February 2012

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

Volume 13 issue 2

February 2012

Columbia • Core/Civic • Cortez Hill • East Village • Gaslamp/Horton Plaza • Little Italy • Marina ➤➤ NEWS p. 7 Schmidt Design

CLIENT PROJECT VERSION CLIENT APPROVAL DATE Group releases SAN DIEGO Logo Design DOWNTOWN NEWS FINAL X 1/9/12 plans for Horton Plaza Park and Central Library meets fundraising goals Children’s Park ➤➤ DINING p. 16 Downtown’s future plaza touted as music and festival hotspot

By Logan Broyles Downtown News

Glen Schmidt has made a name for The Gaslamp District’s Mardi Gras brings out festive characters every year. (Courtesy Gaslamp Quarter Association) himself over the past three decades Donovan’s receives high marks as a landscape architect in southern California as well as an environmental champion. He is the founder of the ➤➤ theater p. 22 Schmidt Design Group, one of the New Orleans party, San Diego flair most successful landscape architec- ture firms in San Diego. Responsible for several promi- Mardi Gras festival celebrates its 18th year in Gaslamp District nent landmarks dotting the county, such as Stone’s World Bistro & Beer Gardens in Escondido, Schmidt has By Ashley Mackin said part of the San Diego influence on Mardi Gras been contacted for the development Downtown News includes various music styles and groups, dinner of Stone World Bistro’s newest loca- packages and the fact that participants do not have tion, a restaurant and small brewery San Diego’s now-famous Mardi Gras celebra- to “work for” their beads. that is being built in Liberty Station tion is back for its 18th year, and will dominate Shimabukuro also explained how the event, in Point Loma. the Gaslamp District downtown with dancing, a synonymous with grandeur and celebration, had Now, Schmidt has set his sights on masquerade parade and plenty of beads. This 21 humble beginnings in San Diego. giving Downtown San Diego a vibrant, and older event had 35,000 participants in 2011 “It started out at Dick’s Last Resort, [where] new social scene with several promis- and the hosts of Mardi Gras are expecting a bigger there were a couple of really enterprising employees ing projects that will reshape the cul- “The Recommendation” crowd this year. Starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 21, the who decided that, with their ties to the South, they ture of the city over the next few years. takes major steps celebration will offer the New Orleans party with wanted to bring a taste of New Orleans here to San One of these projects is the Horton San Diego flair. Diego,” she said. Plaza Park, a potential game-changer Brandy Shimabukuro, marketing and public rela- ➤➤ FEATURE p. 23 tions director for the Gaslamp Quarter Association, see Mardi Gras, page 14 see Schmidt, page 24 Connections Housing construction kick-off Year-round housing and service facility will open by end of 2012 in vacant downtown building

From “Salome” to “Barber By Anthony King of Seville” for the SD Opera Downtown News

City leaders gathered on the former site of San Index Diego’s World Trade Center at 1250 Sixth Ave. to launch construction on the city’s first year-round, Briefs……………………9 223-bed homeless facility in downtown San Diego. Calendar………………10 Rendering of finished Connections Housing building Glen Schmidt of the Schmidt Design Group Feature…………...…13 (Courtesy PATH) see Connections, page 25 (Courtesy Schmidt Design Group) Drink Shrink……………15 Fitness…………………19 Ar t……………….……21 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 | February 2012

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At the groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 5, local representatives celebrated the beginning of North Park Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase I construction. (Courtesy office of Councilmember Todd Gloria) North Embarcadero project breaks ground Phase one includes increasing open space with new public park

By Johnny McDonald ing $3.8 million for the park alone, The project will also accom- Downtown News which was allocated in the Port’s modate transportation options Capital Improvement Program. with access to the nearby Santa Portions of what many con- A $3.5 million donation by the Fe Depot and trolley stops. The sider San Diego’s front porch have Ruocco family will be used for Port of San Diego, City of San recently become construction the park’s design and upgrades, Diego and Centre City Develop- zones as the Port District moves including the garden areas. ment Corporation, on behalf forward with the first phase of Construction is expected to be of the Redevelopment Agency the North Embarcadero Vision- completed at the end of the summer. of San Diego, worked collab- ary Plan. Groundbreaking for the As a provider of recreational oratively to provide funding project was held on Jan. 5. opportunities for the region, the for construction and long-term After 15 years of public Port District has developed 150 maintenance of the new public planning and collaboration, the acres of public parkland along the spaces and amenities. North Embarcadero Visionary waterfront of San Diego Bay and In addition to the Visionary Plan Phase I runs from the Navy the shoreline of Imperial Beach. Plan, a 105-foot wide esplanade is Pier to the B Street Pier and will Ruocco Park will be the Port’s also being constructed and will include construction on a portion 18th public park. adorn the waterfront. The espla- of West Broadway Street. The “Projects of this magnitude nade will have formal gardens, estimated cost is $28.6 million. and grandeur don’t happen over- plazas, shade pavilions and a wa- Following the demolition of night, and don’t happen without a terfront promenade. It is expected buildings that formerly housed lot of public debate and scrutiny,” to be finished in two years. the Harbor Seafood Mart and said Scott Peters, Chairman of the “San Diego deserves a Coral Reef Restaurant, work will Board of Port Commissioners. waterfront that links us to our commence on a 3.3-acre park “But in the end, we got it done most valuable asset—the bay— located north of Seaport Village. because we brought the parties and provides public space for Sidewalks around the perimeter together and found common residents, visitors and future will be closed through early April. ground for the common good and generations to celebrate our Marguerite Elicone, manager for the public benefit. That’s how connection to the water,” said of media services for the Port of we get things done here in San City Council President Pro Tem San Diego, explained the Visionary Diego, and it’s a better project for Kevin Faulconer. “The new Plan encompasses approximately it,” he said. North Embarcadero is about 30 components, including adjusting The Visionary Plan Phase I is creating a special place to share the boundary of the Port Master part of a comprehensive project to a moment; a space worthy of our Plan to incorporate Navy Pier and beautify the waterfront and create waterfront that has the power to adding a youth hostel, additional new public space. The project also invoke a shared grandeur across open public space, a bay front includes significant improvements a crowded plaza, yet create a shuttle and new parking facilities. to roadways, utilities and storm unique, personal memory for The Port District is contribut- water systems. everyone who visits.”v 4 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 news AT&T San Diego Apps Challenge announced Jewish Film Festival Contest urges smartphone application designers returns to San Diego to create San Diego-specific app Leichtag Foundation sponsored fest opens By Loralee Olejnik “The AT&T San Diego Apps Downtown News Challenge is a fun way to en- February 9 in La Jolla gage our community in an effort Mayor Jerry Sanders recent- that will put useful information ly unveiled plans for an AT&T at people’s fingertips,” Sand- By Ashley Mackin San Diego Apps Challenge, a ers said in the press release. “It Downtown News contest for application devel- fits right in with San Diego’s opers to create a San Diego- entrepreneurial, innovative The 22nd annual San Diego specific application focused on spirit and we know our tech- Jewish Film Festival, sponsored improving the lives of its users. savvy population will make it a by the Leichtag Foundation, First mentioned during his huge success.” will run Feb. 9 - 19. The Festi- State of the City Address on Jan. Potential application uses val is presented by the San Di- 11, Sanders then outlined the range from public transporta- ego Center for Jewish Culture challenge in a press release the tion routes and where to find Mayor Jerry Sanders at the Lawrence Family Jewish following day. a parking spot in the Gaslamp (Courtesy office of Mayor Jerry Sanders) Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus. to real-time monitoring of As a highlight, the Festival energy consumption. Con- will once again feature films testants will vie for one of 11 as part of the Joyce Forum, a cash prizes totaling $50,000 celebration of emerging and with their app submission. seasoned filmmakers. The The contest is open to Joyce Forum is on Feb. 13 professional, amateur and at the Reading Cinemas 14, student developers. Entries located at 4665 Clairemont From the short film “David and Goliath.” will be judged on creativity and Dr. and presents outstanding originality, how well the app is Jewish-themed short subject, in the Joyce Forum is “Kaddish executed and what impact it has documentary and feature films for a Friend,” the story of an on the quality of life for users. from around the world. unlikely friendship between Ali, A panel of industry experts a fourteen-year-old Palestinian will award prizes for winners in refugee who hates Jews, and multiple categories including an elderly Russian Jew, Alexan- best overall; popular choice; der, who passionately wants to best high school student ap- continue living independently. plication and an award for the “Kaddish for a Friend” starts at 5 City of San Diego Government p.m. and regular tickets start at Innovation, which rewards the $13.75. It will also screen at the application that makes local Reading Cinema 14. government most accessible to At 7:30 p.m., the Joyce the public. Forum will highlight a series of AT&T and San Diego Gas animated shorts, “Jewish Food and Electric (SDG&E), along for Thought,” which incorpo- with other corporate sponsors, rates Jewish wisdom into con- will provide the prize money. versations. Tickets for “Jewish SDG&E recently launched Food for Thought” range from a Green Button campaign to $11.75-$13.75. make real-time energy con- In addition to the Reading sumption information available Cinema, films in the San Diego to consumers. Jewish Film Festival will be “We’re moving away from screened at the UltraStar Mis- the monthly bill cycle to giving sion Valley Cinemas at Hazard the customer more control,” “David” screens Feb. 14 and 15. Center, Edwards San Marcos said Erin Coller, SDG&E Stadium 18, the Carlsbad Village communications manager. As part of the Joyce Forum, Theatre in Carlsbad and the Da- Coller said they are hopeful the nine short films will be screened vid & Dorothea Garfield Theatre winner in the Best Energy App along with one full-length fea- at the Lawrence Family Jewish category can create something ture, starting at 2:30 p.m. The Community Center in La Jolla. that enhances people’s ability short films include “Flawed,” Single ticket prices for most to make wise decisions on how “Don’t Tell Santa You’re Jew- films are $10.75-$12.75 for to use and conserve ener- ish!,” “Ladies and Gentlemen: seniors, $11.75 for JCC members gy. “We’re definitely excited to Biddie Schitzerman,” “Ingrid and $13.75 for non-members, see what the developers come Pitt: Beyond the Forest,” “David with varying ticket prices for up with,” she said. and Goliath,” “Miracle Lady,” “I opening and closing events. Ignacio De La Torre, Was a Child of Holocaust Survi- Festival passes, senior and regional vice president for vors,” “Shira” and “A Reuben By student discounts and group rate external affairs for AT&T, said, Any Other Name.” These short discounts are available. For more “Applications are one of the films are all free to attend. information and specific ticket primary reasons people buy The full-length featured film information, visit lfjcc.org. v Smartphones and tablets. That’s why we’re partnering with the City of San Diego and Mayor Sanders to support the development of great apps that improve the lives of San Diegans.” De La Torre added, “We’re looking forward to seeing local developers turn their ideas into apps that our customers will love.” Although many San Diego apps already exist, including those for touring Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo as well as an app to get the latest Chargers news, the possibilities for the contest are vast. Michael Sacca, owner of the downtown web-development, design and marketing company Tiny Factory has developed successful applications in the past. Sacca, whose success-

see Apps, page 7 This is the Southern Calif. premiere of “Joanna.” San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 5 6 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 NEWS Closure of Redevelopment Agencies discussed at City Development Corporation seminar Chair Kim John Kilkenny says affordable housing is ‘biggest loser’

By Ashley Mackin Supreme Court to abolish Rede- AB 27 allowed redevelopment was a violation of Proposition 22 Downtown News velopment Agencies across the agencies to continue if they and filed a lawsuit against the state and its impact on San Diego. agreed to pay the state a fee state. Kilkenny said Proposi- At a monthly Sound Bites Kilkenny explained Assembly that would go towards the state tion 22 “expressly prohibits the seminar on Jan. 24, the San Bill 26 and Assembly Bill 27, education fund. state of California from diverting Diego Centre City Development which were adopted as a part The California Redevelopment certain revenues from local gov- Corporation (CCDC) had Chair of the recent state budget. AB Association, League of California ernment to state government or Kim John Kilkenny discuss the 26 abolished all redevelopment Cities and the cities of San Jose from local to any other agencies.” Kim John Kilkenny, Chair of the recent decision by the California agencies across California and and Union City believed AB 27 On Dec. 29, 2011 the Cali- Centre City Development fornia Supreme Court deter- Corporation (CCDC) (Courtesy CCDC) mined AB 27 was in violation of Proposition 22 and reversed of affordable housing, losing ap- its passage. However, the Court proximately $30 million in funding. upheld the passage of AB 26. “We see… funds dwindling Kilkenny further explained for affordable housing,” he the CCDC is not a redevelopment said. “The role redevelopment agency, but a non-profit corpora- agencies used to play is [that] a tion owned by the City. The City developer would come in and get gives CCDC land use responsibil- state money and federal money ity, which expedites the approval and tax credits, and redevelop- or disapproval of projects, a role ment would pay for the gap. If similar to that played by redevel- the gap funding isn’t there, then opment agencies. there is not enough money in the However, the CCDC fund- other sources to make affordable ing is at risk with the Supreme housing work. I think it’s a huge Court’s decision. challenge,” Kilkenny said. Regarding the future of the District 3 Councilmember CCDC, Kilkenny said, “[It] may Todd Gloria, although not pres- be reconfigured and renamed ent at the Sound Bites seminar, [and] definitely downsized. Its said, “Affordable housing and bay responsibilities, I assume… will front improvements are things continue with the land use func- that are going to be missed if tion that they have done previ- we’re unable to find a way to fund ously, [but] we will charge permit them without [redevelopment fees for those services…. It can’t funds] going forward.” use redevelopment money.” Despite the challenge, Kilkenny said the service that Kilkenny said he believes Down- would suffer most is development town San Diego will continue to “prosper and thrive.” At their annual board meeting on Jan. 25, the CCDC Board of Directors elected the following officers with a unanimous vote: Chair, Kim John Kilkenny; Vice Chair, Bill Shaw; Treasurer, Donna Jones; and Secretary, Steven Relyea. Though Kilkenny said affordable housing is “the biggest loser” with the loss of redevelopment funds, the Board granted design review approval for a residential mixed-use project in downtown that includes affordable units. Bounded by Broadway, E Street, Eleventh Avenue and Park Boulevard, this facility will consist of two towers of 31 and 32 stories with 623 residential units, 40 of which are affordable units. Also included in the design are indoor and outdoor ame- nity spaces, approximately 9,700 square feet of street-level retail space, and 644 parking spaces. At the next CCDC Sound Bites seminar on Feb. 7 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., City Council President Pro Tem Kevin Faul- coner will speak in his tenure as downtown’s Councilmember and discuss goals for his final year representing the district. A question and answer session will immediately follow. Reserva- tions are not required to attend the event at the Sheila R. Hardin Downtown Information Center located at 193 Horton Plaza.v NEWS San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 7

From page 4 munity closer together. Apps Those without development Central Library project receives anonymous donation know-how who have great ideas for apps are encouraged to par- ful projects include Bilingual ticipate by submitting their com- Mayor Sanders announces full funding in State of City address Child, an application geared ments via the contest’s website, towards helping one-to-three year sdappschallenge.com. olds learn basic nouns in Spanish, Applications are required to plans to enter the Challenge. use at least one data set from “This contest is nice because the city or its partner organiza- it’s San Diego-centric,” Sacca tions. In addition to city of San said, who has entered similar Diego data, contestants will contests in the past. “I like that also have access to data from it’s centralized around San Diego. SDG&E, Metropolitan Transit It gives a direction to it. It sounds System, the Scripps Institute of like they’re gearing it towards stu- Oceanography and SanGIS, a dents as well, which is fantastic.” regional geographic and map- Sacca said although it varies, ping database. Entries may also he might spend approximately integrate information from 100 to 150 hours developing an other places. application before it’s ready to Submissions are accepted be released into the market. He until April 11 at 5 p.m. A panel of also said there are highly talented industry professionals will judge developers working around San entries and public voting will be Diego and one of the goals of open April 25 to May 23. Winners Tiny Factory is to bring this com- will be announced June 13.v

The new Central Library, located at 330 Park Blvd. reached full funding through an anonymous donor. Photo taken Jan. 31, 2012. (Photo by Daniel Solomon)

By Anthony King Foundation Chair Mel Katz said, In his Jan. 11 State of the City Downtown News “This is truly a public [and] private address, Sanders said, “A building partnership and 38.5 percent of the of architectural distinction and un- In Mayor Jerry Sanders’s State project’s total funding comes from mistakable importance, the Central of the City address on Jan. 11, generous San Diegans.” Library is a shining example of Sanders announced the San Diego Katz, who was acknowledged in what can be accomplished even in Central Library construction project Sanders’s State of the City address the worst of economies if you have was now fully funded. The $185 mil- along with past Foundation Chair faith in San Diego and its people.” lion project came up short in funds Judith Harris, said the Foundation Sanders then introduced Harris twice. Initially, the City approved the would continue its fundraising and Katz, who received a standing project in 2010 despite a $32 million efforts for an endowment, special ovation from the crowd. discrepancy. Then, the San Diego programming and an enhanced “Our city will celebrate the day Public Library Foundation, which library collection. the Central Library opens for busi- was responsible for raising the nec- In March 2011, Harris told a ness,” Sanders said, “but its true essary funds, ended their campaign City Council committee she was success will come each time a child in December 2011 $15 million short confident in the Foundation’s ability walks inside to do her homework, of their goal. to raise the necessary funds. “We’ve or check out a book, or use its An anonymous donor guaran- met every other challenge. We plan reading rooms, or when she attends teed the necessary $15 million, but on meeting this challenge,” she said an education program on the ninth this person or organization was at the time. Concern was raised that floor and looks across the bay to not mentioned directly in Sand- if the Foundation came up short the horizon, knowing she lives in a ers’s speech and has yet to publicly on its goal, taxpayers would end up city that so proudly and prominently come forward. making up the difference. values learning and knowledge.”v Of the $185 million needed for the project, $80 million is being sup- plied by the San Diego Centre City Development Corporation. Both the California State Library system and the San Diego Unified School District are matching $20 million each for the project, leaving over 35 percent, or approximately $65 million, coming from private donations. The San Diego Public Library Foundation says this is the highest level of private support ever for a public library capital project any- where outside of New York City. “I’m delighted to announce to- night, that because of the generos- ity of so many San Diegans, we are able to move forward and complete construction,” Sanders said in his address, which took place at the Balboa Theatre in downtown. Call- ing the project “on time and under budget,” Sanders said the project is now “fully funded without a nickel of General Fund money.” The Central Library is located at 330 Park Blvd. Photo taken Jan. 31, 2012. San Diego Public Library (Photo by Daniel Solomon) 8 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 opinion/letters

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

PUBLISHER David Mannis (619) 961-1951 [email protected]

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

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

REPORTERS & COLUMNISTS Charlene Baldridge Will Bowen Logan Broyles Connie Cook Cuauhtémoc Kish Kai Oliver-Kurtin Johnny McDonald Darlynne Menkin Marc Menkin David Nelson Loralee Olejnik

PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Solomon

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

Senior Advertising Consultant Sean Eshelman (619) 961-1955 Welcome [email protected] to our account execitive Deborah Vazquez (619) 961-1956 First issue... [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR Dear Readers, Eddie Ramos (619) 961-1961 It is with great pleasure and excitement that my staff and I present our inaugural issue of San Diego [email protected] Downtown News, the first issue since our acquisition last month of this veteran publication. San Diego Downtown News is a natural addition to our 2-and-a-half-year-old newspaper, San Diego Uptown News. PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Rebecah Corbin With our coverage of uptown and downtown, we will be able to offer more content and increased (619) 519-7775 x111 distribution for our readers and advertisers. We will bring the same quality and commitment to hyper-local [email protected] news, opinions, features and entertainment—including arts, dining and theater coverage—to the downtown community as we do to the uptown community. Accounting (619) 961-1962 I thank my staff for their hard work and thank the many residents, businesses and local community as- [email protected] sociations that have embraced San Diego Downtown News for the past 13 years. We hope to build on the well-established reputation the paper has earned. OPINIONS/LETTERS San Diego Downtown News encour- Many of our talented professional editors, reporters, contributors, graphic designers and advertising ages letters to the editor and guest consultants are newspaper veterans. We all look forward to our involvement with the vibrant downtown editorials. Please e-mail both to editor@ community. sdcnn.com. Include phone number and address for verification. We reserve No doubt you have heard about the struggling daily newspaper industry and the reports of the slow the right to edit letters for brevity and demise of newspapers. With declining numbers of subscribers and advertisers, along with competition accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do for readers from other information sources like the Internet, cable news channels and alternate elec- not necessarily reflect the views of the tronic services—not to mention the state of our depressed economy—daily papers have been forced to publisher or staff. reinvent themselves and find new ways to survive. SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS Fortunately, this is not the case for local community newspapers. Residents and businesses are hun- Press releases and story ideas are welcomed. Send press releases, tips, gry for local content and seek a vehicle to carry their messages. Our local community newspaper meets photos or story ideas to editor@sdcnn. this need. com For breaking news and investiga-

tive story ideas contact the editor by We offer you a neighborhood newspaper you can continue to be proud of and a community forum in phone or e-mail. which to express your opinions and ideas about how to make our downtown community a better place to live. We will continue to cover issues that are relevant to you and that impact your lives. distribution A strong community needs a strong newspaper. We promise to strive for accuracy in our reporting and San Diego Downtown News to express the views of the community fairly. We will do our best to convey the messages of both sides of is distributed free, the first Friday of controversial issues. each month. COPYRIGHT 2012. All rights are reserved. Printed in Let us know how you feel about our community paper and the job we are doing, as well as what you the United States of America. would like to see included on our pages to keep you reading. We also ask that you patronize the advertisers on these pages since they, too, are an active part of our community and, without their support, there would be no paper.

The eclectic urban feel and diversity of San Diego’s downtown make it one of San Diego’s truly important communities. We hope to expose the character of downtown on our pages the first Friday of each month and anticipate increasing our frequency in the near future.

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You can reach me at (619) 961-1951 or [email protected]. Thank you for reading,

David Mannis—Publisher SDCNN.com, San Diego Community News Network, Inc. David Mannis news San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 9

known as the Water Man Check- in Center open through the end Comprehensive Pension Reform DowntownBriefs of the Fiscal Year. “The Check-in Center keeps the possessions Downtown San Diego of our homeless neighbors safe, initiative set for June 5 ballot DUI Checkpoint Nets while helping keep San Diego’s Twelve Arrests streets clean,” said Councilmem- On Jan. 27, 2012 the San Di- ber Gloria, who allocated $10,000 City Council declines to hold public vote in November ego Police Department (SDPD) to the cause. Since opening early conducted a DUI checkpoint in in 2011, the Check-in Center has general election amidst controversy over cost, unions the 1500 block of First Avenue been credited for improved condi- Downtown. The checkpoint was tions on San Diego’s streets and By Anthony King to vote against this going on the operational from just after 10 applauded by homeless people and Downtown News June ballot,” Emerald said at the p.m. to 3 a.m. and 1,901 vehicles advocates for helping solve this Council meeting, “We have an passed through the checkpoint; longstanding challenge. The San The San Diego City Council opportunity to save considerable Councilmember Marti Emerald 1,213 of the vehicles were con- Diego Housing Commission will voted 7-1 on Jan. 30 to send the money… at a time when the City (Courtesy office of Marti Emerald) tacted by officers; 22 motorists start accepting monetary dona- controversial pension reform is cash-strapped. I think this is a were detained for a further evalu- tions from the public next week so initiative to a public vote for the legitimate way to save a consider- with bargaining with employ- ation of their sobriety. Twelve the Check-in Center’s future can June 5 ballot. The Comprehensive able amount of money.” Emerald ees before putting this on the arrests were made for DUI, be ensured beyond June. Pension Reform initiative is in said placing the initiative on the ballot,” Zucchet said. Zucchet and eleven vehicle impounds response to a petition signed by November ballot could have saved filed an Unfair Practice Charge were conducted at the check- City Council approves approximately 116,000 registered up to $300,000. against the City with the Calif. point. Two additional vehicles changes in agriculture city voters filed last year. At the meeting, Emerald also Public Employment Relations were impounded for violations regulations Councilmember Carl DeMaio voiced concern about voter turnout Board on Jan. 18. that occurred adjacent to the The San Diego City Council led the signature campaign and in June versus November. “In the In the filing, Zucchet said, checkpoint, and one citation was approved changes to local urban DeMaio, along with Mayor Jerry interest of representative democ- “With clear precedent in place issued for a driver operating on a agriculture regulations on Jan. Sanders and Council President racy,” she said, “we know we have related to the obligation of public suspended license. For statewide 31. The changes make it possible Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer, drafted 50 percent more voters turn out in employers to meet and confer and local Avoid DUI Task Force for increased access to locally the initiative. November and this is an opportu- over matters within the scope of Campaign Enforcement Sched- produced food. District 3 Council- Councilmember Marti Emer- nity for more voters to step up and representation prior to placing ules for the county and Daily member Todd Gloria championed ald, the lone dissent vote, said it be heard on this issue.” an initiative on the ballot seeking DUI Arrest/Fatal Stats for the many changes. In a press release, would cost the city less money if it Mike Zucchet, general man- voter approval to amend or revise county and region, visit Califor- Gloria said, “I am incredibly the vote was placed on the general ager of the San Diego Municipal a City Charter… the City has niaavoid.org. proud that the common-sense election ballot in November. The Employees Association (MEA), refused to meet and confer with measures we passed today will Council is required by law to place said the Council was wrong to MEA over a so-called ‘Compre- City launches long-term allow more San Diegans to keep the initiative for public vote as the put the initiative on the June hensive Pension Reform’ (‘CPR’) “wise water-use” contest small numbers of animals on their petition received enough signa- ballot without consultation with ballot initiative headed to the June Students are filming, draw- property and strengthen their tures from registered voters. unions. “We believe the City has ing and designing their way connection to their food.” Major “Let me just say that I intend violated state law with respect see Pension, page 20 to enter three contests now changes include allowing roost- underway that focus on using ers, chickens, miniature goats water wisely and creating a and bee colonies in designated more sustainable community. urban areas. Five to twenty-five Free speech movement of 1912 featured at The contests attracting these chickens will now be allowed, de- artistic talents are the City pending on zone restrictions, and of San Diego Public Utilities up to two beehives will also be Department’s Water Conserva- allowed. Other changes include Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park tion Poster Contest and Film allowing daily Farmers’ Market Contest. The Poster Contest is stands in all commercial zones open to children in first through and allowing community gardens Anniversary exhibit draws comparison to current political climate sixth grades and all submission to sell produce in residential must be postmarked by March zones one day per week. Most of 30. The Film Contest is open to the changes are expected to go 11th and 12th graders and all into effect March 2012 pending submission must be postmarked Coastal Commission approval. by April 6. For more information about the Annual Poster and San Diego mayoral Film Contests, as well as entry candidate Bob Filner to forms, visit wastenowater.org or attend Occupy San Diego call the poster and film contest strategic meeting coordinator, Rebekah Hook, at Mayoral candidate and (619) 232-2112 ext. 104. Congressman Bob Filner is scheduled to attend the Occupy City Council contributes San Diego County Summit 2012 $45,000 to Water Man on Saturday, Feb. 4. Along with Check-In author and lawyer Marjorie San Diego City Councilmem- Cohn, Filner and members of ber Todd Gloria announced on other organizations have been Jan. 31 a $45,000 contribution to invited to participate in the keep the homeless storage facility strategic planning meeting by open through June 30, 2012. In giving speeches and teach-ins. an effort coordinated by Council- Filner will be debating the member Gloria, City Councilmem- issue of electoral politics and bers allocated enough Community the Occupy movement. Cohn Projects, Programs and Services (CPPS) funds to keep what is see Briefs, page 20

A historic photo on display at the Freedom of Speech exhibit. (Courtesy Centro Cultural de la Raza)

By Kendra Atleework artists. Secretary, Treasurer and people from many ethnic back- Downtown News CEO of the San Diego and Impe- grounds, and was ripe organizing rial Counties Labor Council Lorena territory for progressive activists. In honor of the 100th anniver- Gonzalez said the exhibit is “truly is The activists most feared by San sary of the fight for free speech a must see for all San Diegans.” Diego’s government and ruling in America, Centro Cultural de la The 1912 movement began class, Miller explained, were union Raza, located at 2004 Park Blvd. in when city officials banned free organizers promoting Industrial Balboa Park, will feature the San speech and assembly for 49 square Workers of the World (IWW). Diego Free Speech Fight 100-Year blocks in downtown San Diego. Miller called the IWW unique Anniversary exhibit. Running Jim Miller, author and professor of because it embraced workers of all through Feb. 12, this exhibit in- labor relations at San Diego City ethnicities. IWW members, also cludes photos, first-hand accounts College, said that, at the time, the called “wobblies,” organized work- and media reports surrounding ordinance was one of the most ers by delivering public speeches the San Diego free speech fights severe free speech bans to have that often pointed out the excess in 1912. occurred in the United States. wealth of large San Diego corpo- Other highlights of the exhibit Miller said the ordinance tar- rations compared to the relative include an exploration of Califor- geted the Gaslamp District, which nia’s labor history and work by local was frequented by working class see Speech, page 20 10 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 CalendarofEvents

Feb. 3 Space Warps & Time Twists” 1875 Center, 1875 El Prado, free Residents with ID, active military The Persuasions: 7:30 p.m., Lisa Loeb with Jill Sobule: El Prado, $15.75 Adults; $12.75 Wine Course for the Wine and dependents Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. shows, Anthol- Juniors/Seniors Enthusiast: 6 p.m., class one of start at $10, visit anthologysd.com ogy, 1337 India St., tickets start six, The WSET (Wine & Spirits Feb. 8 for more information at $10, visit anthologysd.com for Feb. 5 Education Trust) Certification Estelle with Stacy Barthe: Teitur: 9:30 p.m., Anthology, more information Phenomenal - California Program for beginners and the 7 and 9:30 p.m. shows, Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets start at $10, August Burns Red: 7 p.m., Light, Space, Surface: final day, non-formally trained wine enthu- 1337 India St., tickets start at $10, visit anthologysd.com for more House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., 11 a.m., 1100 Kettner Boulevard, siast, 1735 Hancock St., for tickets visit anthologysd.com for more information tickets start at $20 $10 and to registration information, information The Recommendation: 8 Cherry Poppin’ Daddies: visit winesmarties.com or call The Modern Jewish Experi- Feb. 10 p.m., through Feb. 26, Sheryl and 8 p.m., Anthology, 1337 India St., (619) 955-8884 ence in World Cinema discus- Sights and Sounds of North- Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old tickets start at $10, visit antholo- sion: 6:30 p.m., led by Lawrence ern Germany: 6:30 p.m., Resident Globe Way, tickets start at $29 gysd.com for more information Feb. 7 Baron, Ph.D, San Diego Central organist Janice Fehér performs his- “Hydrodynamica - Re- Golden Child: 2 p.m., Chi- City Council meeting: 10 a.m. Library, 820 E St., free. toric and modern organ composi- member the Future: 10 a.m., nese Pirate Productions stages Tuesdays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, free tions by Lubeck, Boehm, Buxtehu- concerns the early surfboard David Henry Hwang’s drama, Anthology House Band: Feb. 9 de, Brahms, Telemann and Gade. design culture (1947-1954) of Tenth Avenue Theater, 930 7:30 p.m., Jazz and R&B music, Whale Watching Time: 9:45 18 and older, First Presbyterian Bob Simons, Space4Art, 325 15th Tenth Ave., through Feb. 18, for Anthology, 1337 India St., visit a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily Locate Church, 320 Date St., free. St., free more information, visit 10thav- anthologysd.com for more infor- gray whales on their round Los Amigos Invisibles: 8 p.m., enuetheatre.com mation, $5 trip migration from Bering Sea 4th & B, 345 B St., tickets start at $23 Feb. 4 Infinite Balance – Artists Residents Free Tuesdays to Baja’s breeding grounds. For Financial Statements – what Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. and the Environment: 10 a.m., reservations, call (619) 234-4111. they mean, how to use them: – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, farmers final day of exhibit, “first U.S. 1050 North Harbor Dr., tickets 9:30 a.m., workshops for startup market with over 100 booths, Date presentation of artists shortlisted start at $17.50 and established small businesses, & India streets, free. for the Prix Pictet, the world’s top Yoga for Cancer Survivors: 9 550 West C St., pre-paid registra- Russian Romance: 6:30 prize for photography and sustain- a.m., open class for survivors, care- tion $29, $39 at the door p.m. wine and cheese tasting, 7 ability. Museum of Photographic givers, family and friends, focuses Elite Squad – The enemy p.m. performance, Beth Ross- Arts, 1649 El Prado, free - $6 on relaxation through breath work, within: Variance films showing at Buckley on flute, Fred Benedetti range of motion for all joints and Gaslamp 15, 701 5th Ave. vary- on guitar, George Svoboda on deep meditation, Ginseng Yoga, ing times and ticket prices, visit guitar and Dana Burnett on 2985 Beech St., $5 for patients, $10 readingcinemasus.com/gaslamp. keyboard, Meyer Fine Art, 2400 for survivors htm for details Kettner Blvd., for more informa- Get to Know Cheese: 6:30 tion, visit camarada.org, tickets p.m., cheese tasting with compli- Feb. 11 start at $40 mentary wine, ages 21 and older, A Midsummer Night’s Wild Child, Doors cover Venissimo cheese, 871 G St., $50 Dream: 8 p.m., San Diego Ballet band: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The 22nd Annual San Diego presents this piece and Mixed Bill shows, Anthology, 1337 India St., Jewish Film Festival kickoff: as part of the “Romance” series. tickets start at $10, visit antholo- various times based on event, Law- Lyceum Theater, 79 Horton Plaza, gysd.com for more information in Balboa Park: hours vary by rence Family Jewish Community tickets start at $35 Black Holes, The Other Side museum, participating museums Center, Jacobs Family Campus, Sin- A Valentine’s Romance: 8 of Infinity: opening day, 3 p.m. Feb. 6 include Reuben H. Fleet Science gle ticket prices for most films are p.m., Winter Pops concert with and 6 p.m. shows, Reuben H. Fleet City Council meeting: 2 p.m. Center Centro Cultural de la $10.75- $12.75 for seniors, $11.75 Broadway singers Jennifer Holliday Science Center Heikoff Dome Mondays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, free Raza San Diego Model Railroad for JCC members and $13.75 for (Dreamgirls) and Hugh Panaro Theater. Showing in conjunction Geometry Playground: 10 Museum San Diego Natural His- non-members; visit lfjcc.org for with the new exhibit: “Black Holes: a.m., Reuben H. Fleet Science tory Museum. Free for San Diego more information see Calendar, page 12

see Calendar, page 12 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 11 12 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 calendar

From page 10 class taught by Sabrina Fox with Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old information, visit brazilcarnival. the differences between Western live drumming from 7 – 8 p.m. 2100 Globe Way, tickets start at $29 com, tickets start at $25 flower arranging and ikebana, and calendar Park Blvd, $12 per class. introduction to two basic styles of Feb. 17 Feb. 19 moribana (low container) arrange- (Phantom of the Opera), conductor Feb. 14 In the Wake: 8 p.m., San Di- Mundell Lowe, Gary Scott, ments. Casa del Prado in Balboa Marvin Hamlisch. Copley Sym- Tommy Emmanuel: 7:30 p.m., ego REPertory Theater, 79 Horton Bob Magnusson: 7 p.m., Ground Park, Room 104, $20 ($15 for SDFA phony Hall, 750 B St., tickets start Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth Ave., Plaza, through March 4, tickets floor of Harbor Club Towers on members) at $20 tickets start at $30 start at $38 Second Avenue & J Street, $15 Great Gatsby Gala: 7 p.m., Sleeping Beauty: 7:30 p.m., Tao – Taiko Drummers of Tribute to Reggae Legends: Feb. 24 annual fundraising gala for the Moscow Festival Ballet perfor- Japan: 8 p.m., Copley Symphony 5 p.m., Port Pavilion on Broadway Tax considerations for Pickwick Players, period dress is mance, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 Hall, 750 B St., tickets start at $20 Pier, tickets start $65 small businesses: 9:30 a.m., encouraged, 1360 North Harbor B St., tickets start at $20 DanceMotion classes first day: Mexican Modern Paintings: workshops for startup and estab- Drive, for more information, City Council meeting: 10 a.m. varying times, visit dancemotionsd. noon, final day to view work by art- lished small businesses 550 West visit pickwickplayers.net, $35 in Tuesdays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, free com for times and information, ists including María Izquierdo, Di- C St., pre-paid registration $29, advance, $45 at the door Legal Issues for Small Business 2650 Truxton Road; single class, ego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, $39 at the door – organizational structure: 9 a.m., $30; five classes, $125; ten classes, Rufino Tamayo, Alfonso Michel, Arturo Sandoval: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 workshops for startup and estab- $270 including a wine and cheese Federico Cantú, Angel Zárraga, and 9:30 p.m. shows, Mainstream Third Ave Certified Farm- lished small businesses, 550 West reception San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Jazz, Anthology, 1337 India St., tick- ers’ Market and Asian Bazaar: C St., pre-paid registration $49, $59 Prado, free - $12 ets start at $10, visit anthologysd. 9 a.m., Sundays, on the 400 block at the door Feb. 18 com for more information of Third Avenue between Island Residents Free Tuesdays Taste of San Diego Craft Feb. 20 Avenue and J St., free. in Balboa Park: hours vary by Brews fundraiser: 6-10 p.m., City Council meeting: 2 p.m. Feb. 25 Man-made bouquets: 2 p.m., museum, participating museums Proceeds support San Diego Mondays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, Little Italy Mercato: 9 a.m. – flower-arranging class for men, include Museum of Photographic History Center’s continuing K-12 free 1:30 p.m., farmers market with over instructing men to create unique Arts San Diego History Cen- educational outreach efforts, Love Clay: 11 a.m., Spanish 100 booths, Date & India streets, arrangements for Valentine’s Day, ter Veterans’ Museum and Memo- 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, for more Village in Balboa Park, on display free. Lula Mae Flowers, 1760 Kettner rial Center. Free for San Diego information, visit sandiegohistory. through February, for more infor- Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Blvd., $74 for the class, flowers and Residents with ID, active military org/tasteofsandiego, $65 VIP, $39 mation, visit sandiegopottersguild. 7:30 p.m., Anthology, 1337 India storage in a cooler and dependents general org, free. St., tickets start at $18visit antholo- Moby Dick: opening night, 7 Woodies: 10 a.m., History and gysd.com for more information. Feb. 13 Feb. 15 p.m., Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth evolution of the “Woodie” focuses Ten Thousand Waves: 11 Man-made bouquets: 2 Mid-back exercises: 1:30 Ave., tickets start at $50 on the iconic surf car, San Diego a.m., Isaac Julien weaves together p.m., flower-arranging class for p.m., exercise and wellness class, Little Italy Carnevale: 5 p.m., Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan stories linking China’s ancient men, instructing men to create Gaslamp Chiropractic, 302 Island West Date at India Street, Little American Plaza, general admission past and present in a nine-screen European-style hand tied bouquets Ave., Suite 103, for reservations, Italy, vignettes of entertainment $8 video installation, Museum of for Valentine’s Day, Lula Mae call (619) 321 - 0093, free including live music and dancing, Contemporary Art, 1100 Kettner Flowers, 1760 Kettner Blvd., $74 Swan Lake: 7:30 p.m., Moscow stilt-walkers, art, maskmaking for Feb. 21 Blvd., $10 for the class, flowers and storage in Festival Ballet performance, kids, free. Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp: 6 a cooler Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego Brazil Carnival: p.m. – midnight, live performances Feb. 26 City Council meeting: 2 p.m. tickets start at $20 8:30 p.m., Rio de Janeiro Samba and a masquerade parade, visit Moby Dick: final performance, Mondays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, Show featuring the Samba dancers gaslamp.org/mardi-gras for more 2 p.m., Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth free Feb. 16 in colorful sequined costumes, information $20 in advance, $25 Ave., tickets start at $50 Middle-Eastern Drum and Nik Simon Trio on the Voo- stunning Brazilian singers, high-en- day of McAuley-Schenker Group: Belly Dance Class: 6 p.m., Doum- doo Stage: 7 p.m., House of Blues, ergy Capoeira performances with California’s Most Fascinat- 8 p.m., glam metal, 4th & B, 345 B bek drumming class for all levels 1055 Fifth Ave., free acrobatic martial arts, and amazing ing Trees: 6 p.m., Botany profes- St., tickets start at $25 taught by Frank Lazzaro from 6 – 7 The Recommendation: 8 Afro-Cuban dance and percussion sor, author Matt Ritter addresses Lila Downs: 7 p.m., Balboa p.m., followed by tribal belly-dance p.m., through Feb. 26, Sheryl and troupe4th & B, 345 B St., for more San Diego Floral Association. Theater, 868 Fourth Ave., tickets Meeting begins with catered start at $41.50 dinner for $15, followed by a talk and book signing, Casa del Prado, Feb. 27 Balboa Park, free City Council meeting: 2 p.m. City Council meeting: 10 a.m. Mondays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, Tuesdays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, free free The Exquisite Miniatures Residents Free Tuesdays in of Wes and Rachelle Siegrist: Balboa Park: hours vary by mu- 10 a.m., miniature paintings so seum, participating museums in- expertly crafted that they are often clude San Diego Art Institute, Min- mistaken for tiny photographs, San gei International Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Diego Museum of Art, San Diego 1788 El Prado, general admission Museum of Man, Japanese Friend- $17 ship Garden. Free for San Diego Residents with ID, active military Feb. 28 and dependents City Council meeting: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 202 C Street, 12th floor, Feb. 22 free Jon Anderson – The Voice of Charlie Hunter: 7:30 p.m., Yes: 7:30 p.m., Progressive rock, Jazz Fusion Guitarist, Anthology, Anthology, 1337 India St., tickets 1337 India St., tickets start at $10, start at $18, visit anthologysd.com visit anthologysd.com for more for more information information Iced Earth & Symphony Residents Free Tuesdays X with Warbringer: 6:30 p.m., in Balboa Park: hours vary by House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., museum, participating museums tickets start at $25 include San Diego Air & Space Mark Christopher Lawrence Museum, San Diego Automo- Comedy: 7 p.m., House of Blues, tive Museum, San Diego Hall of 1055 Fifth Ave., tickets start at $10 Champions and certain House of Pacific Relations International Feb. 23 Cottages. Free for San Diego Gilbert Castellanos and the Residents with ID, active military Hammond B-3 Trio: 8 p.m., and dependents Dizzy’s, Ground floor of Harbor Club Towers on Second Avenue & J Feb. 29 Street, $15 Trevor Davis & Meiko: 7 Beautiful Freaks Tour: 7 p.m., Anthology, 1337 India St., p.m., featuring Hot Chelle Rae, tickets start at $10, visit antholo- Cady Groves and Electric Touch, gysd.com for more information House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., The Kooks with Yawn: 8 p.m., tickets start at $15 House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Tower After Hours –Ireland: tickets start at $25 6 p.m., traditional Irish music, Echoes of the Past: Bud- dance, and story-telling performed dhist Cave Temples of Xiang- by our city’s top talent, San Diego tangshan: 10 a.m., 6th-century Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Chinese Buddhist sculpture tickets start at $10 is combined with 21st century An Introduction to Ikebana 3D-imaging technology in this Arrangements of the Ichiyo exploration of one of the most School of Ikebana: 9:30 a.m., important groups of Buddhist Instructor Deborah Warriner will devotional sites in early medieval present an overview of the history China, San Diego Museum of Art, of Japanese flower arranging, general admission $12v FEATURE San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 13 Not all who wander are lost Local band Hyena forges its own path to success

By Logan Broyles Downtown News

From the very beginning, Michael Cooper and Bryan Strat- man have always done things their own way. They tried their hand at playing with more traditional bands, but felt bogged down by so many voices in the creative process. (Top left) (L-R) CD Hyena duo Michael Cooper and Bryan Stratman (Photo by Steven Branon), (center) The duo first met in Instead they have left the The duo first met in 2009 when 2009 and will be playing at the Stingaree and the Casbah this month. (Photo by Rebecca Wilson) beaten path with their band Cooper was brought in to play Hyena, a dance-centric, electro- drums for a band that was record- indie hybrid that’s been making ing at Stratman’s recording studio, the rounds at various local clubs Capricorn Studios in the East Vil- for the last two years. lage. Having access to their own It’s rare to see musicians recording studio has given them a manning instruments and mix- level of creative freedom that few ers at the same time, combin- bands get to enjoy. ing advanced sound equipment “Having played in bands with the raw energy generated since I was fifteen years old I by a real band jamming on the know how rare this is. I do not spot, rather than just spinning miss being in a band with three premade recordings. or four other guys at all,” said Stratman works his mixing Cooper. “It’s so much easier to equipment like a man possessed get your input into the creative and Cooper lays down steady beats process when it’s just the two of on the drums, while they both belt us with our own studio to jam in. out auto-tune enhanced vocals. With me and Bryan [Stratman], “When we play a show we’re it takes one phone call to make a just like machines out there,” decision and we both get to take said Cooper. “Between me drum- the lead and make the music that ming and singing and looping we want to,” Cooper said. and programming, and him sing- After starting out in the indie ing and playing bass and mixing rock world, neither one had everything, we’re always moving much of a background in electro and there’s no downtime.” music before their latest project, Cooper and Stratman both but they’ve come a long way in a grew up with music and started short time. They have opened for playing instruments at an early some top DJs and bands, includ- age. Both have bounced around in ing MGMT, Felix the Housecat, rock and indie bands since their Classics, Diplo, and The Bravery, teens, including Cooper’s stint as and the duo just wrapped up a the drummer of TRANSFER. show with LMFAO. Together, the multi-talented Bigger things are happen- musicians mix and mash their ing this year, with a new record instrumentals to create a unique coming out locally in March and style of music that blends the globally this summer, coinciding eighties pop of their childhood with Hyena’s world tour. with the more modern DJ revo- “We’re picking a few markets lution era of dance music. around the world that we want “Basically what it comes to attack,” Cooper said, adding, down to is I love women and “We’re going to have a huge women love dance music,” release for the new record and Cooper said, only half-joking. “It then go on a global tour in some all started when I began going of those markets. Touring is to parties with local DJs like what we want to do because it’s Gabe Vega and Adam Salter and the best way to get our music out realized that people just want to there and get new fans.” dance and have fun. Being re- Hyena will be playing at the flective and writing sad Country Guesthouse at Stingaree on songs is cool but I’ve done it for Monday, Feb. 6 and at the Cas- so long that I want to do some- bah on Feb. 23. They also have thing fun with more of a party regular residencies at Fluxx vibe,” he said. Nightclub in the Gaslamp.v 14 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 news From page 1 Mardi Gras

“With the impetus being that February is a rather quiet time here in downtown since it’s not really convention season… they wanted to bring something that would bring a sense of festivity,” Shimabukuro said. “So they basically decorated a couple of cars and [rode] around the block a couple of times.” Perri Spiller, manager of Dick’s Last Resort restaurant, has been involved with the Gaslamp Mardi Gras since the beginning. “20 years ago, Dick’s Last Resort put some employees in the back of a pick-up truck and threw beads to the people who happened to be in the neighborhood. They were pulled over by the police and given a ticket for driving too slow,” she said. “All Dick’s Last Resort wanted to do 20 years ago was make a slow Tuesday a good day for our business. The rest is history.”From then on out, Shima- bukuro said, local businesses got more involved. “People really got creative with their floats and double-decker buses,” she said. “It just expanded to this district- wide block party and the Gaslamp The highlight for many attending Mardi Gras is the parade. (Courtesy Gaslamp Quarter Association) Quarter Association has been involved for 18 years.” While acknowledging the dinner packages are available for from the local market, [and] that’s in the restaurant and to really wit- leaving them proud of themselves electronic music that frequents the night. everything from DJs to bands to ness the neighborhood from the and a bit closer to each other as co- the celebration draws a younger, Shimabukuro said instead of the performers and dancers in view of a float,” Spiller said. “We workers and friends,” she said. party-oriented crowd, Shimabuku- copying the Carnevale from Rio the streets that are participants in turned the corner onto the parade “I also enjoy watching people ro said other forms of music and or Zydeco bands from New Or- the parade, so we feel that really route and I couldn’t believe the go crazy to catch a… bead neck- entertainment make Mardi Gras leans, the San Diego Mardi Gras brings out that San Diego and [tens] of thousands of people that lace,” Spiller said. “[The] next enjoyable for everyone. She said plays off Southern California mu- Southern California feel.” went as far down 5th Avenue as time you are in the Gaslamp Quar- several participating businesses sical roots. She said this festival Shimabukuro said the parade is we could see.” ter, look up into the trees along have house bands or host dancers is “more of a music festival and her favorite part of Mardi Gras, and Spiller also said she is continu- 5th Avenue and notice how many performing. She also said there just a celebration of Downtown Spiller said she agrees. Spiller said ously proud of the staff that created beads remain hidden in them to are several restaurants that pro- San Diego.” her favorite Mardi Gras memory the event. “Their reward is to ride remind [you] of that night.” vide prix fixe menus or specialty She continued, “We have a was her first time on a float, in 1997. the float, which we fill with beads For more information about drinks in honor of the event, and lot of entertainers that come out “It was my first time to not be to throw. The event always ends the festival, visit gaslamp.orgv

The Mardi Gras parade extends throughout the Gaslamp District. (Courtesy Gaslamp Quarter Association) dining San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 15 Cremolose, skinny cocktails and a good dose of he-said, she-said movies It’s All available to go. Concept designer Maki, are sure bets. Of course, and co-builder John Russo calls the there’s always our favorite, Pine- Happening Gaslamp Quarter a perfect location apple Cheese Wontons. Monday for what they want to do. “The to Thursday, 9 p.m. – midnight. Marc and Darlynne Menkin restaurant has a very unique, Euro- 98 Bottles (2400 Kettner pean concept. When you walk in, it Blvd., Suite 110): Known for its While much of the country is is almost like being in an authentic, cool, rotating art, live entertainment battling frigid temperatures, San Italian eatery.” Cremolose is open and firm stand against large televi- Diego is heating up with all sorts of Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. sion screens and sports, this eclec- fun, new additions. If you’re looking – 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday tic gathering space is a great place for something that’s fresh and excit- from 10 a.m. – 4 a.m. to catch a flick. Every Wednesday ing, here’s what’s happening in the Ra Sushi (474 Broadway): at 6 p.m., Movie Night is held in 92101 zip code: This popular restaurant has come the lower lounge. “Together, with Cremolose (840 Fifth Ave.): up with the perfect solution for happy hour pricing all night, Movie For years, it was known as San Di- partygoers who are watching their Night is a fun mid-week thing to ego Hardware but now this historic waistline. Throughout the month do,” said Manager Jill Mesaros. All space is home to Cremolose, the of February, Ra Sushi is offering through February 98 Bottles will Gaslamp Quarter’s new Italian café three new low-calorie skinny cock- feature a His vs. Hers movie theme. and specialty dessert restaurant. tails. Lychee-teenie, Skinny Ninja In other words, they’ll be show- Although the café offers every- and Thin Ginger are less than 200 ing chick flicks and guy movies thing from paninis to salads and calories each. The fruity sweet every week. Some of the movie pizzas, it’s the impressive dessert cocktails may be light but they’re pairs include “The Hangover” and menu that will catch your eye. The packed full of flavor, so they’re far “Bridesmaids;” “Sex & the City” 5,000 square-foot restaurant is the from dull. We tried the Thin Gin- and “Gangs of New York;” and “The first of its kind in the U.S., featur- ger made with fresh strawberries, Notebook” and “Fight Club.” We ing 24 flavors of authentic Italian ginger and Voli Lemon Vodka as heard about this place when they gelato and 24 flavors of the Italian well as the Lychee-teenie: a sweet showed “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” imported Cremolose—a new type Asian lychee fruit mixed with Voli a few weeks ago. We hope they’ll of gelato that’s fresh-fruit based Vodka and Monin Agave Nectar. bring Ferris back soon. with a creamy texture of fruit, zest Our advice? Pair up the drinks or nut mixed in. If that’s not enough with something from the 5 Spot We want to hear from you: to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, Menu featuring popular appetiz- Go to 98 Bottles and take a Cremolose also features 40 cakes ers that are only $5. Ra’s specialty creative photo of you and one or made in-house in individual rolls, like the Crunchy two friends with something colorful serving sizes as well as Shrimp Tempura and quirky in their back room. The larger Roll or the most creative picture will win two cakes, Tootsy tickets to a Saturday public Scaven- ger Hunt with WYWTB Tours and two tickets to a Discover Coronado Biking Adventure. E-mail your fun photo to [email protected]

—Marc & Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and teambuilding scavenger hunts feature secret Downtown areas. Visit them at wheretours.com Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a little bit of rosé wine siasts around the globe marvel at a Downtown proper rosé wine. What: Drink Shrink So what is considered a proper Lorenza Rosé, made rosé wine and why is it important? from a combination of old Adam Stemmler To answer, we must first cross the vine fruit from Northern Atlantic to Provence in the South California, including mourvedre, Valentine’s Day is observed in of France, the birthplace of the carignane, cinsault, grenache and honor of St. Valentine as a day for French vineyard. It was in this syrah grapes. This rose showcases the exchange of valentines and region that Greek traders from the deep layers of flavor with big acidity other tokens of affection. Simply city of Phocaea brought vines and Where: Neighborhood, 777 G St. put, we all are reminded to show their cultural customs of wine mak- affection in one way or another ing. Centuries ago, wines were cus- What: Breton Avis de Vin to our significant other. Although tomarily pale in color and relatively Fort, produced in the Loire Valley gifts are a great gesture, creat- analogous to the rosé wines of region of France. This organic and ing amazing memories based on today. It wasn’t until the rise of the biodynamic rosé wine is made from shared experience is a timeless Romans— with heavily macerated the cabernet franc grape, making it act that will outlive the lifespan of and deep colored red wines—that bright and vegetal. any flower. rosé wines were introduced. Where: Starlite, 3175 India St. Therefore, in addition to the Rosé wine is achieved by doing standard dozen red roses, try cel- a very brief flash fermentation What: Barth Sparkling Rosé, ebrating this year with something with skin contact of red or black made from 100 percent pinot noir, or that many misunderstand as much grapes. Then, just as white wine is spatburgunder grapes as it’s known as love itself: rosé or blush wines. made, the process is finished with locally in Germany. This slightly off, This is the Drink Shrink’s Valen- no skin interaction. Because all dry sparkling wine showcases notes tine’s Day rosé wine guide. color from red wine comes from of ripe cantaloupe and freshly cut To some, the mere sight of a interaction with the skins during white button mushrooms. blush wine conjures up images of the fermentation process, the Where: Top of the Market, 750 grandmothers playing bridge while resulting wine is a bright pink hue North Harbor Dr. simultaneously ingesting large that combines aromas and flavor amounts of cigarette smoke and notes of red wine with the drink- What: Sophia Rosé; Part of white zinfandel, the bastardized able ease of a white wine. the Francis Ford Coppola series version of rosé wine. This image is Here’s a quick rosé wine guide of wines, this rosé is a perfect wrong, however, because believe it to what and where to drink this food wine. or not, Sommeliers and wine enthu- Valentine’s Day: Where: Vin de Syrah, 901 5th St.v 16 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 DINING david nelson / restaurant review Donovan’s special occasion Chef Kemar Durfield hits every high-note at this Gaslamp classic restaurant

333 5th Ave. 619-906-4850 DonovansPrimeSeafood.com Starters $6 to $30, entrees $32 to $45, desserts $5 to $14 Chef Kemar Durfield is a graduate of the kitchen at Addison. (Courtesy Donovan’s Prime Seafood)

Kemar Durfield, chef and spicy, gazpacho-inspired broth. shiitake mushrooms and citrus general manager of Gaslamp’s The caviar is also the kicker in a butter and diver scallops poised Donovan’s Prime Seafood, is a side garnish: a shooter of an oyster, on a remarkable risotto, flavored graduate of the kitchen at Ad- some citrus and some Champagne with nutty Parmesan and tart, dison, which just about every- ice (granite, for the French) that tongue-delighting sorrel. The one ranks as the top restaurant doubles the presentation’s luxury. simple perfection of seared Pacific in San Diego County. No less lush, the Hamachi Ahi tuna in a soy consommé with An Addison-introduced tartare is tricked out in as many forest mushrooms and edamame practice that thus far, Donovan’s is choice accoutrements as a Parisian makes you tackle it slowly, ap- the only establishment to take up: model, among them a little crown preciating every bite to the fullest. staffers iron the tablecloths directly of greenery centered by a finger of For more traditional luxury, the on tabletops, eliminating any risk Ossetra caviar garnished with a few entrée list includes market-priced pesky creases or wrinkles might precious grains of gold leaf. Lime Alaskan king crab, Main lobster Chef Kemar Durfield’s Hamachi tartare is a special feature at Donovan’s Prime spoil a discerning diner’s complete vinaigrette and a suave avocado garnished with gnocchi, turnips Seafood (Courtesy Donovan’s Prime Seafood) appreciate of Durfield’s lovely and cream meld the minced raw fish and walnuts (that’s a new idea, and lovingly crafted cuisine. quite marvelously. So well, in fact, quite charming) and a couple of Very much a special occasion that a fellow diner paused long USDA prime steaks for Donovan’s restaurant, Donovan’s is the sort enough between bites to breathe, Steakhouse fans, maintaining of place at which food insiders “This is divine.” allegiance to the most buttery and drop names the same way agents Meals consistently get off to tender beef. lunching in Beverly Hills casually good starts, with handsomely The brown butter pound cake allude to the celebrities in their garnished crab cakes (more like is so light it should be called a stables. Names include Petrossian, cubes, actually) that probably are half-pound cake. It’s delicious the Paris- and New York-based the best in town and a presenta- with the caramelized pear and importer that supplies the precious tion of Laughing Bird shrimp butterscotch ice cream that flank Ossetra caviar that Durfield uses (from the gulf of the same name it. A dark rum sauce and a brittle to decorate a plush Hamachi tar- on the Caribbean side of Costa almond Florentine work equal tare. Names like James Boyce, Wil- Rica) in a robust bouillabaisse wonders with the bananas Foster, liam Bradley and Michael Mina, studded with caramelized garlic. but for something light, scoops of three leading American chefs who Most items in the calamari ap- mango and raspberry sorbet end taught Durfield some of the most petizer appear twice, like charred the meal on a graceful note.v magical tricks of the trade. Names tomatoes and tomato broth, like Laughing Bird Gulf, Maine grilled fennel dusted with and Alaska, the breeding grounds fennel pollen and so forth. of the ultra-choice shellfish that It’s about the nicest thing Durfield uses inventively to make that ever happened to a his menu both luxurious and little school of squid. worth the investment. Entrees receive Although the restaurant equally expert at- occupies a sizable space on a tention. Among prime stretch of Fifth Avenue, the the best arrangement of the tables, the are seared lighting and service make it seem turbot (a intimate and private. There’s none choice fish of the ultra-social party atmo- rarely sphere that has become such a found popular distraction elsewhere. The on local mood allows guests to enjoy one menus) another and the cuisine, which with consistently demands close attention. Back to that Ossetra caviar. Durfield uses it carefully but memo- rably in appetizers like the shellfish cocktail: an arrangement of prawns, clams and mussels with celery root and micro-cilantro. The dish is layered with coconut shavings, Durfield uses shellfish luxuriously. adding texture, (Courtesy Donovan’s Prime Seafood) and moistened with a slightly DINING San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 17 Popular Grub Sprawl comes to East Village Local restaurants offer special dishes at low price for participants

By Ashley Mackin Downtown News

The Grub Sprawl, which has had successful runs in Hillcrest, Coronado, North Park, La Jolla and Little Italy, will spring onto downtown for the first time. On Feb. 13 from 6 – 10 p.m., the Grub Sprawl will take over the East Village. This year’s participating restaurants include: Bub’s at the Ballpark, Hotel Indigo, The Knotty Barrel, Village 631, Proper A Gastro Pub, East Vil- lage Tavern and Bowl, El Vitral, Lolita’s at the Park, Smashburg- er, Toast Enoteca, Bootlegger and Mission Brewery. “We wanted to participate in the East Village Grub Sprawl because this is our community,” said Smashburger owner Dave Whisenhunt. “It’s important to us to be part of community events and support local programs. The Grub Sprawl is a fun way to spread more burger love downtown, and we’re all about that.” For the Sprawl, Whisenhunt said his Smashburger location will be offering a Classic Smashburger with a Coors Light or a Classic Smash Chicken sandwich with a Coors Light. The restaurant is located at 801 Market St. To participate, attendees must wear complimentary wristbands, which can be picked up at either Bub’s at The Ballpark, located at 715 J St. or Hotel Indigo, located at 509 9th Ave. starting at 5:45 p.m. that evening. Grub Sprawl is set for Feb. 13. (Courtesy East Village Tavern and Bowl) Bub’s at the Ballpark General Manager Frank Miller said, “We’re the participating restaurants and “It feels great to have so many excited to have more events that order the restaurant’s special dish, diverse restaurants eager to par- are starting to come down to the priced at $5 each. ticipate this time around, with the East Village so we can showcase “We’re excited to finally be addition of our first drink-oriented our restaurant and what we’re able to bring the Grub Sprawl to participant, Mission Brewery,” about,” which he said is, “fun, East Village. This Grub Sprawl is Lopez said. “We’re also thrilled to great food in a bar atmosphere the first of six that we’ve planned see that so many past attendees [with] sports and tater tots.” for this year, and will set East Vil- are expressing how excited they For the Sprawl, Bub’s at the lage apart as its own distinct com- are to return and experience all Ballpark will offer their Skinny munity with an up-and-coming the Grub Sprawls throughout San Boy Archie Chicken Sammie restaurant scene,” said William Diego County in 2012.” and tots. Lopez, president of Alternative For more information on the Wearing the wristbands en- Strategies and creator of the upcoming East Village Grub ables participants to enter any of Grub Sprawl. Sprawl, visit grubsprawl.com.v

Bub’s General Manager Frank Miller is excited for this month’s Grub Sprawl (Courtesy Bub’s at the Ballpark) 18 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 Fitness San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 19

Next Issue Matters of the heart March 2 You won’t be popping wheelies, but you will be monitoring your heart rate and cadence along the way. My favorite cycling class is interval training. It alternates between high and low intervals of intense work followed by short rests. It is one of the most effective ways to increase your cycling speed and endurance while challenging your heart. Plus, you burn a ton of calories in the process and develop endurance and strength Read us online By Connie Cook in the lower body along the way. sdcnn.com Guest Columnist Go for an indoor hike Want to mimic the great outdoors Is love really a many splen- with a challenging indoor hike? dored thing? If that includes Hop on a treadmill and turn the drama, giddiness, heartbreak, incline up. I’m amazed how many lust, anger, happiness, fear and people don’t realize how steep pleasure, then I would say, “Yes. treadmills rise. Maintain a steady It is.” No matter what your take walking speed and increase your on love, one thing for sure is that incline every five minutes or so everyone feels it—good or bad— and you’ll be surprised how the in their heart. pitter-patter of your heart gradu- The heart is an amazing ally increases with the rise of the organ. Not only is it your body’s treadmill. Walking a steep incline up to about 200 calories, lifeline, it’s the one organ where requires considerably more effort or the equivalent of a brisk you can actually feel the emo- than a leisurely stroll on flat ter- 15-minute run. Think of it as tions related to that little thing rain. It not only challenges your preventive maintenance and put called love. For its size, the heart cardiovascular system but also a little love in your heart.v does a tremendous job of keep- burns more fat and calories. You ing the blood flowing throughout also get additional toning benefits —Connie Cook is a fitness the body. to your posterior thigh and and athletic director with over 20 The average human heart, at calf muscles. years experience in the fitness in- 72 beats per minute, will beat ap- Row, row, row yourself dustry. After extensive experience proximately 2.5 billion times dur- into a cardio frenzy in the top fitness and athletic clubs ing an average 66-year lifespan. It’s interesting to see some in Houston, Texas, she developed With that in mind, you should people tiptoe around the row- and launched the cutting-edge maximize the strength of every ing machines and not even give fitness club, FIT Athletic. At FIT beat to make each one as strong them a second thought, when San Diego, Cook is the Fit Ath- as you possibly can. rowing is a full-body cardio letic Fitness Director. Training your heart is as workout that is hard to beat. important as training the rest of Apart from the cross trainer, this your body, but sometimes the is the only cardio machine that “out of sight out of mind” aspect fully engages the upper body. It comes into play. If we all truly can be a little tricky to establish wore our hearts on our sleeves, your rhythm, but once you’ve then we could see exactly what got it, it’s downright cool. By kind of shape they’re in. Is it as creating your own rhythmic style buff as our biceps or as lean as and rowing to your own groove our legs? you’ll get a great heart-pumping The only way to get your cardio workout that works your heart in tip-top shape is to train whole body. it with cardiovascular condition- Taking care of your heart ing that elevates your heart rate should be your number one for an extended period of time, priority and the goal of any such as walking, jogging, biking, cardio workout should be to jumping rope, swimming or elevate your heart rate and get it rowing. Which one is best? The pumping to make it stronger and answer is one you enjoy the most more efficient. Remember, if you and will do consistently. Here can’t make it to the gym, you can are three of my favorite cardio always try fooling around. Your workouts: heart (and partner) will thank Sit and spin you for that, too. Sex can give Hopping on a bike in a cycling you a great workout. class is one of the quickest ways By some estimates, a vigor- to get your heart pumping and ous roll in the hay can double have a great time in the process. a person’s heart rate and burn 20 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 Puzzle/news From page 9 Downtowntown Games pension 2012 ballot because City claims that it is a ‘citizen’s initiative’ not Downtown’s ‘City’s initiative’.” At the Jan. 30 Council meeting, DeMaio criticized the move. “The notion that labor unions would demand they have veto power on the citizens’ initiative process is patently laughable and, I would argue, offensive,” he said. “This council should not be influenced by Fire hoses were used on the crowd in 1912, as shown in this archived their assertion of a veto over a photo. (Courtesy Centro Cultural de la Raza) constitutionally protected right to the initiative process by San From page 9 Miller said there is an Diego citizens.” “obvious and striking parallel” The Comprehensive Pen- speech between the political climate, sion Reform initiative, if passed, actions of dissent and methods of would eliminate pensions for new poverty of many workers. repression that occurred during City employees and institute a Although there were only 50 the 1912 free speech fight and the five-year salary freeze for current IWW members in San Diego in current action surrounding the workers. Police officers would be 1912, Miller explained that this Occupy San Diego movement. Sudoku Answer key, page 22 exempt from these provisions. small group met with intense “We have moved back to a situ- Councilmember David Alvarez repression at the hands of the ation of massive economic inequal- announced at the Jan. 30 meet- ruling class due to the changes ity in this country, much like a ing he intends to introduce an the IWW members posed to the century ago,” he said, “and people alternate pension reform plan to city’s economic and cultural fu- are beginning to fight back.” be placed on the June ballot as ture. “The free speech fight was Gonzalez agreed, saying, well. Alvarez’s plan, which has yet a strong indicator that the city’s “The Occupy movement brings to be formally outlined, would not elite did not want an unruly, back vivid memories of civil Downtown Crossword eliminate pensions. organized working class popula- disobedience with issues of free “I think this council owes it to tion,” Miller said. speech and freedom of assembly the voter to give them a choice Free speech and assembly that took place in San Diego 100 on pension reform by providing rights were restored in San years ago.” an alternative, one that I refer to Diego within the year, however Both Miller and Gonzalez as cap and freeze,” Alvarez said Miller pointed out the fight of stress the lessons they hope at the meeting. “Cap and freeze 1912 is still underway by il- viewers take from the Balboa would combine a five-year freeze luminating similarities in today’s Park exhibit. “If something like on pensionable pay with a cap on political climate. “The local right banning free speech by an over- pensions to prohibit anyone from [wing] wants to make San Diego zealous city council can happen taking home a six-figure pen- the Wisconsin of the West by once, then it can happen again if sion,” he said. attacking unions and ensuring we aren’t careful,” Gonzalez said. The City Council will need to that folks in low paying, service Miller added, “The lesson is vote to put Alvarez’s measure on sector jobs stay passive and those rights we think of as fixed the ballot and must be turned into unorganized while the elites run and eternal can, and have been, election officials by March 9.v the show,” he said. taken away. We need to fight to preserve them.” The exhibit will be at Centro Cultural de la Raza Tuesdays through Sundays through Feb. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. For more information call (619) 235-6135 or visit centroculturaldelaraza.org.v

From page 9 briefs

will be the keynote speaker, presenting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Hu- man Rights and the Occupy movement. Other discussions include The Costs of War, Oc- cupy 2.0 and Rescind NDAA and the Patriot Act, among others. The Summit takes place at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Multi-level expansion announced for Little Italy eatery Consortium Holdings announced plans for a multi- level expansion and creation of a Japanese whiskey bar for Little Italy restaurant UnderBelly. The Japanese ramen house-inspired restaurant and bar is the fifth venture by Consortium Holdings and plans include the addition of more than 1,000 square feet. A 30-person patio is planned for the new second floor, increasing UnderBelly’s capacity three- fold. Along with the physical changes, UnderBelly owners plan to introduce the City’s first Japanese whisky bar with an array of imported selections and hard-to-find American favorites. UnderBelly is located at 750 West Fir St. Completion on the project is expected to occur by Initial Identity Answer key, page 22 Summer 2012.v art San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 21 East Village art complex rises Space4Art’sJessica Rose focuses on aging, history

Jessica Rose in her studio at Space4Art as she paints. (Illustration by Donatel)

galleries and five artists who live goria, which accompanied rock Leathers also insisted on the on the premises full time. bands Grateful Dead, Iron But- importance of the arts in San Space4Art is the brainchild of terfly and Seals & Croft. Diego’s future development. He Robert Leathers, his wife Sheryl Leathers said, “San Diego has said he would rather see an arts “Lighthearted,” an example of the age-appreciating paint- Nichol and Chris Warr. Their been dragging its feet about what district than a football stadium ings by Jessica Rose (Courtesy Jessica Rose) purpose in creating Space4Art was people could do in and for the downtown. “There is no question to build an art center that would community. We here at Space4Art that the arts are more important reach out to the City and schools are committed to making a differ- for San Diego than football. It is By Will Bowen Rose is one of 40 artists who and have a positive and transfor- ence,” adding, “We want to expand the arts that bring people to a city, Downtown News work at Space4Art, a community- mative influence. and establish an arts district in not football,” he said. based art collective built and main- Leathers is both an artist and this neighborhood with affordable For more information, Jessica Rose said she has an tained by volunteers. At Space4Art an architect. He previously toured housing for artists. We want to visit artbyjessicarose.com or affinity for what most people are there are 30 art studios, several with the light show Phantasma- have 40 people living here.” space4art.orgv afraid of seeing on their faces. “I like wrinkles. I can’t wait until I have some,” she said. The 24-year-old artist currently works at Space4Art, an art collective and gallery located at 325 15th St. in downtown San Diego’s East Village. Rose’s current series of work includes large, colorful paintings of the faces of the older adults she came to know when she worked at the Remington Club, an indepen- dent living center for seniors in Rancho Bernardo. Instead of doing the usual portrait, full face or profiles, Rose, who has been painting for just three years, focuses on the lower side of the face, the mouth or the nose of her subjects. The result is startling, striking and almost macabre. Signs of aging, such as wrinkles and recessed gum lines, are boldly and colorfully depicted. Rose, who went through six majors at San Diego State University, starting with nursing and ending with Fine Art, said she paints the part of the face or the body that most depicts the “essence” of the person. Rose said she is fond of the people she paints. “Everyone is perfectly imperfect,” she said. Rose sees the signs of aging as beautiful, she said, “Wrinkles are beautiful. They are like the landscape of history, all that the person has gone through…. They tell a story; all of the person’s experiences are there to see.” Though not overtly intended, Rose’s paintings are a poignant social commentary on how our culture views aging. Her work challenges our normal percep- tions of looks and points out our ageism, or our discrimination, evaluation, critique and categoriza- tion of people based on their age. Instead of seeing people as people, we sometimes see age, with youth as beautiful and old as not. 22 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 entertainment

By Charlene Baldridge Downtown News The Lively Arts February is for theater and music lovers as well as simply for lovers, as downtown arts organizations and presenters regale us with romantically informed and all around exciting fare.

Civic Theatre February 18, 21, 24 and 26 (times vary) San Diego Opera presents the sensational, spectacular world co-premiere production of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s “Moby-Dick,” starring helden- tenor Ben Heppner as Captain Ahab. Civic Theatre, 202 C Street, Downtown. sdopera.com or (619) Moscow Festival Ballet performs Feb. 14 and 15 533-7000. (Courtesy San Diego Symphony)

Copley Symphony Hall: The joint is jumpin’! 7:30 p.m. February 22, young Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Ave., 8 p.m. February 10 and 11, “A singer Jackie Evancho. Downtown. moolelo.net or (619) Valentine Romance with Broad- Tickets: sandiegosymphony. 342-7395. way’s Best” San Diego Symphony org or (619) 235-0804. Winter Pops concert with love The Old Globe songs, conductor Marvin Ham- 10th Avenue Theatre Continuing through Tuesdays lisch and vocalists Jennifer Hol- February 23 - March 18: - Sundays through February 12, liday and Hugh Panaro. Mo‘olelo Performing Arts Horton Foote’s Tony-nominated 7:30 p.m. February 14 and 15, Company reunites “Yellow Face” “Dividing the Estate” and through respectively, see two of Tchai- actors Brian Bielawski and Greg February 26, the world premiere of kovsky’s loveliest ballets, “Sleep- Watanabe in Amlin Gray’s “How Jonathan Caren’s “The Recommen- ing Beauty” and “Swan Lake” I Got That Story,” a two-man dation” at The Old Globe Theatre performed by Moscow Festival black comedy about a naïve and the Sheryl and Harvey White Ballet (music is pre-recorded). newspaper reporter caught up in Theatre, respectively, Conrad Pre- 8 p.m. February 19, Chicago the maelstrom of 1960s Vietnam. bys Theatre Center, The Old Globe, Symphony Orchestra, presented Frank Rich called the language 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Jennifer Holliday is featured in the San Diego Symphony’s A Valentine Romance by La Jolla Music Society (ljms. “at once hilarious and chilling.” Information and tickets at theoldg- Feb. 10 and 11. (Courtesy San Diego Symphony) org or 858-459-3728) Directed by Seema Sueko, 10th lobe.org or (619) 234-5623.v “The Recommendation” gets high marks Playwright Jonathan Caren takes a major step in his Old Globe premiere

By Cuauhtémoc Kish Aaron’s father fails to bail him Downtown News out—to teach his son a lesson— The Recommendation Aaron realizes he must barter The character Aaron, played protection by promising Dwight Through February 26 by Evan Todd, in The Old Globe favors when released. The Old Globe Theatre Theatre’s current production of To no one’s surprise, Aaron (The White Theatre) Jonathan Caren’s “The Recom- fails to follow through on his Tues & Wed 7 p.m. promise to Dwight. This failure mendation,” makes his initial Fri 8 p.m. entrance wearing nothing but manages to haunt Aaron, espe- a white towel. It is shock-value cially when Dwight is released Sat 2 & 8 p.m. but not shocking, and although from prison as a result of an Sun 2 & 7 p.m. Caren knows how to grab our assist from Izzy, who pens a suc- attention in the first scene of this cessful appeal for his pro-bono Info: (619) 234-5623 well-crafted memory play, he client. Web: TheOldGlobe.org gives audience members much Jonathan Munby’s capable more than simple, youthful flesh. direction underscores the Caren has a firm grip on a energy of the play. Munby even display what is bubbling inside. story about friendship, social goes so far as to choreograph He has a good handle on the debt and privilege, and delivers the scene changes, highlight- subject—friendship, patronage it up with a pulse that keeps our ing the exuberance of his three and nepotism—and displays attention throughout. youthful players and the tension both the beautiful as well as the Iskinder (Izzy), played by that hangs between them. He ugly in his first major step as a Brandon Gill, narrates the story balances the easy humor with playwright. (L-R) Brandon Gill as Iskinder and Evan Todd as Aaron in the of three young men in different audience interaction and finds This fresh, new work is “The Recommendation,” directed by Jonathan Munby, Jan. 21 - Feb. 26 social strata from his middle- a proper place for Dwight’s highly recommended.v at The Old Globe. (Photo by Henry DiRocco) class point of view. Izzy is an un- peppered slang, Aaron’s easy connected son of an Ethiopian- braggadocio and Izzy’s overrid- born father who has sent him off ing moral concern. Initial Identity Sudoku to an Ivy League college where All three actors, as well Crossword solution from page 20 Puzzle solution from page 20 his roommate, Aaron, schools as the playwright, hail from him in non-credited classes like Julliard; the school should be back scratching, privilege and proud of its alumni package of fortune. exceedingly bright talent. Todd Their friendship continues handles the challenges of his post-graduation as Izzy secures a privileged character with youth- job at a prestigious law firm with ful vigor while Gill narrates and help from Aaron’s father, while interacts with a commanding, Aaron begins his career in the self-absorbed presence. Cole Los Angeles film industry as a plays bravado, agitation and personal assistant. Aaron does impotence with equal measure. this, as Izzy did, with a little help Alexander Dodge designed a from his father. minimalist metal set that serves The third man in this the play well. Lighting designer dramatic triangle is Dwight, Philip Rosenberg coolly lit the played by Jimonn Cole, who has set, focusing attention directly no connections, no collegiate on the actors. education and even less money. As many learn, there is more By coincidence, Dwight and to most individuals than mere Aaron find themselves together muscle power. Caren brings in a holding cell. When they are us the exterior of three indi- transferred to a county jail and viduals and then digs deep to entertainment San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 23 San Diego Opera’s 2012 season From “Salome” to “The Barber of Seville,” this season has a diverse audience in mind

By Kai Oliver-Kurtin the music or singing, dow of time it offers an The San Diego Opera plans Downtown News but present the opera escape.” its seasons four to five years in in a new way. We Beginning April advance. Artistic Director Ian The San Diego Opera opened always stay true 21, Gioachino Campbell is already finalizing its 2012 international season on to the art.” Rossini’s their 2015 season, hand-picking Jan. 28 with “Salome,” a dramatic Opening “The Bar- and locking in dates for the and electrifying opera based on March ber of world’s best opera singers. The the Oscar Wilde play. With four 10, Seville” company aims to introduce at diverse operas and a much- Gaeta- will least one new opera to the com- anticipated recital in store for no close munity each season, in addition the season, it is no surprise that out to one well-established master- San Diego Opera has captivated piece. This year “Moby-Dick” is audiences year after year at the new to San Diego and next sea- Civic Theatre downtown since its son “Murder in the Cathedral” foundation in 1950. will make its debut. Richard Strauss’s “Salome” fea- “The community is excited tures the famed “Dance of the Sev- about art, especially new art,” en Veils” followed by a gruesome Wilensky said, “and they’re will- beheading. An adaptation of the ing to take a chance on it.” biblical story, “Salome” involves The theatre holds 2,887 John the Baptist and the court of seats, with some operas requir- King Herod for a shocking and ing additional space for a larger action-packed performance. orchestra. San Diego Opera at- “Opera is a combination tracts a seasoned audience, with of all the arts,” said Edward university students and a younger Wilensky, San Diego Opera’s generation in the seats as well. director of media relations. “It The Civic Theatre is located at incorporates singing, acting, the intersection of 3rd Avenue and drama, dance, a full symphony the B Street in downtown. For more and special effects.” sea- information visit sdopera.com.v “ ) T ra Wilensky added, “Opera Doni- h e son e p O is one complete art form that zetti’s B o will the a g works together. It’s not a mu- “Don rb ie familiar e D r n seum piece; it’s a living, breath- Pasquale” o a tune of f /S S rd ing art form.” will bring ev wa “Figaro.” ill Ho Taking the stage with a mul- laughter to its e” n This comedic op Ke timedia opera beginning Feb. 18, audiences with en by opera features Fi- s oto the West Coast premiere of Jake a story of marriage Apr (Ph garo as a barber and il 2 em. Heggie’s “Moby-Dick” will illus- and trickery. Complete 1 sta ach matchmaker, challenged rring as Me trate Captain Ahab’s obsession with a mariachi band, “Don Silvia Tro Santafé and Luc with assisting the Count in with seeking revenge. Based on Pasquale” will be relocated to winning one woman’s attention. Herman Melville’s 19th century the American Wild West and will include a selection of opera The eccentric set designs are classic, “Moby-Dick” will engage tells a humorous story of a man arias, art songs, Broadway hits based on Belgian artist Rene high-tech projections and a set and his enamor with younger and selections from her album Magritte’s surrealist style. dangling 40-feet above the stage. women. “Dark Hope.” “San Diego Opera has “This season there are three For one night only, famed “Opera, like all good art, sustained its popularity over established operas that offer new soprano Renée Fleming will changes lives,” Wilensky said. the years by attracting some of twists on the originals,” Wilen- be center stage for a benefit “Attending the arts makes you the world’s leading singers,” sky said. “Things like different concert with the full San Diego take time off, turn off the cell Wilensky said. “The singers you staging, costuming, nuances and Symphony Orchestra. On March phone and let’s you fall in love see here, you’ll also see in New Ben Heppner (Ahab) in “Moby-Dick.” new locales. We don’t change 24, Fleming’s performance for a few hours. For a brief win- York, Paris, Vienna and Berlin.” (Photo by Karen Almond/The Dallas Opera)

(L-R) Lise Lindstrom (Salome), Sean Panikkar (Narraboth), Greer Grimsley (Jochanaan) and Philip Skinner (Second Soldier) “Salome,” January and February 2012. (Photo by Ken Howard) 24 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 news

A sketch of the proposed Horton Plaza Park as designed by Glen Schmidt. A sketch of the proposed Children’s Park in downtown. “That is really going to transform downtown,” Schmidt said. (Courtesy Schmidt Design Group) (Courtesy Schmidt Design Group)

From page 1 The Horton Plaza retail “The Horton Plaza Park Westfield Corporation to make Additionally, the Schmidt center, where the park will project will improve the qual- this project a reality. Design Group recently finished schmidt be located, is owned by the ity of life in our urban core and “This is an important plans to revive and renovate the Westfield Corporation. As part create a new and exciting civic project for San Diego because Children’s Park and Civic Pond for the music and festival scene of the company’s contract with open space for all San Diegans it will rehabilitate this his- across from Downtown’s Conven- in San Diego. the city, Westfield is obligated to enjoy,” said Schmidt. “Similar toric park and create some tion Center. “We’re going to remove the old to organize at least two hun- to Pioneer Courthouse Square vital new urban open space in Built in preparation for Robinson-May building where Sam dred civic events and commu- in Portland or Union Square in downtown,” said Mark Caro, a the 1996 Republican National Goody and Planet Hollywood are nity celebrations a year. San Francisco, it will be a place senior planner and landscape Convention, the Children’s Park now and create a downtown plaza Ranging from concerts to for a huge variety of activities architect for the CCDC. was originally designed more that will be kind of like a Times music festivals, art exhibits, year-round that is sure to attract “Horton Plaza Park is one of for artistic appeal than for rec- Square for San Diego,” Schmidt dance performances, extreme visitors from outside Downtown the oldest parks in Downtown reational use. At the time, there said with audible excitement. “It sports activities, holiday events as well as local residents, work- and in the past it served as a were not as many residents will be the first time that the city and farmers markets—which are ers and visitors.“ community gathering place,” living in the Downtown area as has had a large open space for just some of the proposed activi- The Centre City Development Caro said. “The expansion there are today. civic events, so that’s going to be a ties—there will be no shortage of Corporation (CCDC), on behalf of the park will add another “Demographics have huge change that is going to really things to do around town once the of the City of San Diego Redevel- 37,000 square feet, which we changed and the demand for transform Downtown.” plaza is built. opment Agency, is working with hope will once again make it open space and more recre- the central gathering place for ational opportunities for down- all of San Diego.” town residents have increased Schmidt said the renovated dramatically,” said Schmidt. park will also provide opportu- “The intent of the renovation is nities to modify the north side to create a safer environment of the nearby retail center to and reactivate the park with expose it to more activities in the new amenities.” Gaslamp District. Those amenities will include Covering approximately one a large children’s play area with city block in Downtown, the climbing structures, an interac- brand new outdoor entertain- tive water area with jets, a concert ment venue is expected to be lawn and food vendors with an finished in December 2013. informal outdoor dining area.v news San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 25

From page 24 where the homeless can find supportive housing and treatment connections as they battle drug addiction and mental health issues,” he said. Construction on the 86-year-old vacant World Trade Center building began in November 2011, one year after the City Council voted unanimously in October 2010 to begin talks to convert the building into what will now be Connections Housing. The permanent building is intended to replace the city’s temporary winter shelter tents, however Gloria said the opening of the permanent facility is one step to helping individuals and families affected by homelessness. “The start of construction on Connections is the start of a new day for our homeless neighbors in San Diego, but is not a single solution.” Gloria said. “We must persist (L-R) District 3 City Councilmember Todd Gloria, Mayor Jerry Sanders, City Council President Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer with our efforts with the Emergen- and Housing Commission and CEO Richard Gentry at the Connections Housing construction launch. (Courtesy PATH) The list of program partners was an- cy Winter Shelter program, services nounced at the construction launch. like the Neil Good Day Center, and (Courtesy PATH) provide more affordable housing if we are to continue our progress on The Connections Housing devel- this challenging issue.” opment will be a full-service resi- The Neil Good Day Center is a dential community home to help homeless services facility located homeless individuals and families at 299 17th St. offering case man- transfer to permanent housing. agement, medical services and In attendance at the ground- veteran services, among others, to breaking were Mayor Jerry homeless individuals in downtown Sanders; City Council President during the day only. Administered Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer; District by the city, the center is currently 3 Councilmember Todd Gloria; operated by the Alpha Project Centre City Development Corpo- and will continue to offer services ration Chair Kim John Kilkenny; through 2012. and San Diego Housing Commis- “Our comprehensive ap- sion President and CEO Richard proach to homelessness is a Gentry, among others. model for other cities grappling “Connections Housing will be a with this problem,” Sanders said civic project of great benefit for the at the address, “and should make people who will be served there, 2012 the first year in memory and for the City of San Diego,” when San Diego won’t need to Gloria said in a press release. “By open a winter homeless shelter providing supportive services on because beds and services will site as well as house, Connections already be waiting.”v [Housing] will help move people from the streets to self-sufficiency.” Scheduled to open by De- cember 2012, the Connections Housing facility will include 73 permanent housing units, 16 special needs single-room occupancy units, 134 interim housing beds, a social service center and a community health clinic. Medical services will be offered at the facility through a partnership with Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD), a nonprofit community health organization. The organization will close its current downtown location at 1145 Broadway to move permanently into the Connections Housing building. “The... community health center will continue to provide comprehensive medical and mental health care services to everyone,” said FHCSD Govern- ment and Media Relations Man- ager Ben Avey. Operated by People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), which runs similar facilities in Southern California, the funding for Con- nections Housing comes from the City of San Diego through the Centre City Development Cor- poration, the San Diego Housing Commission and a Community Development Block Grant. Additionally, federal low- income housing tax credits and funds from the nonprofit organization, Corporation for Sup- portive Housing, round out the primary funders for the project. The estimated renovation cost is $34 million. In his State of the City address on Jan. 11, Mayor Sanders said the housing project was a step in the right direction for addressing homelessness year round. “This year, we look forward to opening the Connections Housing Center, a permanent shelter downtown 26 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 news San Diego Black Film Festival awards announced S. Epatha Merkerson’s documentary of the antebellum South takes home top honors

By Anthony King “Congratulations to all the Van Buren on NBC’s “Law and Downtown News winners and a special thanks Order,” and received an Emmy, to all the filmmakers who Golden Globe, Screen Actor’s The powerful documentary participated in the 2012 San Guild, Gracie Allen and Image “The Contradictions of Fair Hope” Diego Black Film Festival,” said Award for her performance in was the big winner at this year’s Festival Director Karen Willis. the HBO movie “Lackawanna San Diego Black Film Festival, Downtown’s Black Film Festival Blues.” “The Contradictions of which took place Jan. 26 – 29 at is one of the largest black film Fair Hope” is her first feature the Reading Gaslamp Cinemas. festivals in the country with film project. The film, directed by S. Epatha over 100 African-American and Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, S. Epatha Merkerson Merkerson and Rockell C. Met- African Diaspora films screened the documentary examines a time (Courtesy “The Contradictions of Fair Hope”) calf, won Best Film, Best Director, each year. in United States history that is not “Ties That Bind” won Best Diaspora Best Documentary and the Film- Merkerson is best known well known, when, in July 1865, cessible and universal for general film(Courtesy “Ties that Bind”) maker’s Choice Award. for her role as Lieutenant Anita over four million slaves had been audiences, too. I’m interested in freed and were forced to cope telling compelling stories about with the realities of the newfound fascinating real lives.” freedom. The film focuses on The Beukes said being selected Fair Hope Benevolent Society for the Festival was an honor, and in Uniontown, Ala., one of many was thankful for San Diego for “benevolent societies” that were hosting an international film as created at the time to respond part of the selections. “Getting to the hunger, illness and fear of international recognition for what these communities. you do is amazing,” she said, “not Other winners at this year’s fes- just for the filmmakers, but for tival include “The Custom Mary” the girls who competed in the for Best Religious Film and Best pageant, too.” Cutting Edge Film as well as the South African entry, “Glitterboys The complete list of winners and Ganglands,” for Best LGBT follows: film. The documentary follows a group of female impersonators Best Film: competing in the Miss Gay West- “The Contradictions of Fair Hope” ern Cape contest and addresses Best Drama: issues of poverty, HIV, gangs and “Lesson Before Love” attitudes toward sexuality. Best Director: “Glitterboys” director Lauren S. Epatha Merkerson and Beukes, who could not attend this Rockell C. Metcalf for “The Con- year’s Festival, said, “While [“Glit- tradictions of Fair Hope” terboys and Ganglands”] might Best Diaspora: be of special interest to the LGBT “Ties That Bind” community, I think it’s totally ac- Best Religious Film: “The Custom Mary” Best Documentary: “The Contradictions of Fair Hope” Best LGBT: “Glitterboys and Ganglands” Best Short: “Brotherly Love” Best Comedy: “Camp Kickitoo” Best Actor: Choice Skinner for “Brotherly Love” Best Cutting Edge Film: “The Custom Mary” Filmmaker’s Choice Award: “The Contradictions of Fair Hope” Best Music Video: “Whip my Mane”v

Rockell Metcalf receives an award at this year’s festival. (Courtesy “The Contradictions of Fair Hope”) San Diego Downtown News | February 2012 27 28 San Diego Downtown News | February 2012