Thursday, March 14, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 14-Wednesday, March 20, 2024: Emo Nite | Karl Denson | Wild Party | Grace Potter | Shane Hall | William Fitzsimmons | Cold War Kids | The Lone Bellow |

I haven't put together a diary/links post this week because I've been out doing life. Darren gave up his second job so he can finally have some days off, and we took advantage on Monday by driving out to Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel for lunch, then doing a hike in Anza-Borrego along The Impossible Railroad. It was quite an adventure and probably one we wouldn't do again because the primitive road was kinda sketchy for our non-4x4 vehicle, but it was fun nonetheless, and the weather out there was perfect - sunny, but not crazy hot, some wind gusts but nothing a windbreaker didn't protect from. My week continued with all day at the zoo on Tuesday, where I learned my wi-fi was strong enough to do a Google Meet conference call. On Wednesday, I decided to go to work with Darren since he only had a five hour shift, and it ended up being pure magic. I spent a couple hours with the tigers before getting an impromptu behind-the-scenes peek where I got to meet some ambassador animals, including petting an echidna and watching a special session with Estrella, the sloth, and I even got to feed it. I didn't even end up doing the tram and after we had a white-Mexican dinner at On The Border. Not gonna lie, that endless enchilada deal was pretty good. 

This week continues to be great as all my usual work emails have slowed while every PR person is in Austin for SXSW and as we approach St. Patrick's Day and spring break. Seaworld (varies), San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park (9am-7pm March 16-April 7) will all have extended hours, so check their schedules if you plan on giving it a go. My favorite Alpaca Ranch has another open house on Sunday, so I'll probably head out there, too. 

As for music, there are a ton of great shows coming up. Humphrey's announced their full summer lineup and tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am for ones that hadn't already previously been announced. Casbah has two nights with The Lone Bellow which is kind of a big deal considering the sized venues they usually play. Plus, if you love St. Patty's Day, there are events all over the county to get into some shenanigans, even though this year's OB event is canceled.

Have a great week. Stay safe out there. I love you. 

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 7-Wednesday, March 13, 2024: Gregory Alan Isakov | Forester | The Screamin' Yeehaws | Real Estate | Liily | Sam Outlaw | Birdtalker | OKAN |

I don't know about you, but I did not expect all that rain on Wednesday. I was prepared -- because January 22nd should've taught us all not to be caught off guard even when forecasters say just a 'chance of rain' -- but it was still a little more than I expected. It's not bad for me personally, but it definitely made me change plans. I was going to drive to Mission Valley during rush hour, completely forgetting about Gold Cup, but I guess in that way, the rain and traffic was a blessing because I just went home instead. Dumb errands can always wait.

This week I'm going to The Sound for Gregory Alan Isakov (with Damien Jurado opening!!) and going to see one of my kids' elementary school friends in Freaky Friday at Grossmont High. I want to see Real Estate at Observatory but I didn't really make any effort to make it happen, so that's probably a no-go at this point. I will say I'm sooo glad Super Tuesday is behind us and hope we get at least some reprieve from political ads for awhile. What a horrible nightmare shitshow those are. 

If you didn't see my last post, the HIPPOS have finally been moved back to their renovated habitat at the Zoo and the gorillas were back out today, too, so if you need to find me, I think you know where I'll be. 

Have a great week and stay safe out there. 

Wednesday, March 06, 2024

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Spring Is Coming - Later Zoo & MTRP Hours| Wildflowers | SDMA Nominees Announced | CDC Revises COVID Isolation |

Nipho & Sundzu Investigate The Arrival of Musi (3.3.24)

I had kind of a rough day. We had our apartment management coming over to check the roofing work, but knowing I had to be up early for them meant I got no sleep last night because I get crazy anxiety when someone tells me I have to be up by any particular time, even for the dumbest things. It's a problem I've had since 3rd or 4th grade and I should probably see someone about it. But in the meantime, he came by, and I did work for a few hours and then went back to bed. I wasn't feeling any better after a nap, but made myself go to the zoo for an hour to get some sun and air and steps, but instead of feeling refreshed, I felt like I was going to collapse. This is TMI, but I get very uncomfortable periods, and today I was convinced that maybe I actually have endometriosis. I was in so much pain that I thought I was going to have to pull over on my drive home. Once I finally made it home and slammed some Advil and laid down for awhile, it seemed to get under control. Still, I'm gonna have to make an appointment because I can't be going through this nonsense with every month getting worse and worse. On top of all that, it was election day and what a lackluster election it was. Of course I voted, but there's usually something you can be excited about on the ballot. There was none of that this primary.
I intended to do listings today, but I'm just going to try to get on a normal sleep cycle and deal in the morning.     

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 29-Wednesday, March 6, 2024: Arlo Parks | The White Buffalo | Zack Oakley | Kevin Devine | David Spade | G. Love | Grouplove | zzzahara |

I am pretty glad to be putting February behind us, but I've always thought we should get a rent discount this month for it being fewer days, even on a leap year. Oh well. I went to the Evan Dando show on Tuesday and it was pretty good, though I could've done without the girl who maneuvered up to the front and proceeded to dance like the show was all about her. It's a major pet-peeve. A solo acoustic guitar performance of Lemonheads songs has literally ZERO danceable moments. Go. Away. 

Thursday night, Darren, the kid and I will be going to Arlo Parks. I'm a little bummed my photo pass was declined but whatever. I haven't exactly posted a ton of show photos lately, and no photo pass means no obligation to anyone. 

I know this site is mostly about fun events, but don't forget Tuesday is election day, so mail in or drop off your ballots before then. My ballot came during the heavy rains so it was pretty soggy and damaged, so I'll just go vote in person. Be nice to poll workers, I'm super proud my mom got trained to be one and will be working through election day. 

There are some pretty great shows this week, so get out and enjoy this town. Just bundle up, because the next storm is supposed to be a cold one.

Stay safe out there.    

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 22-Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Husbands | Big Business | Ty Segall | Evan Dando | Great Lake Swimmers | Otoboke Beaver | KRS-One |

I stayed up all night on Tuesday to get listings done, while I watched all 8 episodes of Fool Me Once on Netflix. The minute I finished, I regretted not including February 29, because next week is Darren's birthday, Evan Dando is in town, and we're hoping to all go to the Arlo Parks show on Thursday and have some celebrating in between, so I don't know when I'm gonna have time to carve out for listings. But I'll do it, of course, that's what I do. 

I just finished a diary post, so I don't have much to say except that there are way too many good shows this week for me to get them all in my title, and I also included the Audobon's Bird Festival because it's really fun and there are plenty of free parts you can attend without paying for festival registration, even if it's just to check out their pop-up book store or the trade show, which always has a gazillion amazing cameras, binoculars, and lenses to check out. And who doesn't love bird merch? I mean, come on. 

I'm tired and want to have a productive Thursday, so I'm off to bed. These listings will see you in the morning. 

Stay safe out there. 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: More Shootings. More COVID. | Pandas To Return!! | Massive Fentanyl Seizure in San Diego | Sheriff Refuses Body Scans At Jails | KC Shooting | RIP Nex Benedict |

Eloise, Kaja, and Sela conspiring (Taken 2.8.24)


Sorry I didn't get around to a diary post last week. We had the roofers here most of the week and I had the ear infection and it was the Superbowl and then there was that shooting and I just kinda felt limited in how I wanted to engage in that kind of world in that kind of moment. There are people who are definitely for gun safety and banning certain types of weapons, or getting background checks, or licensing and training requirements, and more, but if I had my way about it, there would be no guns owned by any private citizen anywhere ever. Unless, I guess, you really think you need a fucking musket. Then I guess, be my guest. When I have been saying, "Stay Safe Out There," in my posts, I always meant someone coughing in your personal space could be make you sick. I guess it also means, "watch out for random shooters when you're out doing life." 

On a more personal note, last week was good, but I didn't hit the zoo nearly as much as I prefer to. Three full days of Handymen working and then Darren using the van for floral delivery on Valentine's Day, led to a lot of moving and loading and unloading and organizing and cleaning. We're letting this first storm pass before restoring the catio, but I was happy to get my van organized and back to normal, and I carried the theme into the weekend. After Saturday morning at the zoo, I went to and from Jamul to the alpaca ranch and brought home Mexican food. Darren and I ended up hanging out having some beers while the kid was at OSP Prom, and then Darren eventually went to bed, so I decided it was time to clean. 9 hours of cleaning later, the studio is almost livable again. That made my Sunday not productive in any way besides taking my dog to Fiesta Island, but I've made up for it this week with my zoo time, and even going with a couple of my zoo friends to Sea World for Presidents Day. 

It's rained again this week, so I hope it's been just a normal storm and not too troubling for anyone out there and we can just go back to the good ol' days of San Diego storms where some ice cream shops in Mission Beach talk about loading up on sandbags and the rest of us just complain about some potholes and make fun of people who don't understand that the Fashion Valley parking lot was literally designed to flood. 

I love you. Stay safe out there. 
 

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 15-Wednesday, February 21, 2023: Baby Bushka | The Slashes | Faetooth | Futurebirds | Little Hurricane | Ween | Steve Poltz | Peachy San Diego | Foxing | Helado Negro |

It's been a bit of a crazy week. Our downstairs neighbors got some water with that big January rain, so they decided to reroof over their bedroom, which is the floor of our catio, so we had to pull everything downstairs and I've had to hover around the house so the dog doesn't go crazy. On top of that, it's Valentine's Day as I write this and Darren needed the van for flower deliveries, so we had to pull out all the seats and all my stuff and now I'll have to organize my prepper essentials that I keep in there at all times. We're home now and I'm staring down five buckets of roses and lillies that I'm going to arrange while I have some beers and enjoy what's left of Valentine's Day with my boo. We don't get each other gifts, but the flowers and Hoppyalis are good enough for me. And as my gift to him, I organized his car while he was working because it was a disaster zone, too. So yeah. Remember those long pandemic days of never leaving the house? I kinda miss those days. 

On top of domestic life, there are a million amazing shows this week, plus it's Open Ranch at my favorite Alpaca Ranch and Lunar New Year at the Zoo, so hopefully you find something you love to share with people you love. 

Stay safe out there.  

Thursday, February 08, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 8 - Wednesday, February 14, 2024: Slothrust | Say She She | Todd Barry | The Rural Alberta Advantage | Juice | Provoker | Pure Bathing Culture | Yo La Tengo |

I'm stoked that I was able to (mostly) finish my listings on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, so I'm actually about to walk to Soda Bar to catch The Bones of J.R. Jones. I don't have much going on this week besides my usual and then finding things to do to not watch football, but who knows, I do kinda love Patrick. But, I'm gonna be late if I don't scoot. Listings are after the jump. 

Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Rosey's Diary & Newsy Things: Atmospheric River Blasts California | Election Ballot Boxes Open | COVID Zapping Everyone You Know | FDA Recalls Mexican Quesos & Cremas (Check You Fridge!)| GRAMMY List |

Suyana, Ransisku, and Alba didn't seem to mind Monday's Rain (Taken 2.5.24)

What a week it's been. And it's only Tuesday. 

The Kid and I went to see Fun Home at New Village Arts Theatre on Saturday night and, wow! What an incredible show. I'm not a great theatre critic because there's really only one performance I've ever seen in my life that I thought was flat-out bad, but Fun Home itself is a Tony award winning musical and the cast on this local presentation was excellent. The theatre is beautiful and intimate, and every seat has a clear view of the stage. I cried and laughed and cried some more. If you're a person inclined to theatre, particularly touched by LGBTQIA+ issues, this one is one you should catch while you can. 

I know the storms have been top of mind for everyone, but I just chug along and do what I always do. Sometimes I go to the zoo all day, sometimes I just go for a quickie to see some of my little buddies. On Monday, I bundled up in all my rain gear and got five miles in, so proud of myself for having finally found the right gear to keep dry, getting some really special moments with the gorillas, the Andean Bears, the giraffes, Ernest the lion, Nindiri the Jaguar, and some incredible playtime amongst the brother elephants, which you can watch on my YouTube channel (I recommend playing your own soundtrack and watching the video on mute, since I couldn't strip the audio.) Other days, like Tuesday, I wake up after just a few hours of sleep and am super low energy. The rain came down in buckets and even my dry gear was no match, so I was damp and tired and certain I couldn't pull of as much walking in my knee high rainboots as I had in my water-resistant booties. I still made it to see my gorillas and had them nearly to myself for almost an hour, with a couple families popping by briefly but bored because the boys were mostly just sitting with their backs to the glass. As soon as people would leave, they'd get all active and Denny was splashing mud at his brothers and the chase was on. So fun. I'm glad I made it for that. But by the time I'd gone to orangutans, they'd gone back to their rooms, my favorite little monkey was cute but stayed high in his cage to stay dry, so I did a final lap to say goodbye to the gray parrots (talkative as ever) and decided to call it a day. I did some work and cleaned the house a little, but Monday's insomnia demanded a Tuesday nap, and man, did I need it. 

Tonight I've been catching up on work demands and setting up a couple ads and newsletters and procrastinating starting my listings, but I'm sure I'll be up for a while still with my polyphasic sleep cycle, so hopefully I can knock those out tonight and have a real day in normal shoes on Wednesday. Oh, and yesterday I watched two movies...Plus One (on Hulu) which is a completely predictable but cute rom-com, and Frybread Face and Me (on Netflix) which was so, so good, about a Navajo kid from San Diego who goes to live with his grandma and cousin on the "rez" for the summer as a tween and all the life lessons one would expect from that situation. 

Anyway, I hope everyone can enjoy the beauty of the rain and not just suffer from the power of it. Stay safe out there. I love you. 

Thursday, February 01, 2024

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 1-Wednesday, February 7, 2024: Taylor Ashton | The Paranoyds | David Dondero | STORM AID FUNDRAISER | Plague Vendor | Portugal. The Man | SATH |


I survived a seven-day streak of selling merch at sold out Casbah shows. 
Well, mostly survived. 
That was two nights of Pinback, then RFTC, the aMiniature, then Lucy's Fur Coat, then two nights of The Bronx. 
Last week I started feeling an earache that by Sunday was incredibly painful. So I went to urgent care and turns out I had a full blown ear infection, I'm sure it was exacerbated by night after night on the patio and trying to keep warm. Even then, I still worked on Sunday and Monday, and I found that walking the zoo and getting oxygen in Fern Canyon would help clear my head a bit instead of the constant popping and sloshing my ear was doing when I'd lay down. So, now I'm a few days into an antibiotic and feeling much better, though I still have a way to go before feeling 100% again. But I'm good and Darren got back on Sunday and I survived the Casbah anniversary month and I could've made at least a few excuses not to do these listings, but I had some news and shows and YouTube things and the premiere of VPR to catch up on, so here they are. And now I shall sleep. 
If you're paying attention, tickets to Future Islands go on pre-sale today so make sure you use the Casbah code so they know you're reading our newsletter. And not gonna lie, I don't really get excited about sporting events, but did you hear there's gonna be a rugby match at Snapdragon this summer between All Blacks and Fiji Rugby? It's July 19th and tickets go on sale Friday and I think I need some comps just for mentioning it. 
Though I'm still healing up, I'll be back slinging at the Casbah on Friday, and I'm excited to take the kid see Fun Home at New Village Arts on Saturday. Then I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing to recover from January.  

Listings are after the jump.       
Stay safe out there. Hopefully this time around, the atmospheric river spares everyone's homes and businesses and studios and we can laugh at how overhyped they are/were. 
I love you all.