CoViD 19: How To Not Let Your Kids' Brains Turn To Goo

Nova is in middle school, so all the students are working from home, getting daily assignments, and all students were provided Chromebooks if they didn't already have them. (A parent survey revealed all students had regular consistent access to wi-fi) So I know it comes with a heavy dose of privilege to assume that everyone has internet access and a device to access it, but you're here, so some assumptions aren't too far off base, I hope. I thought I'd share some resources to keep your kids' minds active as they're going to suffer from seclusion more than the rest of us. I will keep adding to this list, but I promised the family a break so I need to take that now. Please comment if you have additional resources to add here.

The San Diego Humane Society is launching a "Humane at Home" series. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2pm, the Humane Education Team will bring fun, educational content and activities via Facebook Live on the San Diego Humane Society Facebook page.

PBS Learning Media has media and resources for all grade levels. I haven't delved too deep, but looking forward to deep diving into this one.

Khan Academy This is the math resource used at Nova's school, but is also available for free to any learner, all grade and ability levels, with exercises, video tutorials, and more.

eLibrary Resources San Diego: San Diego Public Library has online resources. Unfortunately, I don't know if during this shutdown if you can get a new card if you didn't already have one, but we are loving having a large list of eBooks and Audiobooks through the CloudLibrary App.

And maybe this is the site that Governor Newsom was citing yesterday:
Resources that Support Distance Learning 

Travel Sites and Attractions That You Can Visit Virtually

These links were provided by one of the English teachers at her school:

Virtual Field Trips - Google Doc - This is absolutely incredible. Go places you've never been, virtually.

Oceans Initiative Virtual Marine Biology Camps

List of Free Educational Site Resources - This is a super exhaustive list of free resources, but it's an ad-supported mommy blog, so be sure to scroll through and only hit the hyperlinked alphabetical ordered list and not an ad that takes you who knows where. Unfortunately, there's no description of the resources, but if you've got time, click through some of them. (Side note, I make pretty much no money from my page because I don't add these obnoxious types of ads within posts, but do accept PayPal and Venmo donations. You can find those on the top of the left column when you use this page from your browser or select "desktop version" from your mobile.)

Free Drawing Classes by Professional Illustrators

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CoViD-19: San Diego Humane Society Open By Appointment Only

As families are facing the unknown -- will I still have a job? will I lose my home? what am I going to do with the kids?--our pets can bring unconditional love and comfort. Two of my family's current three are San Diego Humane Society adoptees. (Kiwi came from a litter of cats born to a mom whose owner thought she was a he over 20 years ago.) And we just realized that today, 3/17 is the 5 year anniversary of the first time we met Ficus, named Sunflower at the time, before we finalized her adoption 4 days later, on March 21, 2015.

The whole world is really insane right now, but if you have stable living conditions for the foreseeable future, consider adoption via the San Diego Humane Society. Sadly, times of financial strife often result in pet relinquishments, so they will be extra busy. Pets will definitely be therapeutic companions for many who live alone and will be asked to shelter in place for the next several weeks or months, so if you're one of these people and you have stable housing, what are your waiting for?? You can even browse animals online.

Anyway, the San Diego Humane Society has been sending updates about their current status in light of the pandemic, and you can read the whole thing here. The TL;dr most important parts are below.

1. SDHS is open by appointment only. 78 animals came in on Monday alone to add to the over 1000 animals already in their care; finding homes for animals doesn’t stop. Call 619-299-7012 to make an appointment or drive up to any of our campuses and make an appointment from your vehicle.

2. There will be a need for fosters. Sign up here.

3. The 'neuter scooter' will cease operations for now.

4. Before relinquishing a pet, please consider rehoming.

5. Injured and/or orphaned wildlife can still be brought to Project Wildlife at 5433 Gaines St

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CoViD-19: CA Gov. Newsom Addresses State Response - School's Out For-ever

In case you missed the Governor speaking, who was speaking at the same time as San Diego Mayor Faulconer.

Governor Newsom Signs Emergency Legislation to Fight COVID-19 

"I would plan and assume that it's unlikely that many of these schools--few if any--will open before the summer break." -Governor Gavin Newsom




"We reserve the right to go farther if we don't think the local efforts are meeting the moment."

-Moratorium on evictions or utility disconnections
-OESnews.com for Small Business Loans up to $2 million
-98.8% of schools have closed down (in California) The rest will likely shut down.
-"We announced and put out for public distribution detailed guidelines for curriculum"
-PBS has an extraordinary full day classroom/Available now/
-Guidelines are dynamic and update every Friday

-"Let me be candid. This is a very sober thing to say. And I can't say this with certainty, but I can say this quite learnedly. Don't anticipate schools are going to open up in a a week. Don't anticipate in a few weeks. And I say that because one needs to be honest and I need to be accountable to you. I don't want to mislead you. To 6+ million kids in our system and their families, they need to make some plans, at a time when a lot of plans are already being curtailed, but planning with kids is some of the most challenging planning: I would plan and assume that it's unlikely that many of these schools--few if any--will open before the summer break." (then he goes on to say that kids won't need to worry about testing.)

-Gathering guidelines are "common sense" and don't mean that you should isolate from your family and social group.
-"Must adapt to the moment, Shelter in place (broadly defined with all kinds of exemptions) will expand beyond the current six counties the call for no gatherings. "That doesn't mean within your own social set, your own family, that you can't have a BBQ, doesn't mean you can't have a walk in terms of getting your essential needs met with that walk- walking with intention-to get food and get medicine and do the things you need to do...it's just common sense."

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CoViD-19: Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center Closure

photo taken at Mission Trails on 1.9.2020.

Most of the closures across the county and across the country heartbreaking because of their devastating impact (like all the bars, restaurants, and venues presently shut down,) but after my post of things that we could still do, though I was kind of expecting this closure from Mission Trails, it doesn't mean I'm not bummed about it. But to clarify, the lot gates won't be opened and the visitors' center will stay closed (which means NO BATHROOM ACCESS, so plan accordingly) but it doesn't mean you can't find those surrounding parking areas and still have a little hike through, or start on the other side by Kumeyaay Lake and walk in that way. Just don't be stupid, because the last thing we need is our first responders taking care of you when they've got so much else to deal with at the moment. Mission Trails press release after the jump.

CoViD-19 Experiencing shortages? Count On Fresh Produce

This is definitely not usually in the scope of this site, but I know my own family would like to continue eating veggies and salads beyond this week, and I've definitely seen people suggesting that they couldn't find even kitchen staples like potatoes and onions, let alone fruit and veggies. Keep in mind, all of the guidelines for California regarding gatherings, sheltering-in-place, and #socialdistancing all came down rapidly in a matter of days, so people certainly stocked up and cleared shelves. But as this becomes our new normal, supplies and distribution are already bouncing back, so I thought I'd share this important message from SGS Produce. If you're in San Diego, we just took a walk to North Park Produce and they are very well stocked in pretty much all fruits and vegetables (even loose potatoes). They also have large bags of white rice, fresh tortillas, fresh bolillos, a full service meat counter, and a hot food/takeout section with things like shawarma and gyro by the pound, rotisserie chickens, lamb shanks, and beef kabob. At checkout, I had no wait.
Press release is after the jump.

SoundDiego: Aztec Brews Live Stream (and others are streaming, too!!)

It's been so heartwarming to see musicians, artists, yogis, teachers, and others embracing live streaming while we're all staying home and limiting contact. Aztec Brewing is going to be streaming artists live, and I wrote a little thing about it for NBC SoundDiego here:

Article: Aztec Brews Live Stream
Check out the livestream: Aztec Brewing Facebook

I'm also keeping an eye out for other streaming stuff, so here are a few things to save in your calendar:

"Same Same but Different Festival will be hosting a series of online live beneficiary concerts to raise awareness and give the community an opportunity to directly help musicians through this tough time. The first streaming concert will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm on the Same Same But Different website."

Seaport Sessions was scheduled, then canceled, then rescheduled to go Virtual. It will be streaming via their Vimeo channel on Thursday from 6-8pm with Tim Pyles hosting and Rowlberto Media handling the broadcast. Live performances by Low Volts and Dirty Sweet. (Please do not show up in person. You will be asked to leave and it will be super awkward for everyone.)

And if you're looking for some national acts, check out messages from Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie (streaming daily at 4pm here), The White Buffalo, Joe Pug and others who are committing to scheduled livestream concerts.

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SoundDiego: Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus

I'm fortunate that NBC SoundDiego has allowed me to pivot a bit since we won't be posting my listings for the foreseeable future. You can check out my first article, Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus, and keep an eye on SoundDiego for diversionary content through these unprecedented times.

Andrew, Mario and TJ 

CoViD-19: New Orders & Guidelines In Place; "Countrywide Lockdown" Imminent

A pic from Oct 2019, before COVID-19 was a recognized thing

I did that whole giant post about all the things I'd like to do while we're in this CoViD-19 crisis, but the truth is that so far, I've spent most of my time reading emails, staring at the internet, at social media, gathering information, reading all the pandemic porn.

Literally the worst thing you can do. (more after the jump)

CoViD 19: No School, No Work. What are we going to do?

People often comment on how much I go out, but I don't think that the reality of what a homebody I am is evident to everyone. But I am. I binge a lot of TV. I read a lot. I can stay in pajamas all day and all night. Financial concerns aside (because if there aren't emergency funds or reprieve for renters, we are effed) it isn't that hard for me to be asked to stay home. However, with all of us home, we are going to be right on top of each other, all day and night, for the foreseeable future, so here are some thoughts of ways we hope to ease this time. In lieu of listings this week, I give you #socialdistancing in San Diego:

CoViD-19: Conflicting Information

One of the things that is making the CoViD-19 (novel coronavirus) so especially dangerous is all of the conflicting information. I'm not talking about straight up misinformation and lies being spread by shady media, conspiracy theorists, or straight up deniers who don't believe the crisis is real, I'm talking about information that is constantly evolving and changing, because one, the number of people being tested is so low that the numbers beings shared daily may not adequately reflect the real numbers, and two, because it's novel--new--means science is trying to catch up with the virus itself and researchers and doctors and professionals around the world are trying to share information with each other, trying to let the public know as much as they can, while also trying not to disseminate false information. (read more after the jump)

CoViD-19: A Little Levity

This video seemed worth sharing, because even while it's humorous, in a lot of ways it's more informative than what we've been getting. Stay home if you can.

Sunday Update: CoViD-19 and San Diego | State Guidance | Senior Isolation | End of Gatherings

When I woke up this morning, I declared out loud to my family, "nobody leaves this house for any reason unless and until we need something from the store." I've spent the last three or four nights getting even more sucked into Twitter and Facebook and news updates than usual. Hours after my declaration, Nova asked if she could play with a friend, I reiterated the lockdown. I did a big shopping trip on Wednesday, and another on Thursday. We went to the Safari Park on Friday, stopping at a taco shop and a donut shop on our way. That night I went to the Casbah and then the Ken Club.

In spite of getting needed supplies, and supporting businesses, and a really, really great show, I've felt nothing but guilty about all my non-essential trips. (Except Safari Park, which was so empty because of the rain that social distancing was most definitely not a problem.) Darren continued to drive Uber customers on Saturday, and now the thought of anyone being in our car besides us sickens me. Like most people, this is going to be a huge financial hit. He can't work, but he's also not protected to receive unemployment benefits. I don't know which of my incomes will continue and if I can carry my family on what's left. But for now, we have essentials and we're home and we don't plan on going anywhere.

In the time since my last CoViD post, obviously many more events have canceled or postponed, public spaces like the San Diego public library, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World, and even Disneyland have closed. Bars are closing until further notice, including the Casbah. Some have the arbitrary date through March 31st, others through April 6th, but two weeks could very easily turn into two months, according to a conversation with Assemblywoman Toni Atkins that a friend of mine happened to overhear.

Whatever continues from here on out, I'll add some more resources to this post with updates as I hear or read them.

California Department of Public Health
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Myth Busters
Centers for Disease Control - How it spreads
Dogs and the New Coronovirus - A Resource for Pet Owners from Rover
Travel Resource from TripAdvisor

More after the jump:

COVID-19 and San Diego: State and Regional Links and Resources | Closures | Protect Yourself

It is impossible to know the right protocol in these unprecedented times. As someone who reads way too much on Twitter, I've certainly been experiencing increased anxiety over COVID-19, aka the novel coronavirus, though probably least concerning is the illness itself and more concerning is the panic and financial hardship my family and millions of others will be facing as resources become taxed and unavailable. I'm trying to track all the cancellations and notifications while also keeping abreast on the actual impact in numbers, and it's just too much. However, I can at least share some information and resources that I've encountered so you can do the best to keep yourself and your family safe, informed, and healthy.

San Diego County Order of the Public Health Officer (effective 12am 3.13.2020)
California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Updates
Gathering Guidance 
CA Employment Development Department
San Diego County COVID-19
US Gov CDC
KPBS- Tracking Coronovirus
Voice of San Diego Pandemic Information
Bloomberg Prognosis - Health Information
KCRW (LA) Coronovirus Reference Sheet
JamBase Concert Cancellations & Postponements
Cons, Crud, and Coronavirus - An Essay By Kelly Lagor

More after the jump:

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, March 10-Monday, March 16, 2020

Between election day last week, going down internet rabbit holes reading about COVID-19, watching apocalyptic documentaries about water (The Longest Straw) and sand (Sand Wars), and then watching our communities stockpiling goods and food, it's been a pretty grim week. And maybe I should be more afraid, but not going to shows, or the Zoo, or Safari Park, or other public places just isn't an option unless and until it has to be. So last week I caught Christopher Paul Stelling at Soda Bar on Tuesday, caught Strange Vine at Soda and White Reaper at the Casbah on Friday, and I continue to take my laptop to the Zoo to work, and Friday went up to Safari Park for Nova's day off school. I also spent the weekend finishing reading a couple novels, binge watched Kidding season 1, and generally isolated in between all that as I try to keep up with work. So, yeah. I've been a ton of fun lately. But so it goes. I spent Monday working from the Zoo but was able to catch the 2 week old lemur babies (sorry for the challenged photo) for a few minutes on my way to settle in, and I visited the sea lions while Nova was at soccer, too. I kinda hope the rain really does continue all this week, it feels like a purification of sorts that maybe we all could really use right about now. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, March 3-Monday, March 9, 2020

Hippo calf Amahle is on exhibit with Mom Funani on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends.
Papa Otis gets the pool Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

I've gotta be honest, I'm so glad that booking this festival is a once-in-a-while thing and not my full-time thing because it has made me more swamped than ever. It's great and I think the festival is gonna be awesome, but I'll feel a lot better when I've got everyone locked in, which will hopefully happen by the end of the week. I did get out for some fun last week, including the Flor de Toloache and Sudan Archives shows at the Casbah, we saw my niece play Alice for her 4th grade class performance of Alice in Wonderland, we had a big group pizza outing with Nova's soccer team, did the lunch buffet at Yak & Yeti for Darren's birthday and later that night we had a nice little get-together with my family. I've also continued to catch the bus to the zoo as many times I can, last week I was able to spend a good amount of time on Tuesday and Friday, and we had a low-key weekend going through our ballets, going to Nova's futsal, and running errands and whatnot. Monday is always my most tedious workday doing these listings, but at least I got a little more zoo time and even some sea lion time while Nova was at soccer. So it's gonna be a good week, Daylight Saving kicks in next weekend, and fingers crossed my final bands lock in this week. Please, please, please go vote today. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, February 25-Monday, March 2, 2020

Adulting can be so hard. It was a long, busy, and fun week, but looking back, it was almost an entirely show-free week for me. I did, however, continue working from the Zoo a few times, and I'm loving that a lot. So let's recap. Tuesday I spent most of the day working from home doing listings, Wednesday I was up bright and early and went to the Zoo. I worked a lot, then went to the District 3 candidate forum in North Park, then went home and worked some more. I've been reading a great book, so I did that to fall asleep, but the anxiety and fear of missing my Thursday meetings was so intense, I stayed up all night until my 9am, 10am, and noon meetings, finally going home and crashing out and sleeping through Illiterate Light. By Friday, I was well rested, got my newsletter out, then went back to the Zoo. Nova got dropped off to meet me after and we stayed until closing, and then Friday night I worked at The Frogs show at Soda Bar. I never know what to expect with Evan, but he was in good spirits and the show was really great and they played over 2 hours. Darren met up toward the end of the show, and we all went to the Ken with friends where Curtis brought Evan and we all hung out until the bar closed. Super fun night and nice to see everyone in such good spirits. Saturday was a lazy day at home until Nova and I decided to catch the bus for a little adventure. We ended up at Fashion Valley mall, which is sooo not my world, but it was fun wandering and we finally burned a gift card we had for Cheesecake Factory on a cheesecake to go. We bused back to North Park, met up with Darren for dinner at Street Side, and called it a night. On Sunday, Nova had a friend over until soccer, which ended up being a kids vs parents scrimmage, leaving me basically unable to walk the rest of the night. I'm mostly better now, but Monday was a work from home all day kinda day and this week is busy so I'm not sure I'll get my Zoo time in. I've got a couple shows on my radar, but my projects are keeping me busy enough that I don't know which ones I'll actually get to see. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, February 19-Monday, February 24, 2020

I had a really good week last week. I continued working from the zoo partially on weekdays and got some good time in with the baby hippo on Wednesday. Also caught some shows, including Dashboard Confessional at the Observatory, Chastity Belt on Friday, The Frights on Saturday, and Alexandra Savior on Sunday. I was actually supposed to work for Miniature Tigers on Thursday, too, but unfortunately they realized that they'd forgotten their merch the night before in Vegas. Whoopsie. Anyway, judging by the volume of email on Tuesday, I can't say I'm excited much about this week, but I'll make the best of it and try and keep up with all the things the best I can. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, February 11-Tuesday, February 18, 2020

It has been a little bit liberating not driving. We loaned Darren's van to a friend for a couple weeks so I haven't been doing school pickups, but a side result is I haven't been doing any major grocery shopping or eating out, so our house is starting to feel less like we're prepared for some catastrophic food emergency (a symptom of growing up in a household where my dad stockpiled supplies) and more normal. I kinda like it. I did get a little sick last week, however, so though I got a couple days of laptopping at the Zoo and seeing The New Pornographers, I was mostly a homebody, finished a couple books, binged a couple shows, and enjoyed my abundance of warm pajamas. I was feeling better by Friday and went to the Casbah, and Saturday did a little bike ride, but kept it super mellow. Over the weekend, the Zoo's hippo birthed her 13th calf, so I tried to catch a glimpse on Monday, but Funani was hiding her little baby away, so I'll have to try again. There are some rad shows this week, and I may or may not be shooting DC, but Nova also has a four day weekend, so that may influence how much night life I've got in me. I did listings through Tuesday so I don't have to work-panic come during the holiday. Full listings are after the jump.



Tuesday, February 11, 2020:

• Dashboard Confessional: 20 Year Celebration, Piebald @ The Observatory (SOLD OUT)
• Sinead O'Connor @ Belly Up
• Polux, King Whisker, Blazing Jane @ Casbah
• 91x Loudspeaker's Tim Pyles presents Desert Lotus, Sam Hears and Friends @ The Merrow
• Ikana, Machine Politik, Sweet Myths @ Soda Bar
• Goth Tiki Tuesday with Heather Hardcore @ Bar Pink
• San Diego Opera: Hansel and Gretel @ Civic Theatre
• Karaoke @ Space
• Sketch Party & Videodrome @ Whistle Stop
• Reggae Tuesdaze with KNG MKR, Bum Roots Project & DJ Lexy Love @ The Holding Company
• Techno Tuesdays with Nocturne & Techit Easy @ Blonde
• Blackout Bingo @ Ken Club (Free, 10pm)
• James Gossett @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Jazz Showcase @ Fast Times
• Lost Monarchs @ Winston's (9:30 pm)
• Robin Henkel @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
• Razzle Bam Boom: All That Trash @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Family Loteria with Anahuac, Analy, DJ Viejo Lowbo @ Border X Brewing
• Karaoke Night @ The Rabbit Hole
• Karaoke @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Charlie Arbelaez Presents: The Jazz & Cocktail Party @ Seven Grand
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Line Dance Lessons @ Moonshine Beach 
• Adams gone Funky-Soul Jazz Session @ Rosie O'Grady's
• Lyrical Exchange (Open Mic) @ Queen Bee's
• Don L's Piano Bar @ Martini's Above Fourth
• West County @ The Kraken 
• Open Vinyl DJ Night @ Til-Two Club
• Night Shift with DJ Ramsey @ The Office
• DJ Lexicon Devil @ Pour House
• Beer Pong @ U-31
• The Works Review @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
• Karaoke with Rockstar Entertainment @ Mr. Peabody's
• Big Time Operator @ Tio Leo's
• Semisi Open Mic @ Wildwood Crossing
• Comedy Night @ Lestat's
• Flip Night @ Henry's Pub
• Karaoke with Christine @ Navajo Live
• Open Open Mic Night with Ash Foster @ El Dorado

Wednesday, February 12, 2020:

• Dashboard Confessional: 20 Year Celebration, Piebald @ The Observatory (SOLD OUT)
• Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra @ Belly Up (seated show, SOLD OUT) 
• That 1 Guy @ Casbah
• Ward Davis, Josh Morningstar @ Soda Bar
• Funky Thigh Collectors, Tom Geck & the Afterparty @ Bar Pink
• Heavy Metal Bingo @ Bar Pink (Free, 7-9pm)
• The Band Thea, Tori ROze and the Hot Mess Skyzada @ Whistle Stop
• Night Bloomers @ The Merrow
• Sunflower Dead, 1001, Osmium @ Brick by Brick
• Wild Country Wednesday @ Moonshine Beach 
• Chickenbone Slim & The Biscuits @ The Kraken 
• San Diego Sockers vs Baltimore Blast @ Pechanga Arena
• Make yourself at home. A night of emo, pop punk, & hardcore. @ Space (free)
• Msaki and The Golden Circle @ The Loft, UCSD
• NIGHTLY, THE WLDLFE, Sawyer @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• Charlie Arbelaez @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel
• Fish and the Seaweeds Psychedelic Wednesday @ The Holding Company
• Drip Trop with Dunekat, Mr. Hek & Dash Eye  @ The Office
• Kes O'hara @ Metl
• Jazz Pocket Swing @ Tio Leo's
• Comedy with Christian Jarrett @ Wildwood Crossing
• Billy The Kid @ Park & Rec
• Border X-Perience with Karlos Paez @ Border X Brewing
• Boss Jazz with Jason Hanna & Friends @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
• Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Panama 66
• Sammy Miller and the Congregation: Leaving Egypt Tour @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Dance Klassique with Joe Pea, Ryan Bauer, Gomez @ Blonde
• Open Mic Night @ Pour House
• Club Kingston Presents: Psydecar, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
• Wednesday Trivia @ Rabbit Hole
• Music Videos @ Martini's Above Fourth
• SUBVERSION - Goth, Death Rock, Dark Wave, New Wave, and Industrial w/ DJ StephanySays @ Til-Two Club
• KSON Country DJ @ Renegade
• Wednesday Trivia @ Rabbit Hole
• Acoustic Clubhouse @ Navajo Live
• Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• DJ Mo Lyon @ U-31
• Open Mic with Jefferson Jay @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Live Music @ Henry's Pub
• The Blonde Brother’s Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Open Mic feat Will Clark @ 710 Beach Club

Thursday, February 13, 2020:

• Murder By Death 20th Anniversary, Saintseneca@ Belly Up
• Miniature Tigers, Katzù Oso, Unsound Sunday @ Soda Bar
• SiriusXM's Hip Hop Nation "No Rules" Tour with Young Dolph & Key Glock @ Music Box (Audible Treats) @ Music Box
• Part Time, Gary Wilson and the Blind Dates, Bryson Cone @ Casbah
• Pre-Valentine’s Day with Chief Sweat @ Bar Pink
• Warish, Pharlee, Kids In Heat @ Pour House  
• The Miles, Widowmade, Creepseed @ The Merrow
• Film Fan Movie Trivia@ Bar Pink (7pm)
• Jazz Night @ North Park Brewing Company
• Hawktail (IVPR) @ Del Mar Town Hall
• Culture & Cocktails @ San Diego Museum of Art 
• Hours | A Deer, A Horse | Dream Burglar @ Whistle Stop 
• Taide Pineda @ Metl
• Shake Your Bones- HouseXTechno @ Blonde
• The Rookies, Sideshow, Remain in Vain @ Til-Two Club
• Trivia Night @ Fast Times
• Una Noche Romantica Con Ramon Ayala @ House of Blues
• Nappy Roots @ The Holding Company
• Lorraine Castellanos @ Panama 66
• Living Single 90s Valentines Party @ U-31
• Stoney B Blues Band @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
• Mercedes Moore Blues Party @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• James Allen @ Mr. Peabody's
• Will's Birthday Tower-oke hosted by Uriel & Fitz @ Tower Bar (FREE)
• Comedy Night @ Tiger! Tiger!
• Karaoke with Greg @ Wildwood Crossing
• Music Videos @ Martini's Above Fourth
• Jimmy Ruelas @ Seven Grand
• Comedy Night @ Midnight Jack
• DJ Bingo @ De Oro Mine Co 
• Good Ol Boys @ The Rabbit Hole
• Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• Love is Disappointing but Chocolate is Not @ The Loft, UCSD
• Dark Alley Dogs Hang Zeros an The Howlin Roosters @ Winston's (9:30pm)
• Dig Deeper with Resident DJ Qure @ The Office
• Line Dancing Lessons @ Moonshine Flats
• Bill Caballero Latin Jam @ Border X Brewing
• Girls Night Out The Show: Get Wild Tour @ Moonshine Beach 
• Open Mic  @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• DDTG- Don't Disturb The Groove with Mr. Hek & Profile @ El Dorado
• Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof
• The Turquoise Room Soul Organization @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
• Chunk @ The Kraken 
• Thursday Night Swing @ Queen Bee's
• Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
• Gino and the Lone Gunmen @ Tio Leo's
• Les Allen & City Limits Band @ Renegade
• Art & Rec @ Park & Rec
• Casual Yak, Russell Ramo with Buss @ 710 Beach Club
• Global BPM Presents @ Henry's Pub

Friday, February 14, 2020 (Valentine's Day):

• Chastity Belt, Total Heat, Hugh F @ Casbah (SOLD OUT)
• An Evening With The California Honeydrops @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
• Chris Farren, Retirement Party, MacSeal @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues
• Sitting on Stacy, Cardboard Boxer, Strawberry Army, Los Shadows @ Soma 
• Imagery Machine, Mittens, The Havnauts, Strawberry Moons @ Soda Bar
• Walk Off the Earth @ The Magnolia
• Naughty By Nature Valentine's Party @ The Holding Company
• Azucar, La Sonora Tropicana @ The Observatory
• The Harlem Globetrotters @ Pechanga Arena
• Keepers, Sixers @ Whistle Stop
• Friday I'm In Love 80s Dance Party @ Blonde
• Dunekat presents The Love Explosion Valentine’s Day Party @ Bar Pink
• Skillet Licorice @ Panama 66
• Amor Prohibido a Tribute to Selena, ¡Caliente Bailamos! Latin Dance Party w/ DJ Unite & DJ Richie and Deseo Dancers @ Music Box
• Leonard Patton presents his 12th annual Valentine Day tribute to “Pops & Ella” @ Dizzy's 
• San Diego Opera: Hansel and Gretel @ Civic Theatre
• California Ballet Company presents The Rock & Blues Project @ Balboa Theatre
• Love Me Tonight @ Copley Symphony Hall
• Valentine's Day Singles Mingle with Josh Rosenblum Band @ Metl
• Atomic Groove Love Day @ Belly Up (Happy Hour 5pm)
• Milky Wayne presents The Halfrekan, Yazi, Dayfade, Deguzee @ Black Cat Bar
• Suicide Silence, Bad Omens, OH, Sleeper, Thousand Below, Bloodline @ Brick By Brick
• I Love You Fest II @ Che Cafe
• Farm Truck @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Knights of Monte Carlo (Hard Core Soft Rock), DJ Green T @ Winston's
• Lauren Davidson @ Moonshine Beach 
• Seth Cook @ Moonshine Flats 
• Calamity @ De Oro Mine Co
• Kimmi Bitter- My Bitter Sweet Valentine @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Liz Grace @ The Rabbit Hole (6-9pm)
• Modern Day Moonshine @ The Rabbit Hole (10pm)
• Tome, Spider, C.O.D., Vile Life @ Tower Bar 
• Led Zeppelin 2 plays III: A 50th Anniversary Celebration @ House of Blues
• REO Speedwagon, Sir, Please @ Harrah's Resort Southern California
• Adore (shoegaze, brit pop, and more) @ Space
• John January and Linda Berry Band @ Fast Times
• Rock En Espanol with Zenith @ Border X Brewing
• Justin Froese @ Park & Rec
• Psydecar @ Pour House (9pm)
• Joe Wood and the Lonely Ones @ Pour House (5pm)  
• Bouquet: Kiss Me Down There @ The Merrow
• Gilbert Castellanos @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel 
• Skrew Valentne's Day with Synrgy, Nothing Special @ 710 Beach Club
• Soulfire @ Martini's Above Fourth
• Totally 80s Band @ Wildwood Crossing
• Love Factory with Ayla Simone & Adam Salter @ The Office 
• Manouche Five @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
• Surfer Joe, Zamman, The Scimitars @ Til-Two Club
• DJ Freeman @ U-31
• The Siers Brothers @ Tio Leo's
• Patrick Howard Trampus Band @ Renegade
• Phil Vassar @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (6:30pm & 8:30pm)
• Chosen Arrow, Ophelia Vibe @ Navajo Live 
• Rumors - An 80s New Wave Dance Night @ Manhattan Bar
• "From Gypsy to Belly Dancing to Flamenco: The Journey” @ Cafe Sevilla 
• Rock the Yacht Party Cruise @ Hornblower Yacht
• OB Comedy @ Winston's  (6-9pm)
• Blackcherry Lightnin' @ The Kraken 
• Forward Motion, DJ LeoRosa @ Lobby Bar, Viejas Casino
• Yung Pinch @ Bassmnt 
• Gasolina! @ El Dorado
• Chaos in the CBD with Never Dull @ Bang Bang
• Yung Pinch @ Bassmnt 
• Craig Smoove @ FLUXX
• DJs & Dancing @ Henry's Pub
• FNGS CRSSD presents CLASSIXX- Fred Falke X Zen Freeman @ Spin 
• AUF Presents: So Cute It's Disgusting @ Kava Lounge
• Club Musae @ Boar Cross'n

Saturday, February 15, 2020:

• The Frights @ Spreckels Organ Pavilion (Free, All Ages, 7pm)
• The No. 44, Fun Blast Fun Boy, Drug Hunt @ Casbah 
• Coda Reactor, Braggers, 9V Murder @ Metl
• An Evening With The California Honeydrops @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
• Jason Mraz Foundation presents “SHINE,” A Musical Performed By Mraz & SD Arts Groups Banding Together, Malashock Dance, and transcenDANCE @ Spreckels Theatre
• Art Laboe Valentines Super Love Jam feat. Midnight Star, Ready for the World (feat. Melvin Riley), Tierra, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Heatwave, Peaches and Herb, Blue Magic, Ray Goodman and Brown aka The Moments, The Floaters @ Pechanga Arena
• Metalachi, Geezer @ Music Box
• Three Bad Jacks - 25 Year Anniversary, The Sleepwalkers @ Soda Bar
• Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Indie Dance Party @ The Observatory North Park
• Tribute to Reggae Legends with Mykal Rose, Yellowman, K'reema, Spiritual, Sol Remedy, Don Camilo, The Originators, DJ Mykol Orthodox @ WorldBeat Center
• Neon Beat with DJs Vaughn Avakian, Junior the Discopunk, Heather Hardcore @ Bar Pink
• Quel Bordel! @ The Holding Company
• Berkley Hart @ Ramona Mainstage 
• Ray Bonneville @ The Chapel at AMSD (Sweetwater Community Church - 5305 Sweetwater Road - Bonita)
• Celebrating Bertram Turetzky's 87th birthday @ Dizzy's
• Slab City, San Pedro El Cortez, Los Pinche Pinches @ Ken Club
• Mannequin (record release), Aurat, Dock Hellis @ Space
• KSON Acoustic Valentine with Rodney Atkins, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd @ Oak Ballroom, Viejas Casino  
• Steve Hackman’s Beethoven V. Coldplay @  Copley Symphony Hall
• Agent 22, Jim Earp @ Lestat's
• Blonde 54 @ Blonde
• The Ripening, The Liquorsmiths @ Panama 66
• The Show's 10th Anniversary - A Celebration Of P1's @ The Magnolia
• Cumbia Night with DJ Viejo Lowbo @ Border X Brewing
• Kayla Ray @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
• The Hellflowers, The Carvels @ Pour House (10pm)
• California Rangers @ Pour House (5pm) 
• Dear Amy - An Unforgettable Amy Winehouse Tribute Show @ Sycuan Casino 
• California Ballet Company presents The Rock & Blues Project @ Balboa Theatre (2pm & 8pm)
• Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind @ Mr. Peabody's
• Ticitozaa: Folklorico Dance Festival @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Digital Lizards of Doom @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• The Pinch Flats @ Fast Times
• The Professors, Roger! @ Black Cat Bar
• Alvino and the Dwells @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado (5-8pm)
• The Sea Monks @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado (1-4pm)
• Country Brunch Live with Farm Truck @ House of Blues
• Girls Gotta Eat @ House of Blues (7pm & 9:30pm)
• Frenchie Davis in "Love Songs with Miss Frenchie Davis" @ Martini's Above Fourth
• Stonecutters SD present Simpsons Trivia @ Tower Bar (4-7pm)
• Temblad, Fermentor, Genestealer, Vertigoat @ Tower Bar (FREE)
• Jack McCain, Strayaways @ De Oro Mine Co
• Seth Cook @ Moonshine Beach 
• Lauren Davidson @ Moonshine Flats 
• Seaside Rambklers, The Ride @ The Kraken 
• The Shenanigans @ Winston's (2pm)
• Ristband @ Winston's (5pm)
• Band of Gringos, Sweet Tooth, DJ Green T @ Winston's (9pm)
• The Sleeping Sea King, Methodrone, Psylow, Into the Fuzz @ Til-Two Club
• Ross the Boss, Symbolic, Manic, Aether X @ Brick By Brick
• The Routine @ The Rabbit Hole
• Rebel Star (Bowie Tribute) @ Wildwood Crossing
• Dr. Sketchy's (Anti) Art School San Diego @ The Merrow (3pm)
• Steph Johnson @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel
• Strictly Business w/DJs Edroc & Heminguey @ The Office
• Rosa's Cantina @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
• Aerosmÿthe (Aerosmith tribute), Township Rebellion (Rage Against The Machine tribute) @ 710 Beach Club
• Redneck Rodeo @ Renegade
• "Art of Flamenco" Dinner Show @ Cafe Sevilla
• DJ Senema @ U-31
• Santanaways @ Tio Leo's
• Cure Tribute Japanese Baby w DJ Upright Citizen @ Manhattan Bar
• Cuffin' All Thangs R&B Party @ Park & Rec
• Wild Nights @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (9pm)
• The Fabulous Ultratones @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5pm)
• The Verge, DJ Miss Dust @ Lobby Bar, Viejas Casino
• BK Lounge with Dub B & Billie Knight @ El Dorado
• Overdrive with Oscar Velazquez + Techniche @ Spin
• Serious Guise @ Navajo Live 
• DJ Wellman @ FLUXX
• VNSSA @ Bassmnt
• Digital Cocoon 2020 Prom: Under The Sea @ Kava Lounge
• DJs & Dancing @ Henry's Pub

Sunday, February 16, 2020:

• Alexandra Savior, Pearl Charles @ Soda Bar (SOLD OUT)
• Gypsy Sally, Something Contagious, BlackCherry Lightin' @ Casbah
• ALO, Ben Morrison (of The Brothers Comatose) @ Belly Up 
• Rock For The Environment feat. The Spin Doctors, Mike Kenneally & Back To The Garden, Tim Flannery with Jeff Berkley @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Jason Mraz Foundation presents “SHINE,” A Musical Performed By Mraz & SD Arts Groups Banding Together, Malashock Dance, and transcenDANCE @ Spreckels Theatre
• Tribute to Reggae Legends with Akae Beka Band, Army, Reemah, Spiritual, Junyah P, Ninjah P, Boostive, Incient Rootsman Nyabinghi @ WorldBeat Center
• Uptown Rhythm Makers @ Panama 66
• LED Anniversary IX with  Boombox Cartel B2B Deorro, Joyride, San Holo, Trivecta, Xie & Yetep @ Pechanga Arena
• Industry Valentine’s Event with Eric Bellinger @ FLUXX
• Air Supply @ Harrah's Resort Southern California
• Tantrums & Tiaras : Battle of the Bar Queens @ The Observatory North Park
• Made You Look’ Happy Hour hip hop & soul on wax. @ Space (FREE)
• Tracy Soto, Squarecrow, Le Saboteur, Cigarette Machine @ Tower Bar 
• Robin Henkel Band with Horns @ Lestat's
• Noah Reid @ Voodoo Room, House of Blues (SOLD OUT)
• Bollywood Night Heist, DJ G2, DJ HARSHAL, DJ DaNda @ Music Box 
• Jose Maria Napoleon @ The Magnolia
• Rat Sabbath with DJ Ratty @ Bar Pink
• San Diego Opera: Hansel and Gretel @ Civic Theatre (2pm)
• Mercy House @ Fast Times
• Country Brunch Live with Sickstring Outlaws @ House of Blues
• Intimate Classics: Eunice Kim @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• Keep It On The DL @ Martini's Above Fourth
• Salsa & Bachata Sundays @ Moonshine Beach 
• The Aces, Michele Lundeen, Doni Emley, Jimmy Woodard @ Winston's (2pm)
• Karaoke @ The Merrow
• Jazz Jam @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Grateful Sunday at The Holding Company with Easy Wind @ The Holding Company (4pm)
• Drivin The Bus @ The Holding Company (8:30pm)
• Duck Norris w DJ Icy Ice: Lone Wolf Maquack @ The Holding Company (11pm)
• Spectrum - Diverse Dance Party @ Blonde
• Jazz Jam with Anthony Ortega @ Mr. Peabody's
• Kimmi Bitter @ Pour House (9pm)
• That's Right @ Pour House (4pm)  
• Skillet Licorice @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
• Heliotrope Ragtime Orchestra, The Carling Family, Billy Lee with Juk Jones @ Tio Leo's
• Pants Karaoke @ Til-Two Club
• DJ Maniloca @ Border X Brewing
• Film Screening: The Ballad of Don Lewis @ The Museum of Making Music 
• Salsa Sundays @ Queen Bee's (All Ages)
• VAA: Isaac Soto | Austin Speed | ZZZ + RRR | AMZEL | AMNL PRNT @ Kava Lounge
• Reggae Sunday @ U-31
• Uptown Top Ranking with Tribe of Kings @ The Office
• Brandon Paul, Radio 80s @ The Kraken 
• Singer Songwriter Night @ Navajo Live 
• China Crisis @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (6:30pm)
• Lookas @ Bassmnt 
• Jose Sinatra's OB-o-ke @ Winston's
• Trivia & Karaoke @ Henry's
• Yetep @ Bang Bang 
• LED presents Joyryde @ Spin
• Sunday Groove with The Professor @ El Dorado

Monday, February 17, 2020 (President's Day):

• Moxi and Loon, Snakes And Crows, Overself @ Casbah 
• Devon Baldwin, Olivia Grace, WENS @ Soda Bar
• David Bowie Live Tribute - Blue Monday -Dark '80s Night @ Blonde
• Board Games with Lorenzo @ Bar Pink
• 80's Nite with DJ Junior & Guests @ The Merrow
• Motown On Mondays @ The Office
• Electric Hot Tuna @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's
• Ingested, Visceral Disgorge, The Last Ten Seconds Of Life, Cabal, Splattered @ Brick by Brick
• Keni Yarbro @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Julio De La Huerta @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel
• Vicente Fernandez "El Rey" Birthday Tribute @ Border X Brewing
• Blues Jam and Workshop @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Rock, Shimmy, and Shake Burlesque @ Til-Two Club
• Open Mic with Jay Cain @ Mr. Peabody's
• Andy & Nathan @ Martini's Above Fourth
• Karaoke @ The Holding Company
• Strictly Acoustic @ Navajo Live
• Electric Relaxation- 90s Hip-hop/Chill Beats @ Whistle Stop
• Line Dancing Lessons @ Moonshine Beach 
• Mic'd Up at Moonshine  @ Moonshine Flats 
• Trivia @ Bancroft Bar
• Rosie's Jazz Jam w Louis V @ Rosie O'Grady's
• Open Mic @ Lestat's
• Game Night @ Henry's Pub
• 31 Flavors @ U-31

Tuesday, February 18, 2020:

• An Evening With Sarah Mclachlan @ Civic Theatre
• Eric Hutchinson, Casey @ Belly Up
• Broadway SD presents The Simon and Garfunkel Story @ Balboa Theatre
• The Spiritual Motels, The Banduvloons, Touchtone @ Casbah
• Year of the Cobra, Space Wax, Call of the Wild @ Soda Bar
• 91x Loudspeaker's Tim Pyles presents Splendid Noises, Jungle Poppins, Donna Larsen & The Messengers @ The Merrow
• Fenix Flexin (Of Shoreline Mafia), Bravo Da Bagchaser, TEAM 7, VaShon, D'vir Mona @ Music Box
• Aaron Goldberg Trio @ The Athenaeum
• Tiki Tuesday @ Bar Pink
• Kayla Ray @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
• Karaoke @ Space
• San Diego Symphony presents: Brahms, Gypsies, and Hungarians @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad
• Sketch Party & Videodrome @ Whistle Stop
• The Tourmaliners @ Tio Leo's
• Reggae Tuesdaze with Cityside, Cruz, and Emmanuel (Organika Music) @ The Holding Company
• Techno Tuesdays with Nocturne & Techit Easy @ Blonde
• Blackout Bingo @ Ken Club (Free, 10pm)
• James Gossett @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
• Jazz Music Showcase @ Fast Times
• Sweet N' Juicy @ Winston's (9:30 pm)
• Family Loteria with Anahuac, Analy, DJ Viejo Lowbo @ Border X Brewing
• In Search of Solace, Call It Home, Blackcast @ Brick by Brick
• Warrior Poets @ The Kraken 
• MDC, Inciting Riots, Missing Limbs, Philistine @ Til-Two Club
• Karaoke Night @ The Rabbit Hole
• Karaoke @ Aztec Brewing Company, Vista
• Charlie Arbelaez Presents: The Jazz & Cocktail Party @ Seven Grand
• Disney Karaoke @ Bancroft Bar
• Line Dance Lessons @ Moonshine Beach 
• Adams gone Funky-Soul Jazz Session @ Rosie O'Grady's
• Lyrical Exchange (Open Mic) @ Queen Bee's
• Leigh Scarritt Productions Presents "Stars of the Future" @ Martini's Above Fourth
• Night Shift with DJ Ramsey @ The Office
• DJ Lexicon Devil @ Pour House
• Beer Pong @ U-31
• The Works Review @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
• Karaoke with Rockstar Entertainment @ Mr. Peabody's
• Semisi Open Mic @ Wildwood Crossing
• Comedy Night @ Lestat's
• Flip Night @ Henry's Pub
• Karaoke with Christine @ Navajo Live
• Open Open Mic Night with Ash Foster @ El Dorado

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, February 4-Monday, February 10, 2019

What a week. It was busy with work for the first couple days, then I was able to sneak out for some shows. On Thursday, Darren and I went to see Shady Bug at Soda Bar and I hung out with some friends at the Ken afterward. On Friday, Jeff and I drove to Pappy & Harriet's for a solo Courtney Barnett show with Hachiku opening. The show itself was amazing, but the drive was definitely rough. While we were there, I got some texts which meant I ended up agreeing to work at Music Box on Saturday for both Ozomatli shows. There were about 4 hours between, but then Darren called and said his car wouldn't start, so I bussed home, we drove to Spring Valley and basically had to push the car from a parking lot to the adjacent residential street. Then I was back at the Box in time to work, and caught the late bus home at 1:20. Sunday we watched the game and cooked at home and then Monday, being down to one vehicle, I caught the bus to the Zoo to do these listings. Then I got the magic news that Darren was able to get one "ghost start" out of the car, drove it home, and had Taxi Rob change the starter, cutting about $300 from what we expected to pay for towing and the mechanic. In return, TR will have my van all week, so me and the bus are gonna be besties this week. Anyway, listings are all after the jump. Hope you all have a great week!

WTAF?

There are no words. Except I'm pretty football ignorant and know that the Chiefs are from Kansas City, Missouri. Not Kansas. This person is an imbecile of infinite proportions. I had to screenshot because I'm sure it will be deleted and he'll say it never happened. Everyday I have to search for ways to find joy because I would, like many, suffer such utter despair if I truly let it set in the level of hell we're in.

February is Museum Month in San Diego! Get 50% Off at All Participating Locations!

February is Museum Month in San Diego which mean you can head to participating San Diego Libraries to pick up a free pass that will get you half off entry to a ton of San Diego's museums. To see the full list of pass pickup locations and participating destinations, go to the official site here.

Here's the spiel from the San Diego Museum Council:

This February, San Diego Museum Council is teaming up with San Diego area libraries, Hilton and Macy’s to make San Diego Museum Month 2020 bigger and better than ever. 

With more than 40 museums and cultural attractions offering half-off admission throughout the month, there’s something for everyone including visual art and design, children, science and nature, aquariums and zoos, historical sites, military, transportation, culture and heritage. And with these special savings that are only offered once a year, it’s a great time to visit both old favorites and new attractions you may not have heard of.  

#SDMuseumMonth passes are now available at more than 70 libraries county-wide, participating Macy’s stores or when you book a stay at a local Hilton.
Check out the full list of participating museums and pick-up locations here. 

*Up to four guests (any age) can receive 50% off the cost of regular admission when the San Diego Museum Month is presented. Note that some museums may limit the number of visits per pass.

Reading & Watching: January 2020

Mermaid or pinniped?

Things have been super crazy busy around my household lately. Nova's soccer is back, or at least tryouts, so I got to go to La Jolla Cove this week on one evening and then got to catch up with my old pal and boss on another. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with keeping up with work because I guess I got used to the slow December. It hasn't really left me with much time to read, but lots of time to watch a lot while I work through the wee hours of the morning. I did read Maria Semple's other book, Today Will Be Different, and while I power through her writing, the resolution just did not in any way resonate with me. So I've been on the hunt for a good book. I had the audio book of The Nickel Boys, which I was really enjoying, but I just didn't get to listen to it fast enough before it was due. I like to keep a book to read and an audiobook checked out simultaneously, but sometimes it doesn't happen that way. So while I haven't read a new book in awhile, I've been kind of obsessed with the GRAMMY controversy (no, I didn't watch the broadcast) and the clapback on American Dirt. (lots of links and more after the jump.)

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, January 28-Monday, February 3, 2020

It was another pretty great week around here. On Wednesday I got to shoot Michael Kiwanuka at the Observatory then hung out with Julie at the Office after. Thursday night was SoundDiego Live at the Casbah which was a blast, then I hung out with Dev at the Ken Club. Friday I was a super idiot and went to Saint Motel, only to realize the show was on Saturday and I'd had my listings wrong all week. Sorry for that. But I decided to chill at home instead of braving Cursive so I could be ready for Saturday with Saint Motel and KOLARS at the Observatory followed by Dirty Sweet at the Casbah. Nova and I also have been watching and loving AJ & The Queen on Netflix after finishing The Healing Powers of Dude. I've actually been enjoying a ton of new streaming stuff but I'll save that for my other posts. This week I have no real show plans besides Courtney Barnett at Pappy & Harriet's on Friday, but Nova's in soccer tryouts (which means I actually get to visit my sea lions) and I've got a festival to book, so I better get on that. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

RIP Alberto Jurado

When I heard the news on Monday that Alberto Jurado had passed, like many in our music community, I was shocked and deeply heartbroken. So many people have pored over memories and photos and videos and I have my own memories of hanging with all the Ken Club creeps and hosting tons of after parties and there is no doubt that Alberto Jurado was a legend. His smile never faded, his enthusiasm never dimmed, and nobody will ever compare. If you can't make the fundraiser at Small Bar on Sunday, consider a direct donation to the family, via his sister-in-law: venmo: https://venmo.com/Amanda-Jurado-6

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, January 22-Monday, January 27, 2020

I feel like I haven't quite gotten into the groove of 2020 yet. My work at the Casbah and SoundDiego are amped up a little now, so I haven't quite figured out how to do all the things I need to do on the daily without wanting to go to bed at 10 like a normal person instead of the all-nighters I've been accustomed to. I'll figure it out sooner or later...but in the meantime, I'm definitely not quite catching the volume of shows I'm used to. Still, it was a mostly balanced week. Tuesday I confirmed that I'm officially booking the SDCCU Festival of Arts in North Park on May 8th and 9th which will involve somewhere approaching 25 bands, so if I'm not in contact, please reach out. On Wednesday I went to the Zoo in the morning, took the kid to futsal in the evening, then caught Run River North and New Dialogue at the Casbah and closed the night at The Office for Emo Night. I didn't do much outside of work on Thursday or Friday because Saturday was a futsal game by day and Nada Surf by night. Of course, my mind is always blown with Nada Surf. On Sunday, Darren's mom and nephew arrived from the Bay Area, so the last few days have been all tourist stops. The first spot we took them was El Panson for tacos then to the Zoo for a couple hours. On Monday, we hit the Safari Park all day and as much as I wanted to go to the Casbah, my "nap" went a little too long and I did most of these listings so I could participate with the family on Tuesday, when we took them to The Balboa, walked around Balboa Park hitting the Botanical building and the San Diego History Center, and then more Zoo time while Darren and his mom got Nova from school and then finished with takeout from the new Popeye's to round out the trip. They're leaving today, so it's a little bittersweet. We definitely don't see them enough, but it's also a lot, if you know what I mean. This week I'm hoping to catch Michael Kiwanuka, our SoundDiego live party at the Casbah on Thursday, Saint Motel and Kolars at Observatory then Casbah for Cursive on Friday, and Dirty Sweet on Saturday. I can never pull off 4 nights in a row these days, so I'm sure one or two of those won't actually happen. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

16th Annual San Diego Restaurant Week: Sunday, January 19th, 2020 through Sunday, January 26th, 2020

Next week is San Diego Restaurant Week and it's a great time to try those restaurants that have been on your list but you just haven't gotten around to. Of course there's a very enthusiastic press release, so I'll post that after the jump. I'm gonna be honest here and say that I honestly can't remember the last time I participated because of our resident picky eater, but she's grown a lot and we can pretty much eat anywhere now and know she'll find something on the menu to satisfy her tastes. But we're also a family on a budget, so most of our favorite spots wouldn't ever be on such a list. (At the moment, when we do eat out, it's some rotation between 777 Noodle House, The Balboa, Fairouz, Yak n Yeti, Volare, or even Black Angus because she keeps winning these free kids meal things for all of her reading, but mostly we try to cook at home.) Regardless, this info is probably valuable to you out there, dear reader, so catch the press release and full list of participating restaurants after the jump, or just check out the official San Diego Restaurant Week site here.

Honey jalapeno wings from 777 Noodle House...NOT a participating SDRW restaurant

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, January 14-Tuesday, January 21, 2020

I don't really like to make a big deal about the end of a year or the beginning of a new one, it all seems rather arbitrary. But thus far 2020 has been pretty good. I don't make resolutions, but I guess I've been trying to do three things daily. Like last Wednesday, I hit the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove and Children's Pool while Nova was at soccer, and Bowie night at the Casbah. Other days it's less ambitious, like Monday when it was sleep in, finish these listings, and get to bed before sunrise. But mostly it's been more successful. On Saturday, for example, we did San Diego River Estuary Cleanup on our canoe, went to Fiesta Island Off Leash Dog Park at sunset, and then went to the comedy and Mrs. Henry show at the Casbah. On Sunday, Nova and I caught the bus to the Zoo before closing, then walked through Balboa Park (since we were walking to get the van I'd left the night before near the Casbah) and instead met Darren for dinner before retrieving the van. This week I'm gonna play it by ear, but you'll for sure see me on Saturday at Nada Surf. It's also MLK Jr day on Monday, so I did listings through Tuesday just in case. Full listings after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, January 7-Monday, January 13, 2020

Oh man. New year, new listings. Let's see, since I last posted, New Year's came and went. Nova was gone all week, I started feeling a little sick, so I devoured tons of liquids and slept a ton and was feeling better by New Year's Eve. Though I had this big plan to catch the free bus to the Zoo and walk to the Casbah from there, I had some work stuff I had to finish up and Darren was working anyway so he dropped me off for the big NYE show which was a blast. He was able to pop in around midnight, then got me home safely, worked a little more, then when he came home we had some drinks and played music and had our own little celebration. Luckily New Year's Day was chill and I decided it was time to update my Annual Events listings, caught up on work, and by Friday it was time to get Nova from the airport and kick back into mommish mode. I really wanted to catch Swedish Models but couldn't pull the trigger, but on Saturday I finally followed through with my big plan to ride the bus to the Zoo, this time with Nova in tow, until Darren picked her up for a sleepover at my mom's, and I wandered around the Zoo, through Balboa Park, and eventually down to the Casbah for Petty 2 night. Sunday was chill thinking Nova was back to school on Monday, but turned out she actually starts back today, so while I would've loved a last trip to Wild Holidays at Safari Park or something, she was happy to settle back in at home. Everyone seems to be back at work and whatnot, so back to the email grind for me, though I do hope to catch the Bowie party at the Casbah on Wednesday and maybe Joyce Manor or King Khan on Friday. My NBC SoundDiego interview with The Cavemen will air on Saturday night at the new time for the show, 1:30am, and the rest of the week I'm just gonna play by ear. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

While I Was Sleeping: Coachella 2020 Lineup Announced

The Coachella lineup for 2020 has been announced. I don't really know how ticketing works anymore but it looks like you can register for weekend 2 passes. Weekend 1 is "sold out". If you're thinking about it, I would just wait to get tickets as weekend two passes seem to have been dumped the past couple years. Either way, Coachella takes place the weekend of April 10-12 and April 17-19, 2020. General passes start at $429. 

SDMTS Offers FREE RIDES On New Year's Eve + Extended Trolley and Rapid Service Hours

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System-- SDMTS-- in an effort to promote safety and prevent DUI offenses and arrests, has announced FREE transit on New Year's Eve (after 6pm) and extended trolley and certain bus routes. We've long urged SDMTS to provide transit after bar closing hours, so here's our chance to show them that if they provide it, we will use it.

MTS will also run extra late-night service on all three Trolley lines (after 2am), plus extra service for Rapid 215 and 235, and Route 30. We also partnered with @lyft to give riders discounts on first and last mile connections from transit centers. https://t.co/516EfPpSbH pic.twitter.com/uNet6AHNMk

— San Diego MTS (@sdmts) December 30, 2019

For more information and schedules, check out the SDMTS site here.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 30, 2019-Monday, January 6, 2020

I decided to update the listings because a few more venues came through with events, the Casbah sold out, and a couple other things came up. We spent Friday at Safari Park and on Saturday I took a field photography class in Coronado which was interesting, but I really didn't get any pictures that I found interesting at all, just a bunch of Christmas trees at the Del. Saturday night I did merch for The Crystal Method at Music Box, and Sunday we had a dinner at one of our favorite spots, 777 Noodle House, and I interviewed The Cavemen at Soda Bar. Nova left to St. Louis today but it's going to be a short trip and she's only gone until Friday. I hope everyone has a safe and joyous New Year's Eve and start to 2020. Listings through Monday are after the jump.

Set Your Sights on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

It is such an exciting time to be a member of the San Diego Zoo, which includes admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Valley Center. While membership fees have been steadily increasing over the years (while losing perks on general membership like the free guest passes that came with every adult membership), it's still a worthy and worthwhile purchase for San Diego County residents (Zip Codes 91900–92899.) I'm shocked by how many locals gave up on the old "Wild Animal Park" years ago, so if you haven't been in awhile, it's time to reconsider. You want to make sure to have at least one family member at the Keeper's Level so your Safari Park parking is always free (as opposed to $15 per visit) and at that level, you get the choice of two adults in the same household or one adult + one guest every time you go to either park. The African Tram, Cheetah Run, and the Australian Walkabout are all included in admission.

More info and lots of photos after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, December 27-Sunday, December 29, 2019

It's mostly been a relaxing week but I should've done these listings earlier so I didn't keep my SoundDiego team waiting. But Exile on Kettner happened at the Casbah on Tuesday, Christmas was busy with family and we zonked out super early, and then Thursday I hung out with my cousin, sister, and nieces in PB at my cousin's hotel before diving into these listings. And I kinda have to say it was a little bit of a waste of time. I did them all the way through January 6th, but being the last week of the last month of the year and the first week of the new year, venue calendars just haven't been updated. So I'll have to go back and check for updates from Bar Pink, Whistle Stop, The Office, El Dorado, and several others next week. But for at least now, I've got a lot of the important NYE stuff up and I'll revisit when I get the chance. My dream of postings photos from about three dozen shows still hasn't happened, but maybe my time will free up while Nova's in St. Louis. Until then, listings through January 6 are all after the jump. Happy New Year from my little family to yours.

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, December 23-Thursday, December 26, 2019

I told you last week that I would update the listings so you didn't have to scroll forever, so here's that. It's been a nice holiday stretch so far...I got to go to Silversun Pickups at the Observatory thanks to the generosity of Jeff giving me his ticket. On Thursday I went to the Casbah for Ziggy Shuffledust, then back to the Casbah for Mainsail and State to State on Saturday, and on Sunday we had our Casbah Christmas banquet at the Bali Hai and today I ran around town like everyone else in San Diego trying to finish up last minute shopping. I'd love to say that I'll get some updates this week, but if I'm being honest not if I can help it.
I hope everyone has a great holiday and you'll hear from me when you hear from me. xoxo

A Historic Day

Today was historic.
But nobody wins.
I attempted to watch the vote today and had the overwhelming sense that I don't live in the same country, let alone planet, as I heard some of the representatives speak.
It's a historic day, for sure.
But it is also a day of mourning, putting in stark focus just how fucked we are.

Some comic relief from The Daily Show (but also exceptionally depressing)

Things To Do In San Diego: Tuesday, December 17-Sunday, December 22, 2019

I wish I could say I took advantage of some of the great shows in San Diego last week, but we cut out of Pete Yorn early on Tuesday and I had this (literal) pain in my neck that left me feeling nauseous. It's still bugging me, but not quite as bad, so I've tried to get back into the real world. On Friday, Nova had her winter band recital and then we took her, a friend, and my nieces to the ALT949 Family Night at Sea World. You know, I really have conflicted feeling about the place which maybe I'll get into on another post, but it was a fun night and my sister and uncle joined in the fun, so it was a nice night and the lights everywhere in the park are pretty magical. On Saturday, Nova and I went on an adventure while Darren worked, catching the bus to La Mesa for Holiday in the Village, then getting on the trolley for a stop to eat at Carnitas Uruapan where Darren met us and drove us to the Zoo for Jungle Bells, after which we took the bus home. On Sunday we took our dog to Fiesta Island for the sunset and then attempted to catch the Holiday Boat Parade in the Big Bay but we didn't plan ahead enough and just couldn't find a place in time. I guess I shouldn't be surprised the poor kid caught some sickness and missed school on Monday. This week has some sweet offerings but now with the sick kid, who knows how the week plays out. I did listings through December 26th this week, and I'll go in and update so it's not such a pain in the ass to scroll later in the week. In the meantime, sleep well, drink lots of fluids, wash your hands, and do whatever it takes to avoid that icky winter bug.

Friday: Catch TALK TALK SHOW with musical guest Heavy Hawaii at The Loft UCSD

TALK TALK SHOW is a live improvised all green variety show featuring bizarre guests and musical acts. The show celebrates absurdity through bizarre segments. Starring Matt Hoyt as Tim Talkerson and Casey Butler as Chet Giggery. With art direction and design by artist Jason Sherry. This episode‘s special musical guest is Heavy Hawaii.

Fri Dec 13th at the Loft at UCSD. Doors 7:30 Show 8pm. $10. UCSD students get in free.