked out with homemade ice cream that Smith happened to be making when we ordered, a delectable blueberry-orange and plain coconut. Both were ultra-creamy and worthy of a big slice of three-layer chocolate cake, outsourced from Opera Patisserie. For many, the makeover at Glass Door will feel more ap- proachable with a wider range of food and cocktails and more communal seating. That million- dollar view, however, is an amenity we associate with a fine dining atmosphere.v dining San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 17 The secret life Pop-up supper clubs of mixologists Black Label Table offers secret alternative to dining experience creation of chefs Adrian Huth, Jimmy Lee and Evan Rumble, who organize the secret dining locations throughout San Diego on a monthly basis. Each month, Huth invites different chefs to participate, making each one a unique dining experience. The four to five course meals are $35 per person. In April’s Supper Club, teacher Stacey Caillier, graphic designer Cuong Tu and private chef Lea Dennis oversaw the kitchen. Huth said the entire month leading up to a scheduled Supper Club is spent brain- storming and experimenting Chefs prepare meals in secret locations. (Photo by Margaret Noble) with new dishes. Dinner from April’s supper The primary way to become of the dining experience, and (Photo by Margaret Noble) a guest at the Supper Club is the guests must welcome the to join the mailing list of invite mystery of what is to come. By Amanda Ashley Toombs consideration. The mailing list Previous participant Jamie Downtown News provides prospective guests with McIntyre said the event felt like an opportunity to receive the a “spy movie,” surrounded in San Diego’s Black Label reservation announcement. Res- mystery. “Go to this intersec- Table Supper Club is a monthly ervations are given to those who tion, give us a call and we will let underground alternative dining are quick to respond, creating you in,” McIntyre said of how experience inspired by the un- an element of exclusivity, and the evening started. “It is kind derground supper clubs found in the April Supper Club, which of like fight Club. You are not New York City. was held at a private home in supposed to talk about it, yet it New York underground sup- downtown San Diego, was fully keeps growing,” he said. per clubs are traditionally held booked in three hours. Given The Supper Club’s growth in secret and private locations, that the Supper Clubs do not oc- relies heavily on word of mouth, revealed the day of the meal. cur in actual restaurants, tickets as most guests hear about the din- Downtown Often in the home of the meal’s are sold on a first come, first ners through a friend or a friend’s chef, participants discover the serve basis through Facebook. friend. Black Label Table provides Drink Shrink location through word of mouth “The exclusivity is not meant an opportunity for all people who and social media. The chefs of to turn people away, but to make share a common interest in food Jeff Josenhans underground supper clubs are it precious,” Dennis said. Guests and wine to explore a new hap- not always professional chefs, experience this by sharing the pening in San Diego dining. For This week I found myself but people who are passionate dinner with chefs in an uncon- more information, visit blackla- home early on a Friday night about cooking. ventional environment. The beltable.com or facebook.com/ Dinner from April’s supper with my girlfriend sipping on The Black Label Table is the chefs are in complete control BlackLabelTable.v (Photo by Margaret Noble) a Coors Light. It struck me suddenly how, as a mixologist, it felt like such a naughty little secret. As the sommelier and head mixologist for the US Grant Hotel, certain expectations apply. I thought further, what does the public think when they hear the word mixologist? Merriam-Webster defines mixology as the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks, but so do bartenders, no? Mixologists drink a fair amount of Fernet Branca and Aperol, and strongly prefer brown spirits, but so did my grandfather. It is a mysterious word. Mixology as a term is abused and over- marketed in the modern spirits world, and is consequently applied broadly in the beverage industry. What truly defines a mixologist is a professional in the bar industry who is passionate about their craft. A mixologist puts in the time to develop their skill set Guests at April’s event before dinner. (Photo by Margaret Noble) to exceed the average consumer’s understanding and bar professional’s capabilities. The rest are bartenders. Don’t get me wrong, I love a funny and socially capable bartender, but this is where the definition of both words takes on separate meanings. Mixologists can guide you, based on their el- evated level of technical skills and knowledge of spirits, to a better- suited beverage choice. So the next time you are visit- ing a bar, take the time to engage your bartender and determine if you are dealing with a bartender or a mixologist. The San Diego Bar Guild will be hosting the after party for the San Diego Wine and Food Festival in November, a must see for aspiring mixologists and for those who really want to get to the bottom of what this vague word means. Co-written by Celia Kelly, Katsuya San Diegov 18 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 happening

with fresh golden fried kettle chips. features all the same weird but Screamin’ Primas, who will take the Afterwards, we washed it down lovable characters like Gomez and stage at 4:45 p.m. The band will close Lunch counters to musicals with an ice cold root beer. This is a Morticia Addams and Uncle Fester. the Sicilian Festival with a bang, perfect place to check out before or Blake Hammond, who plays the complete with a Mardi-Gras style after a game. Lucky’s is open Sunday kooky bald headed Uncle, said he parade through the Festival area. through Thursday from 7 a.m. to adores his character. “I grew up Get one or more band mem- midnight and Friday and Saturday watching the ‘Addams Family’ on bers to strike a creative pose with from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Visit them at TV so when I read for the role, I you and a friend. The best picture luckyslunchcounter.com knew I wanted to play Uncle Fester. will win 2 tickets to an Amazing He’s mischievous, funny and so full Race Scavenger Hunt with Where They’re all together ooky, the of passion.” The Civic Theater is You Want To be Tours and 2 tickets Addams Family (snap, snap): located at 1100 Third Ave. For more to a Rent-a-Local Coronado Biking They first made their TV debut in information visit broadwaysd.com. Adventure. Email photos to tours@ September 1964 but now they’ve wheretours.com by May 23.v come back to life, as a smash-hit We want to hear from you: musical comedy. The bizarre but The 19th annual Sicilian Festival —Marc & Darlynne Menkin much beloved “Addams Family” will hit the streets of Little Italy on are the co-owners of Where You musical will play at the San Diego May 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Want To Be Tours. Many of their Civic Theatre May 29 through June festival is an extravaganza of fun, tours and teambuilding scavenger 3. Fans of the quirky show will be food and entertainment and will hunts feature secret Downtown ar- happy to know the musical version feature popular musical acts like The eas. Visit them at wheretours.com.

Lucky’s Lunch Counter is just steps away from Petco Park (Courtesy Marc and Darlynne Menkin)

It’s All ance is super casual and if you’re a die-hard baseball fan, you’ll dig this Happening neighborhood hangout. An array of Marc and Darlynne Menkin old school black and white baseball photos line the walls, including one great shot of various players Whenever someone asks us from the 1984 Padres after Steve why we love Downtown, the answer Garvey hit a homerun and put us in is pretty simple: because there’s so the World Series for the first time. much to see and do. This month, ur- Customers can sit at a table but we ban dwellers are in for a good time. suggest sitting at the counter and From old school lunch counters to chatting with the friendly staff. Even a nostalgic musical and night time better, park it on a high stool near family fun, there’s their huge window that looks out a lot happening in the 92101 zip toward Petco Park. As for the menu, code. Here’s a peek at some of our Lucky’s offers all sorts of tasty com- favorite things to do. fort food items like pork tenderloin sandwiches and juicy hot dogs Lucky’s Lunch Counter: Just served on a toasted poppy seed bun. steps away from Petco Park is a cool We took Chef Steven Patrick’s advice new deli counter that’s sure to hit a and ordered the hot pastrami corned (l to r) Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley), Pippa Pearthree (Grandma), Sara Gettelfinger (Morticia), Douglas Sills (Gomez), Tom Corbeil homerun with foodies. The ambi- beef and house-made veggie burger (Lurch), Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday) and Blake Hammond (Uncle Fester) in “The Addams Family.” (Photo by Jeremy Daniel) feature/news San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 19 From page 4 SD brewery moving into gator Downtowntown Games

South Park, Liberty Station Downtown’s

Sudoku Answer key, page 23 Accordion player (Photo by Glenda McConnell)

“We started off as a Cajun and zydeco festival in the early days, but we decided that it would be better By Ashley Mackin Escondido, the new location will for us if we opened it up to a variety Downtown News be all its own. of music, starting with blues a few “We weren’t just looking for a year ago. We’ve also since added Stone Brewing Co., the new location for another restau- country and a good smattering of Escondido-based craft beer com- rant,” Koch said. “We built the one folk music,” he said. pany, is expanding. The company in Escondido to be unbeatable. I “We go through quite a process opened a filling station in South didn’t want to create a cookie cut- selecting the music and schedule. Park and is working on a Liberty ter or stamp-able style.” In fact the schedule is as important Station location opening this year, However, the company has as the music, we try not to overlap with other projects in the works. faced some challenges in getting performers too much so that if Saying that Stone Brewing the Liberty Station restaurant built. someone really, really wants to see a opened as craft brewing was just Koch said he wants the same bit of every performer, it’s possible,” starting out, co-founder Greg open space one would find at the Oliver said. Koch said times have changed Escondido location because, “you While the event has grown over dramatically. have to have a space that feels the years, Oliver said it cannot get When Stone Brewing first good for people to want to come much bigger due to logistics. “A lot opened as a production-only back and visit,” he said. of people come in from out of town brewery in 1996, Koch said peo- Achieving this at the new for this,” he said. “However, we’re ple didn’t know what to make of location would require removing limited to what we can do just be- them. “When I would tell people I drywall to open up the ceiling. cause the Spanish Landing footprint worked for a small local brewery, However, the building that will is only so big, but beyond that we they would say, ‘oh what kind of house the new restaurant is never want our customers to feel food do you serve,’” he said. “Be- historically designated, so the like they are being crowded.” cause that’s what people’s per- required state approval to make While it is a massive under- ceptions were… and other than the proposed changes will not taking to produce Gator by the AleSmith, which had opened up happen. “We don’t want to do one Bay, taking about seven months the year before us, I can’t recall single thing that would cause any to produce with upwards of 200 if there were any other strictly permanent change to the histori- volunteers involved, Oliver consid- production breweries.” cal structure,” he said. ers the end result well worth the Now, San Diego is consid- At the same time, several effort. After eleven years, he still ered a leading authority in beer other projects are in the works, loves the sights, sounds and smells production. “San Diego won more including a 19-acre plot with five of the event, but his favorite thing is medals in the last World Beer farmable acres at Stone Farms, watching the crowd’s reactions. “I Cup, which is judged primarily by nine miles from the Escondido want everybody to feel good about European judges,” Koch said, add- brewery, which will provide their experience,” he said. “I want ing that the competition featured produce for the Stone Brewing them to be able to wander around more European beers than those World Bistro and Gardens; the in complete bliss because the music from any other region. “Yet San Stone Hotel, which will offer is so good. Hearing someone say Diego won more medals than the rooms, event space as well as a they had a great time makes it all [United Kingdom], Belgium and barrel aging room; and the Stone worthwhile.” Germany combined,” he said. Packaging Hall to expand their Gator by the Bay will be May 11 With San Diego craft brew- kegging and bottling practices, through May 13 at Spanish Landing ing becoming more common in both in Escondido. Park at Harbor Island. Tickets for recent years, Koch knew it was Koch said the beer industry Friday are $25; Saturday and Sun- time to expand. is valuable to the San Diego day tickets are $30. Attendees 17 For one of their expansion economy, and he is happy to and under are free with paid adult projects, Stone Brewing opened be a part of it. “What we’ve admission. For more information, a fill station in South Park at 2215 developed is a tremendous local visit gatorbythebay.com.v 30th St. in June 2011 for those resource for tourism and our with a Stone Brewing growler, a economy,” he said. “We have an 64-ounce sealable jug, who want opportunity as a community to to fill it with the company’s beers. foster this local pride.” Koch said the inspiration was He added Stone Brewing simply to make beer more acces- has been able to work with local sible to the Uptown communities. restaurants to carry their beers. “I like the idea of our local growler “What they do is they look at customers not having to drive all [breweries] as sources for bring- the way to the brewery every time ing in people from the outside, they want to get their growler and [as] sources of local pride filled,” he said. “It’s just part of be- that actually help increase the ing part of the neighborhood.” number of tourism dollars we Another expansion project is get,” he said. “It’s a significant the Liberty Station restaurant, contribution to our local econo- a 22,000-square-foot restaurant my, which is great. We are really and brewery, which will have proud to be doing that.” 40 beers on draft. While similar For more information in design to the Stone Brew- about the Stone Brewing ex- ing World Bistro and Gardens, pansion projects, visit stone- Participants at the Festival at 1999 Citracado Parkway in brew.com/projects.v (Photo by Margaret de la M) 20 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 fitness/news

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He specializes in anti-aging That’s why Farnesi is Fit’s official Hill, Leslee Houston, Elena public opinion research, Tingling sensations, rapid heart- and functional or regenerative doctor for all our members’ hor- Karavodin, Gloria Muriel and recently determined that lo- beats, clammy skin, hot flashes and medicine. Farnesi explained there monal questions and issues. Nicole Waszak. “Reflective cal Business Improvement restless sleep: what seems remi- is no “quick fix” for unbalanced If you’ve downgraded your Narratives” is inspired by the Districts (BIDs) generated niscent of a summer romance can hormones. “This is not about just definition of a good night’s sleep to artist’s diverse backgrounds a $47.4 million economic actually be the start of a hormonal getting a prescription for estrogen four hours, if you claim “the devil and environmental observa- impact from 2008 to 2010. train wreck in your body. Balance is or testosterone when your libido made you do it” when you break out tions. The opening reception Originally created more key and if your hormones are out of isn’t what it used to be,” he said. in a hot flash and shout obscenities will be Saturday, April 28 at 5 than 40 years ago as a way sync, then your body can become Farnesi uses an individual- at the top of your lungs or if you feel p.m., with the exhibit ongo- for downtown shopping completely out of whack. ized approach and begins with like doom and gloom have become ing until July. 98 Bottles is districts to compete against If your hormones are not bal- laboratory tests of hormone your new best friends, then you located at 2400 Kettner Blvd. suburban malls, BIDs, such anced, your body will not function levels. Then, he prescribes a should consider getting your hor- suite #110 in Little Italy. For as those in the Gaslamp properly. However, finding out dosage of bio-identical estrogens, mones checked out so you can truly more information, visit 98bot- District and Little Italy, what’s going on inside your body progesterone or testosterone be in tune with life.v tlessd.com. remain a popular program can sometimes be tricky. that is prepared at a registered for San Diego business Consider a hormone as a compounding pharmacy. Each —Connie Cook’s has over 20 jsix Restaurant to owners, that are eager to chemical messenger, transporting patient is then monitored carefully years experience in the health and provide gluten-free develop safe, clean and a signal from one cell to another. through regular follow-up visits to fitness industry. After extensive menu in may attractive shopping environ- Hormones are responsible for ensure they get symptom relief at work in the top fitness and athletic In honor of Celiac ments. NUSIPR found that your body’s growth, development the lowest possible dosage. clubs in Houston, Texas, she moved Awareness Month, Jsix by funding special events, and energy. Only a small amount Wouldn’t it be nice if our minds to San Diego to become the fitness Restaurant will offer a new streetscape maintenance of hormone is required to alter aged and we became wiser, but and marketing director of Fit Ath- gluten-free, prix fixe menu and unique services to pro- a cell’s chemical reaction, so if our bodies didn’t age and we letic. She is instructs all formats each week throughout the mote BID merchants, busi- something is off in your body, an remained fit and trim? One of the of fitness classes and is certified month. In addition to the ness improvement districts in-depth analysis of your hormone reasons I find hormone balancing in multiple national group fitness menus, Jsix will donate have generated positive levels can reveal the imbalance. so important is if your hormones courses. 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Those that love everything about Chinese culture will also find the exhibit’s title fascinating and an important educational experience, especially if viewed in conjunction with the artifacts and exhibits at the Historical Museum, located at 404 Third St. The current exhibit at the museum’s extension is part of a traveling show depicting the range of arts and crafts, as well as plates, buttons, bags, books, prints and Exterior of the museum (Courtesy SD Chinese Historical Museum) posters from the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). The entire Cultural Revolution was a period tive director of the museum and exhibit is from the personal collec- of great strife and hardship for a former engineer for the Apollo tion of Todd Cornell, a Sinophile, many of China’s citizens. Urban Space Program, concurred; saying who spent over 20 years on the intellectuals often were criticized this is a highly sensitive exhibit. Chinese mainland working as a and sent to the countryside to He said he hopes people will not manager for corporations such learn the peasant lifestyle. The misinterpret the Museum’s pur- as the Hilton, United Airlines and education system was disrupted, pose or intention. Corning Glass. and many people today are still “The images of physically Cornell began his collection feeling the effects.” healthy and emotionally happy in the 1990s with a single copy Cornell said he thinks it is Chinese, beaming under the guid- of Chairman Mao’s “Little Red important viewers examine the art ance of the Red Guard, depicted in Book,” which was required read- of this period, which was used as much of the art work, is a far cry ing on college campuses during propaganda. from the truth of the dire reality the student revolution in America “People should come and see of everyday life in China at the A speaker discusses the Seeing Red exhibit. (Courtesy SD Chinese Historical Museum) during the late 1960s and early the exhibit to examine the colors, time, when over 30 million people 70s. Cornell continued to collect motifs and techniques that were perished,” Chuang said. “None- By Will Bowen There is currently an oppor- over the years, purchasing most of used in this highly stylized art,” theless, we think that this was an Downtown News tunity to ponder these statements his material in Chinese flea mar- Cornell said. “Some of the prints important period in Chinese his- and contemplate how art functions ket. He did this not out of political from etchings and woodcuts are tory and that the art of the period Chairman Mao Tse-Tung in culture at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen interest or motivation, but as part very beautiful and there is the deserves our attention.” wrote in 1942, “There is no such Memorial Extension of the San of his on going fascination with ever presence of the color red. I The Chinese Historical Mu- thing as art for art’s sake, art that Diego Chinese Historical Mu- Chinese art and culture. hope that viewers will be able to seum and the Sun Yat-Sen exten- stands above classes [or] art that seum. The new exhibit, “Seeing Cornell said the exhibit does examine the materials in the show sion are open Tuesday through is detached from or independent Red: Art Amid Turmoil in the not condone what happened dur- without labeling them as good Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and of politics. Proletarian art and Great Proletarian Cultural Revolu- ing the Cultural Revolution, when or bad. Hopefully, this will lead Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Admission literature are part of the whole tion Tradition,” is housed at the millions of people suffered and to a healing process as to what is $4, though Museum members revolutionary cause; they are the Extension building, located at 328 died after the upheaval in tradi- occurred during this period of and children under 12 are free. cogs and wheels in the revolution- J St. in the Gaslamp Quarter’s Old tional society. Press material pro- Chinese history.” For more information, visit ary machine.” China Town area. vided by the Museum said “The Alexander Chuang, the execu- sdchm.org or call 619-338-9888.v 22 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 entertainment Late bloomer Hanni El Khatib talks up his new album, gets set for first San Diego appearance

By Logan Broyles by the company relocating offices. Downtown News He decided to focus solely on music a year ago, and already the If you have not heard of him 30-year-old half-Palestinian, half- yet, remember the name. It may Filipino singer has toured twice not be long before Hanni El Khatib with Florence and the Machine. has cemented himself as a big gun Some of the songs off of his first in the ever-popular blues renais- album, “Will the Guns Come Out,” sance sweeping the music industry. have been included on TV shows His heavy blues style and raspy like “Eastbound & Down” and voice have often drawn compari- “Californication,” as well as in a few sons to the White Stripes and the Nike and Nissan commercials. Black Keys. If his first album is any “I think maybe people like to indication of the promise of this compare us because we all had star on the rise, his second may similar influences,” Khatib said. be the one that rockets him to “Our music is rooted in blues and stardom. After bonding over rock ‘n’ roll.” their love of the blues during a Khatib has been something of a random meeting in Paris, Dan late bloomer, having only commit- Auerbach of the Black Keys ted to a career as a musician last will be lending his skills in the Hanni El Khatib is set to play at The Casbah May 11. (Both photos by Guy Lowndes) year. Yet he has already left a mark recording studio for Khatib’s on the music industry. upcoming album. The two will for my next record, and that natu- a lot more developed and evolved out of my normal comfort zone.” A Bay Area native, Khatib made start recording together in June rally led into talks about working in terms of the instruments and Auerbach is only signed up to his way to Los Angeles two years and Khatib said he hopes it will on the record together with him guitar playing, and I’m more open play a producer role right now, ago. At the time, he was working as be released later this year. as a producer.” to being experimental and trying but here’s some are hoping he a creative director for HUF skate- Khatib said, “[Auerbach] Khatib said of the album and new things. I’m very eager to try hops on the guitar for a few songs. boards. The move was prompted invited me to come use his studio its new direction, “It’s going to be out some new instruments and get Considering many people mistake some of Khatib’s songs for Black Keys tracks, it seems like more than just a coincidence that these two met one night on the other side of the Atlantic. With his raw talent, Auerbach’s help, and a solid foundation of own- ing his own record label, the best is yet to come for this promising new star. He makes his way down the coast for his first show in San Diego on May 11 at The Casbah, located at 2501 Kettner Blvd.v calendar/news San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 23

From page 15 the 9:30 show From page 3 The Limits of Control: Sudoku calendar 2:30 p.m., The San Diego Public walmart Library will screen films from Puzzle solution from page 19 Michael Jackson impersonator filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, Central “DEV as MJ,” 10th Avenue The- Library, 820 E St. third floor ater, 930 10th Ave., $20 auditorium, free Clap Your Hands Say Yeah with The Darcys: 8:30 p.m. doors, May 25 The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Tainted Love: 8:30 p.m. $18 in advance, $20 at the door show, House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Dead Man: 2:30 p.m., The Ave., tickets start at $15 San Diego Public Library will John Patitucci Trio: 7:30 screen films from filmmaker Jim and 9:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 Jarmusch, Central Library, 820 E India St., tickets start at $15 for St. third floor auditorium, free the 7:30 show and start at $12 for the 9:30 show May 19 Margot And Nuclear Marcia Ball: 7:30 p.m., So And Sos with Dinosaur Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets Feathers: 8:30 p.m. doors, The Lorena Gonzalez start at $10 Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $12 (Courtesy SD & Imperial Counties Labor Union) Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. in advance, $14 at the door – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, farmers Showcase of One-Act Court Judge ruled Monday, April 23 market with over 100 booths, Plays: doors open at 7 p.m., a construction could continue. Date & India streets, free. staged reading of six one-act Restivo said the legal green light Jazz Concert with Howard plays written by playwrights from was good news. “Construction teams Alden: 8 p.m., guitarist inspired the San Diego area sponsored by are back to work and residents are a by recordings of Armstrong, San Diego Scripteasers, a local step closer to getting what they have Basie and Goodman and per- playwriting group, Swedenborg overwhelmingly said they wanted: formed nearly all of the music in Hall, 4144 Campus Ave., a $5.00 more job opportunities and afford- Woody Allen’s film “Sweet and donation is requested able grocery options in their own Lowdown,” Garfield Theater, neighborhood,” he said. 4126 Executive Dr., tickets start May 26 Gonzalez said she disagrees at $25 Tyrone Wells with Joe with Restivo’s assertion that resi- WoMan in the Mirror: 8 Brooks and Tyler Hilton: 8 dents want the building demolished. p.m., one-woman show of the life p.m. show, House of Blues, 1055 “I live two blocks from that site,” of Michael Jackson impersonator Fifth Ave., tickets start at $17 she said. “Every morning I wake up “DEV as MJ,” 10th Avenue The- Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. to see this historic building being ater, 930 10th Ave., $20 – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, farmers crushed. I see this as [Walmart] Milo Greene: 8:30 p.m. doors, market with over 100 booths, having disregard for community The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., $10 Date & India streets, free. values and historic resources. It Circle of Animals/ Zodiac really scares me.” May 20 Heads: 11 a.m., Ai Weiwei’s Gonzalez said she and others An Afternoon of Jazz: 1 gallery-sized installation compris- believe Walmart is just not a good p.m., exploration of the musical es 12 animal heads, each depicting fit for the community. definition of jazz and watching a segment of the ancient Chinese “They are not making any effort those who play it best. There will zodiac, Museum of Contemporary to reach out to the community. also be a hands-on opportunity Art, 1100 Kettner Blvd., free - $10 They are not making any effort to for youth and adults to survey Gutiérrez plays Rach- empower people by offering them a many musical instruments. Law- maninoff: 8 p.m., San Diego decent wage,” she said. “They have rence Family JCC, 4126 Execu- Symphony welcomes pianist made no commitment to the com- tive Dr., tickets start at $10 Horacio Gutiérrez performing munities of Sherman Heights and WoMan in the Mirror: 2 Rachmaninoff’s “Second,” Copley Barrio Logan.” p.m., one-woman show of the life Symphony Hall, 750 B St., tickets Some business owners in of Michael Jackson impersonator start at $20 downtown, including those closest to “DEV as MJ,” 10th Avenue The- Sherman heights in the East Village, ater, 930 10th Ave., $20 May 27 said they are not concerned about Gaslamp Farmer’s Market: George Clinton and Parlia- the retailer’s expansion into the area. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 400 block of Third ment Funkadelic: 7:30 and 9:30 East Village Business Improve- Avenue between Island Avenue p.m. shows, Anthology, 1337 ment District Director Lisa Lem and J Street, free India St., tickets start at $24 for said the proximity of local busi- Suckers: 8:30 p.m. doors, the 7:30 p.m. show and $23 for nesses to downtown residents and The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., the 9:30 p.m. show the walkability of the neighborhood $10 in advance, $12 at the door House of Blues Gospel are the strongest factors for the lack Starkid Presents Apocalyp- Brunch: 11 a.m., House of Blues, of concern. tour: 7:30 p.m., House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets start at “Business owners aren’t re- 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets start at $30 $37.50 ally worried about the Walmart The Bug Out – B-boy battle construction,” she said. “It will be May 21 showcase: 3 p.m., House of located on the other side of the Cathouse Thursday CD Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets freeway and many of the residents release party: 7:30 p.m., Anthol- start at $12 in this area walk to the stores they ogy, 1337 India St., tickets start Steve Aoki with Mr. Nice patronize. [Residents] getting in at $10 Guy, Luke Skyy and Justin their cars and driving to Walmart City Council meeting: 2 Campbell: 9 p.m. show, House of to pick up something they could p.m. Mondays, 202 C Street, 12th Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., $22.50 get by walking a block or two just floor, free isn’t a concern.”v Plants and Animals: 8:30 May 28 p.m. doors, The Casbah, 2501 Mellow Mondays featuring Kettner Blvd., $10 DJ Mello D: 6 p.m. show, House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., no cover May 22 I Break Horses with Man May 29 Without Country: 8:30 p.m. Indigenous with Plateros: doors, The Casbah, 2501 Kettner 7 p.m. Anthology, 1337 India St., Blvd., $8 in advance, $10 at the tickets start at $10 door May 30 May 23 Horse Feathers: 8:30 p.m., Where’s My Money The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., tour – Andre Nickatina with $12 in advance, $14 at the door Fashawn and MUMBLS: 7 p.m. show, House of Blues, 1055 Fifth May 31 Ave., tickets start at $22.50 Steve Smith and the Vital Jon McLaughlin: 7:30 p.m., Information 30th Anniversary Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets Tour: 7:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 start at $10 India St., tickets start at $10 BreakThru Entertainment May 24 Presents: 7 p.m. show, House Toad the Wet Sprocket: 7:30 of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets and 9:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 start at $10 India St., tickets start at $15 for Rusko: 10 p.m., 4th & B, 345 the 7:30 show and start at $12 for B St., $25v 24 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 Theater

Civic Theatre Lively Arts Broadway San Diego presents Charlene Baldridge supermodel Christie Brinkley as Insightful comedy urges audience to listen Roxie Hart in Kander & Ebb’s If it’s May, it must be a musi- “Chicago,” a killer musical about Lamb’s Players latest looks at intentioned prejudice and racism cal by Kander & Ebb. You’ve got tough female convicts. Tuesday, two choices, “Chicago” at the June 8 through Sunday, June 13, Civic Theatre and “The Scottsboro Civic Theatre, 3rd and B Street, By Cuauhtémoc Kish portunity to allow both sides to Boys” at The Old Globe. $25-$110, broadwaysd.com or 619- Downtown News participate in a two-sided conver- 570-1100. sation about race and how much Copley Symphony Hall Lamb’s Players Theatre progress is left undone. The San Diego Symphony closes The Old Globe tackles the uncomfortable sub- five-actor ensemble is composed its season May 4-6 with pianist Jon The Old Globe presents two ject of racism with an insightful of two African-Americans, a Jew- Kimura Parker and the orchestra, musicals this month, in the Old comedy by Janece Shaffer that ish woman and two Caucasian under the baton of Jahja Ling, Globe Theatre Kander & Ebbs’ his- will play through May 27. women. devoting themselves to rhapsodies, torically based, recent Broadway The action takes place in an Allison, played by Karson St. foremost George Gershwin’s famed show, “The Scottsboro Boys,” and isolated cabin with a Brownie John, is the troop leader. She is “Rhapsody in Blue,” then Enesco’s in the White Theatre, the world troop inside Forsyth County, the quintessential microman- Rumanian Rhapsody, Alfven’s Swed- premiere of Gabe Alter and Itamar and although you never see the ager who planned the outing. ish Rhapsody and Rachmaninoff’s Moses’ “Nobody Loves You” – a youngsters, musical and other She gave up a law career to take familiar Rhapsody on a Theme bona fide original musical comedy. vocal snippets from the children care of her disabled son, which of Paganini. 8 p.m. Thursday and Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys are heard throughout this en- is a decision that has taken a Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; $20-$96, Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe gaging one-act production. heavy toll on her family. Nicole, 7th & B Street, sandiegosymphony. Way, Balboa Park, $29 and up, the- The set-up is somewhat played by Kaja Amado Dunn, is org or 619-235-0804. oldglobe.org or 619-234-5623.v predictable but offers an op- a relaxed wife of a former sports star, while Cynthia Gerber plays the part of Sue, a mom on the verge of a breakdown who cannot control her unruly, resent- ful daughter. Rounding out the group is Jamie, the kindly mediator and stay-at-home mom, and Deidre, an accomplished surgeon, played by Erika Beth Phillips and Monique Gaffney respectively. Deborah Gilmour Smith stages the play with an able hand, and all of the actors follow Karson St. John (Photo by Ken Jacques) with credible performances although the volume needs to be turned down a notch or two. “Brownie Points” Tensions rise when Deidre Through May 27 and Nicole discover they have been assigned kitchen duty for Lamb’s Players Theate the entire sleep over. From this Tues - Thurs 7:30 p.m. vantage point, the question of Fri 8 p.m. intentioned prejudice makes its Sat 4 & 8 p.m. appearance, and the rest of the Sun 2 p.m. show has the entire group of women defending their differing 619-437-6000 positions on the subject. lambsplayers.org A side bar in this play is all about good parenting, juxta- posed against racial and eco- gles and toasted marshmallows, nomic factors. The women come but what audiences get is an to terms with their inadequacies adult conversation about race, and their strengths during their religion, divorce and working forced captivity caused by a se- outside the home. The bottom vere thunderstorm that knocked line in this expansive discussion down trees, blocking their exit. is for all of us to consider a point By title only, “Brownie of view that is different from our Points” appears to promise gig- own; in short: to listen.v feature San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 25 Respect through history Musical journey highlights social progress through song lyrics from 1902 to 2003

By Bart Mendoza Downtown News tunes in the set, it is impossible for the audience to not join in the It has long been known that music, and Shahinian said she is music can be an instrument of OK with that. “We want everyone change, recording history and to sing along. We want everyone social mores as they happen. to have a good time,” she said. Nowhere is that more clear than in “We’ve directed the show in such the production “Respect: A Musi- a way that, hopefully, the women cal Journey of Women,” running who come to see the show feel like though June 24 at the Lyceum they’re just having a chat with the Theatre. Created by Dorothy Mar- ladies on stage [and] that they’re cic, the play is based on her book inviting [the audience] into a con- “RESPECT: Women and Popular versation rather than just watching (l to r) Lisa H. Payton, Leigh Scarritt, Kelsey Venter and Nancy Snow Carr (Photo by Ken Jacques) Music,” which analyzes female lyr- a presentation.” ics in hit songs since 1900. Scarritt, a long time theatre First staged in Florida in 2004, veteran whose credits include “Respect” utilizes a soundtrack productions of everything from from 60 classic songs in less than “Evita” to “High School Musical,” two hours, spanning 1902’s “Won’t said that while the show has a You Come Home Bill Bailey” to specific theme, it is entertaining Martina McBride’s 2003 song, for everyone. “In My Daughters Eyes.” The “It’s not just a show for selections give a timeline for the women,” Scarritt said. “It’s a great changes that took place in wom- show, especially for men who love en’s lives during the 20th century. women and men who love music.” From relationship adjustments to Scarritt’s songs during the show in- political and social upheaval, it is clude Christina Aguilera’s 2002 hit, all here, packed with humor, fun “Beautiful,” and she said she gives and great music. most of the credit for making this Directed by Sarah Shahinian, production popular to her co-stars. “Respect” features Nancy Snow “The director has really gathered Carr, Lisa H. Payton and Kelsey an amazing company,” she said, Venter, with Leigh Scarritt as the adding, “The women she has hired narrator, backed by a four-piece are spectacular musicians and band. Shahinian has been involved performers. I think they’re terrific with the play’s production for at their craft and they make my several years, beginning in 2009 as job [as narrator] easy because all I its assistant director at the Act II have to do is say, ‘that was lovely; Playhouse in Ambler, Penn. Now let’s do another one.’” in her fourth year with the show, For her part, Shahinian said Shahinian said she is still enthusi- she is pleased to tell the story of astic about the show’s message. women’s struggles and triumphs “I think it’s just spectacular the in “Respect,” but is also happy to way the author has broken down be shining light on words in popu- San Diego Symphony the evolution of women using lar music. “I hope the audience popular music,” Shahinian said. leaves humming the songs they WINTER POPS is now “So much is covered here. For the know and love, but [also] walks play’s author, it started out with away [with] a new understanding ‘Someone to Watch Over Me.’ of what the lyrics really mean,” Literally, it’s from a time when a she said. “When you put them into woman had no place if she didn’t context like this, it points out how have a husband, so you needed powerful they can be.” someone to watch over you.” “Respect: A Musical Jour- Shahinian said showstoppers ney of Women” plays a 10-week can be different from performance engagement at The Lyceum to performance. “There are three Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza. Show PETER CETERA big medley’s in the first act that times are Wednesdays at 2 and 7 usually get a big response,” she p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at Original Lead Singer of the Band Chicago! said. “It’s really hard to pinpoint, 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. but ‘I Will Survive’ always gets and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19, 8pm a good reaction and so does the range from $42 to $57. For more Matthew Garbutt, conductor 2012-13 Vicki Carr song, ‘It Must Be Him,’ information and to purchase tick- which closes the first half.” ets visit lyceumevents.com or call Peter Cetera, vocals With so many well-known 619-544-1000.v Featuring Baby, Glory of Love, You’re The Inspiration, Wishing You Were Here, What a Big Surprise and the worldwide Number One hit, If You Leave Me Now! Peter Cetera • Exciting new lobby lighting • Enjoy cocktails in the hall during the performance • Join us post-concert for a dance party with DJ

Tickets start at $20! Copley Symphony Hall, Seventh Avenue and B Street

June 23-September 2 NeIL San Diego’s Finest entertainment SeDAkA WILSoN on the Waterfront RobeRTA PhILLIPS FLACk TICkeTS START AT $18!

Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.

CALL 619.235.0804 or VISIT sandiegosymphony.com “Respect” has a 10-week run at the Lyceum Theatre. (Photo by Ken Jacques) 26 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 travel Ojai California

Valley of culinary delights (Photos by Ron Stern) Bobbie, Leah and Rachel of Knead Baking Company, a family run artisan bakery specializing in cakes, pastry, desserts, breads, breakfast, lunch and specialty foods. Colonial Revival architecture. The La Fuente GlobalGumshoe street is adorned with Spanish- Here, they serve homemade with the townsfolk, read a book or queso fresco. All the flavors com- style arcades and the original bell Mexican food, specializing in just relax at this comfortable place. bine into a tasty cultural mélange Ron Stern tower is still standing prominently tamales. They have eight variet- that will make your taste buds pop. on Ojai Avenue. ies, including chicken, beef and Los Caporales Restaurant ($9.99) Located about an hour from Locals like the fact that Ojai’s red pork and pineapple. Their & Bar Before or after you meal, be bustling Los Angeles is a valley sleepy, small-town image is also sweet corn tamales taste more Another family-owned loca- sure to check out their tequila bar that time seems to have forgotten. a place where there are no big like dessert and would be a good tion in the heart of downtown, next door. There, you can choose The city of Ojai, part of the Ojai box stores or chain restaurants. choice after the others. You can this one features many Mexican from more than 150 brands, some Valley, is nestled among rolling Instead, entrepreneurs (many of buy a single or take home a dozen. specialties all made from scratch. which are quite rare. hills, citrus orchards and towering whom are transplants from others ($2.75/single, $30/dozen) They also have something special oak trees. Travelers come to Ojai places in the U.S.) have started they invented one day, when they Ojai Beverage Company for its health spas, outdoor activi- their one-of-a-kind mom and pop Ojai Coffee Roasting Company were just trying to put something Step inside and you will find ties and natural beauty. Food lov- eateries. This is a hot spot where locals together for a meal. It’s called every sort of beer and wine you ers, however, discovered Ojai has I set out to find the best in local get together over a freshly brewed Nectar of the Gods and, after can imagine, and more. Some an abundance of culinary eateries color and flavor, and fortunately, cup, or any number of variations tasting it, I can see why this happy of the labels and graphics are that command a loyal following. most of the venues are located thereof. The owner is passionate entrée brings patrons back every more like works of art, with Originally, the downtown around the village and within walk- about his beans, importing them time. The dish is a soup made with colorful names such as Masked area – or village, as locals call it ing distance from each other. Let from all over the world and roast- whole pinto beans, tomatoes, on- Rider Gunsmoke Red and Voodoo – was constructed using Spanish the food tour begin. ing them on site. Get acquainted ion, chicken, cilantro and Mexican Maple Bacon Ale. Libations as well as food are available.

Knead Baking Company Run by a mother and her two daughters, this eatery lov- ingly makes their breads in small batches using local ingredients. Their sourdough variety is made from a wild yeast starter that origi- nated from organic grapes back in 1996. They also serve sandwiches, salads and pastries.

Azu Owners came up with this catchy name by dropping the “l” from the Spanish word for blue, azul. Azu is located in a 100-year old bakery and serves Mediter- ranean tapas, as well as entrees and salads. Among the tapas I tried, the hit of the table was their stuffed dates. They start with Hadley organic medjool dates, wrap them with bacon, stuff them with chorizo and cook them to crisply goodness. This sweet and smoky sensation was simply delicious and I really couldn’t get enough.

Casa Barranca Organic Winery Situated in the Ojai Arcade, this establishment’s owner studied the art of winemaking for 15 years in France. In their tasting room, they offer a variety of organic wines that were, surprisingly full of flavor, from mild to robust. This winery has been successful at im- pressing the local community and beyond with their skills. Among their selection, they offer Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sau- vignon. ($3 for a taste of most) Feast Bistro Winner of Ojai’s best restaurant four years running (2006- 2009), Feast Bistro serves up New American Cuisine. Chef Susan Coulter creates her own brand of palate-pleasing favorites including mussel and clam steamers in a cream reduction sauce with garlic or duck breast with sour cherry compote. She has different fish en- trées each day, and the one I tried

see Travel, page 27 travel/fashion San Diego Downtown News | May 2012 27 Two downtown fashion shows highlight sexy designs and retro looks

Closing Night Party at 4th & B Spring Style Soiree The Media Arts Center San The Junior League of San Diego Diego presented the 19th annual presented their third annual Spring San Diego Latino Film Festival Style Soiree 2012 on March 30. This on March 8 - 18. This year, “Cap- upbeat fashion show and fundraiser tive Beauty” was one of the films was held downtown at FLUXX San featured with a fashion theme. Diego. The evening started with a The film was about a beauty fun social hour as emcees Cindy Ma- contest held in a women’s prison talucci of The Pulse San Diego and in Columbia, and intertwined the Dean Hall of Fashion 5.0 Magazine women’s stories with prepara- got the runway event going. The tions for the beauty contest. Fashion Show was a combination of Partly in honor, this year’s well-known brands and local design- closing night party was held at ers, with bright colors the trend of Fashion Ojai Beverage Company has become the premier destination for fine wine, 4th & B downtown. The celebra- the night. Fusionelle came down the Files craft beer and unique spirits in Ojai. (Photos by Ron Stern) tion began with Latin music by catwalk with dresses that had a West- Orquesta Binacional De Mambo ern style with an Eastern flair; EA Diana Cavagnaro From page 26 and as the evening progressed, Vintage spiced up the runway with Resources: an upbeat fashion show began to retro looks; and Custo Barcelona travel a packed crowd. The Latino fash- is always innovative with their bold —Diana Cavagnaro is a nation- Ojai Visitors Bureau ion designers were Jose Maria prints and colors. Local boutiques ally recognized hat designer and 1-888-OJAI Now Ybarra, Arturo De Mendez and Capricorn and Ceclia Boutique made milliner. Diana has been operating a was a Lake Superior whitefish with www.ojaivisitors.com Hellen Magni. Models showed a presence with their fashionable Fashion business for 30 years, the last sautéed Swiss chard and a sweet off the hot and sexy designs. clothes. Banana Republic showed a 20 years in Downtown San Diego’s and sour sauce. The combination Vanessa Diaz, Martha Corzo majority of yellow in their modern Historic Gaslamp Quarter. She has of the mild fish with the tangy Lavender Inn Marell, Marissa Corzo and Julie collection; Karen Millen delighted been teaching in the Fashion Depart- sauce made this one of my instant www.lavenderinn.com Fought produced the show. For the audience with tailored clothing; ment at San Diego Mesa College for seafood favorites. more information about The Me- and Cache ended the show with 20 years. Diana is an active member Ventura Food Tours dia Arts Center San Diego visit stunning gowns. For more informa- of the Gaslamp Quarter Association Churchill Orchards www.venturafoodtours.com mediaartscenter.org. tion visit jlsd.org.v and The American Sewing Guild. Jim Churchill, whom I’ve dubbed The Pixie King, is a highly educated man who, through a series of events, found himself running an orchard producing pixie tangerines. These little orange delights are sweet, seedless and easy to peel. You can find these around town and at the Farmers Market held on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As the King says, “They’re sweet, petite and ready to eat.”2w

Where to Stay

The Lavender Inn This historic bed and breakfast was originally the first school- house in town, built in 1874. Today, they have 7 charming and Cid quatet raepelibeat aspel mo- cozy rooms and one full cottage luptatem. Est, qui quatiae with prices starting at $130. There’s no skimping on the breakfast here either and my morning started with egg quesadillas, fresh fruit, sweet sautéed sausage, rolls, juice and coffee. In the evening, they also serve cheese, chilled wines and assorted appetizers. This is the perfect way to begin or end the day’s eating experience. Sitting on the porch surrounded by flowers, the smell of lavender and their house kitty cuddled up next to me is about as close to Shangri La as I’m likely to get.v

The Pixie King showcases his tangerines at Churchill Orchards. 28 San Diego Downtown News | May 2012