Newsy Things: SD Mag Guide To Pride | TFG Indicted | Inflation Cools | California Is "Most Fun State" | More Avian Flu In Mammals | The Year In Hate |

Fruit Bats at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Taken 6.13.23)

It's been a minute since I've shared a newsy post. I have a lot of started-but-not-published posts at the moment, in fact, but what happened was that I went to work with Darren on Tuesday and by the time we got home, I was so wiped out that I passed out for nearly seven hours, which I guess stops being a nap somewhere beyond two hours and just becomes, well, sleep. But then I woke up at 1:30 and realized that I should probably get out of bed and catch up on work and email and start listings because when else will I find the quiet time? Nova finishes 10th grade on Wednesday and since I turned my Samsung Health back on my phone, I've been trying to make myself hit the goals more often, which takes a lot of intention when you mostly work from home and can sometimes get by entire days without leaving the house, as I did over the weekend. So I'll focus when I can and write when I can and walk when I can. My brother and the kids came back to town, so we did a big family dinner at Miguel's again on Monday, and besides that have nothing super excited to share. I'm just doing my zoo thing and sleep thing and work has been a little crazy but I'm doing my best to keep on top of that, too. 

Obviously there's been a lot of news lately and I'm waiting for someone smarter and more well informed than I to draw the connections between OPEC continually screwing us with the PGA and LIV golf merger, with TFG mishandling classified documents, and the billions that the SIL got from that disgusting criminal kingdom, but until I find something worth sharing, I'll just stew about how gross it all is. 

San Diego, for it's part, City and County, have been working on annual budgets and homelessness and why they keep allowing new housing units that then rent for $3000 a unit without forcing the return of SRO's, the actual control of STROs, and building *ACTUAL* affordable housing makes me just kinda bury my head and ignore it all. It's too much and like everyone, I'm so sick of it all. Plus we've got a special election coming up after Fletch couldn't keep it in his pants and it's all just very frustrating. So yeah, I'll just keep zoning out as I spend my days with the animals. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, June 8-Wednesday, June 14, 2023: San Diego Freak Out | Vincent Neil Emerson | Garbage | Fortune Feimster | Elf Power | Ours | Janet Jackson | Diana Ross | Shawn Colvin | Night Swims |

Okay, I finished. I went to the Zoo and was trying to walk as much as possible because once I stop I'm so exhausted, I have hope that I'll actually sleep when I get home instead of stirring all night long. But I promised that I would finish this week's listings, so here ya go. I don't have anything exciting going on at the moment which is just fine by me. Have a great weekend and I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do in San DIego: Thursday, June 8: Tanner Usrey | Cherubs | EELS | Saint Luna |

On Wednesday, I was minding my business, doing the big lap of the San Diego Zoo, when I got called to work at the Casbah. Fortunately I was dressed appropriately and not in my zoo-mama uniform of leggings, but since I went straight to the Casbah and I hadn't been there all day, I didn't have my laptop so I didn't get to do listings, and then I didn't get home until almost midnight and I was pretty beat, so still put them off. Now I've started them, but am running out of time for my afternoon zoo walk, so I decided to just post Thursday and then I'll finish the rest of the week later tonight. It's a whole thing...if I don't go get some sunshine, I'll be depressed and anxious, and if I'm depressed and anxious I just will go into a spiral of doing nothing, including the rest of these listings. So here's tonight. I'll do the rest later. 

Stay safe out there. 

| COVID Misinfo Continues | SPLC Impact Report | Paxlovid Gets Full FDA Approval | Bastards of Blackstone | Greedflation | Debt Limit Agreement |

 

Amur Leopard Cubs have names!! Ulybka (L) and Zorinka (R). Taken 6.1.23

The female cub with the darker fur and smiley face marking on her forehead is Ulybka, pronounced (Oooh - lyb - kah), which means “smile” in Russian. The other female cub with the lighter fur and blurred markings is Zorinka which means “little star” in Russian. - @sandiegozoo (I hate the fence in the background of this photo, but it was the clearest shot I've had of their two faces together in awhile)

I have too many drafts started at the moment, but I kinda feel this impulse to write and then get too lost in the weeds so I just kinda stop. So for now I'll just say that I'm glad to be home and all my relatives have all gone home, too, and I can get back to some semblance of normal, albeit without my dad. We returned from New Mexico on Monday morning but my sleep is still all messed up and I gave myself road trip trauma, I guess, because all my dreams lately are me endlessly driving in the night. I couldn't be happier that San Diego Zoo hours are in effect and the park is open until 9pm, though I actually felt bad leaving today because it was so empty and they were still a half hour away from doing the Jambo Dunia performance. It definitely won't be like that as we get into summer, so I didn't mind having the Amur leopard cubs mostly to myself for the greater part of an hour. 

Anyhow, per usual, I clip newsy things and haven't posted in awhile, so these are the things that caught my attention (besides, of course, the first two parts of the Vanderpump Rules Reunion and the many YouTubers who talk about it.) 

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, June 1-Wednesday, June 7, 2023: Cub Sport | GBH | ReSET: BoyGenius + Clairo; LCD Soundsystem + Idles; Steve Lacy + James Blake | Rock N Roll Marathon | Night Moves | lovelytheband |

I haven't quite recovered from my trip and the physical and emotional exhaustion of the last several weeks, so I'm staying under the radar for a bit. There is a lot going on this weekend, including the Re:SET Series which I think will be the first time I'll be missing a show that Phoebe, Lucy, or Julian have played either together or alone, ever. So that's a bummer. But so it goes. 

Don't forget this weekend is also the Rock N Roll Marathon which usually doesn't mean much to someone with my sleeping habits except that our van was towed once and we were FURIOUS because the little "No Parking" signs get put up like a week before the event, but then so many are vandalized, removed, or kicked over, that you're really fucked if you park in the wrong place. That was a $300 lesson for us. 

I hope everyone has a nice weekend, sorry these are posting later than usual, I just haven't adjusted to sleep and what normal life looks like these days. 

6/3 Update: I sat in a parking lot to listen to BoyGenius, and while I don't recommend it because security was cool but I don't think they'd let it fly a second night, The Loft at UCSD posted a promo code of UNIVERSITY to get single day tickets for half price ($50 instead of $94.50) This is the link for SATURDAY tickets and this is for SUNDAY tickets. Not sure how long that will work or if tickets are still available, but it's worth a shot if you're interested. I'll be working at My LIfe With The Thrill Kill Cult at Music Box on Saturday and going to see Jacqueline Novak at the Casbah on Sunday, so my Re:SET adventure was one and done. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, May 25-Wednesday, May 31, 2023: Lizzo | Bob Log III | Rodrigo y Gabriela | North Park Music Fest | Mr Tube & Flying Objects | Memorial Day | Matchbox Twenty | Bayonne | Toad The Wet Sprocket |

It's gonna be a May Gray weekend in San Diego but the North Park Music Fest is happening so it should be a fun one regardless. I'll fill you in on all my happenings when the time is right but for now, peruse the listings and I hope everyone has a great weekend. This is the weekend that the San Diego Zoo hours expand to 9pm, so they've got entertainment and the return of the Jambo end of the night celebration. I will definitely be spending some summer nights at the Zoo, but for now, I just need some sleep and have a million things to get done before the week is through. I honestly won't have the time to update these listings, but KPBS, Pacific SD, and San Diego Magazine all publish their weekend rundowns on Thursday in case I missed anything. Catch you on the flip. And OMG, don't forget to watch that Vanderpump Rules Reunion! Riveting trash television at it's finest. 

Stay safe out there. Full listings after the jump. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, May 18-Wednesday, May 24, 2023: Thrice | Emo Nite | Fiesta Del Sol | The Cure & The Twilight Sad | Sweet & Tender Hooligans | Les Claypool & Fishbone |

I did them again. To be honest, this week was even crazier than the week of my dad's services. My uncle has been here and I love him, but he lives on a whim and he needs me to be available when he needs me to be available. We have made and remade plans about 36 times in the past four days. So when my mom and my uncle gave me a rundown of his last day in town, I knew Tuesday was my night for cocktails (post-pandemie lockdowns, I try to designate one night per week instead of constant inebriation in our former speakeasy) and to get these listings done. Again. There is no way these will be complete by the time they post. But this is the basic stuff and I'm likely not updating again until next week, which are the services for my Sister-In-Law in New Mexico, which is going to be a whole other situation. I love you all. Thanks for all the goodness. I've needed it, but I assure you I'm good. 

Old News: See The Wildflowers Before They're Gone | COVID Emergency Over | San Diego To Sue Sea World For Delinquent Rent | SCOTUS Upholds CA Farm Animal Welfare Law | SDZWA Announces Amur Cubs Are Female |

Amur Leopard Cub Sisters (Taken 5.1.23)

It's been a minute since I've posted besides listings and stuff about my dad, so since I'm still like your grandma who clips newspaper articles of interest, these may be a little bit dated, but I can't move forward without publishing all these little posts that I start. Things are good, but I'll save stuff about me for a diary post. In the meantime, I'll say that I've been keeping the zoo in my mental health routine and on Friday, at 13 weeks old (Born 2.17.23), the San Diego Zoo finally announced that the cubs are both female. They're actually having a public vote between three selected names for each. I've been calling them Smiley (for the distinct smiley face made by the spots on her forehead) and Blur for the lighter colored one who seems to zip through all of my shots. You can see the Zoo's post here and vote on the names here. I'm going with Ulybka & Zorinka, for the record. 

In real news, politics is still stupid, the debt ceiling is still hanging over us, crazy shootings are happening everyday, Fletcher is gone and that dumb bitch COVID denier is running for his spot, and apparently we're getting an MLS team after all. Also, I think El Cajon Boulevard or Orange Avenue was being used for a sideshow tonight which I find absolutely infuriating. So yeah, while I haven't been paying as close attention to the news as I usually do, I'm not really missing much. After the past few weeks, I've got an emotional hangover and am completely spent, so I think I'll check out for a little while longer. 

I love you all. Stay safe out there.    

Things To Do in San Diego: Thursday, May 11-Wednesday, May 17, 2023: Gator By The Bay | Hurray For the Riff Raff | Skating Polly | Creepy Creeps | Leon Larregui | Album Leaf | Jordan Krimston | TWRP | Tanukichan |

Alright, you guys. I'm so glad my insomnia kicked in on Tuesday because by Wednesday my Uncle and my cousins arrived from Indiana and LA and we had a big family dinner at Cafe Coyote in Old Town and then hung out watching the end of the Warriors v Lakers game at their Air BNB (but not without a lecture about the destruction of neighborhoods by whole house rentals - HAHAHA!) So consider this post an official signing off for the week. You may hear from me, but most likely not. Anything not already in these listings probably won't be added, but I'm sure you can find KPBS, Pacific SD, and San Diego Magazine's weekend picks on your own. My Thursday will be a lot of running around doing touristy stuff with the family, hopefully picking up my van which was having a transmission problem, and mostly just making sure we have everything ready to go for my dad's services on Friday. I know the whole thing is going to be really hard, but to be honest, nothing made my dad happier than family and friends all being together, so we're already feeling him shining on us. Once that all wraps, I'm still trying to scam comps for Gator By The Bay because this would be the first year my mom can go for Mother's Day after about 7 years of caretaking my dad and not being able to leave him for any length of time. We used to go every year before then. I'm sorry I didn't appropriately post about the San Diego Music Awards, but I wasn't there this year and don't even think I got my Academy vote this year, so I wasn't super invested with everything going on in my personal life. Winners can be found here (for now, hopefully to be archived later.)

Anyway, I love you all and hope everyone has a beautiful Mother's Day weekend. The Creepy Creeps, Album Leaf, and Tanukichan shows are almost all sold out. Also gotta recommend Jordan Krimston's Album Release show on Sunday if you can make it.  

Stay safe out there. 

Edward J Bystrak: Services and Some Words About Dad

Hi Everyone. 

Thanks for all the continued well wishes regarding the loss of my Dad. Public services are going to be held this Friday, May 12. There will be a mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 11am, followed by Interment at Miramar National Cemetary at 1pm. After 3pm, we'll be having an open house/reception at the family home in Chula Vista. Please reach out if address is needed, I can be messaged on socials or text me if you have my number. 

It is so hard to write about my Dad in any kind of way that really gives the picture of his full life and character, but I finally overcame the anxiety of such a task. You can read after the jump if so inclined. 

This week we'll be welcoming tons of family and friends from out of town and I'll do my best to still do listings...maybe it will actually be a good distraction... but please know that I'm still seeing all the messages and appreciate all of the love and they are being warmly received by my entire family. 

xoxo

COVID: Reporting Pretty Much Over | San Diego County District 4 Will Get A Special Election To Replace Fletcher | OPEC: Manipulating Oil Markets To Interfere with US Politics }

One of the ~11 Week Old Amur Leopard Cubs at San Diego Zoo (Taken 5.4.23)

It's a Friday night at home and I'm trying to catch up with work and email and everything and I'd been collecting articles per usual...you can see dating back all the way to April, so I'm just going to post this because it's going to keep bugging me if I don't. I really had a lot to say about everything...I'm grateful the County Board of Supervisors decided to have a special election instead of appointing a replacement for Nathan Fletcher. Honestly, finding out that bitch from the anti-vax group is running makes me want to run against her, but hopefully someone more qualified steps up. COVID isn't gone but information about it is pretty much wrapped up and tucked away and we'll hear not much about it again except as a political football, so you're on your own. And if you're planning on travelling to any state or national parks, check their status because the rain, snow, and now melting of the snow is causing floods and closures. 

Back to Friday night. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, May 4- Wednesday, May 10, 2023: Y La Bamba | Beth Hart | Cinco De Mayo | Schizophonics | Cursive | Mariachi El Bronx | Westerman | The Bobby Lee's | Violent Femmes |

I know, I know. I'm late. This month is gonna be a lot, my dad's services are next week, then my sister in laws two weeks after that. So I've got a lot going on. And I'm late for my hour at the zoo today. I'll clean these up later and get you the links from KPBS, Pacific, and San Diego Magazine, too. For now, the listings. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 27-Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Dawes | Nude Party | Backseat Lovers | Adams Avenue Unplugged | Art Walk | Taco Fest | San Diego Book Crawl | Cheese Expo | Encinitas Spring Street Fair |

Over the past several weeks the pandemic couldn't feel further away. But nothing really screamed "It's Over!", it just sorta fizzled. The government declared the end of the emergency. There's no data. We rarely hear of someone we know testing positive. And to be honest, when I drove to New Mexico through Arizona, it was clear those places hadn't been using any protective protocols for months. But doing the listings today? WOW. I am not saying COVID-19 is gone or over, but it is very clear we have completely moved on. There's SO MUCH going on this weekend - San Diego Book Crawl, Taco Fest, Adams Avenue Unplugged, Cheese Expo, Lilac Festival, ArtWalk, Encinitas Street Fair...even the Rodeo! And that doesn't even touch all the concerts and regular stuff. I'm gonna try and spend the weekend catching up on life, try and beat this run-down feeling, and start going through the things we were supposed to do when my dad died by my mom didn't know how to open and forward her email...obituaries and uploading photos and creating a leaflet for his funeral and all those really unfun and hard things that we've all been avoiding. But I'm hoping to hit some street fairs and such, too. Because I'll need to get some air even if Darren is working all weekend. Sorry these are late, I didn't have it in me to pull an all-nighter.  

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 20-Wednesday, April 26, 2023: The Breeders | Crocodiles | Gipsy Kings | No Vacation | Earth Day | Tei Shi | San Diego Music Awards | Baby Bushka | Melissa Etheridge |

If it isn't one thing, it's another. The other day I had to transfer a bunch of data off of my phone to my computer, and then my computer started acting funny. When whatever was going on seemed to resolve, I noticed it was no longer charging. Ugh. So I need to take it in to be looked at and get a new charger or figure out what is going on. In the meantime, I bought myself a Chromebook a while ago and so all of this week's listings were done using that, but being a more compact keyboard and whatnot, it took me about twice as long to get listings done. Hopefully this is all resolved by the time I do another post, but that's pretty optimistic. I'm still trying to spend time with family and offline as much as possible but thanks again for all the comments, calls, texts, and more for me and my family. We appreciate all the love. 

Stay safe out there. Listings after the jump. 

Rosey's Diary: A Post About Dying: Grief, Relief, and The Complicated Feelings Of Loss.

Me, Mom, and Dad, Christmas 2021

It has been a long time since I've taken the time to write. I have this crazy long zoo post that I started over a year ago that I've yet to post. In it, I talk about how several of the animal daddies (hippo, orangutan, siamang, lion, mandrill) were dying, and it it was helping me come to grips with the reality that soon, I would lose my own. And now I have and I needed to write. So maybe I'll post that zoo one on another day, but for now, a diary post about losing my dad. (TW: death, dying)

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 13-Wednesday, April 19, 2023: They Might Be Giants | The Silent Comedy | Los Bitchos | Tenci | HEALTH | Bratty | Murder City Devils | SDMA Showcases | Christine and The Queens | Night Beats |

With everything this week, I've been trying to not do anything and also stay busy, so after a very much needed day-trip to Palm Desert with Darren, I decided it was better to get the listings done than wonder if and when I should do them and feel self-induced pressure. So they're a little different this week...I did concerts mostly at the top, with open mics and weekly events filtered down, with theatre productions and such at the bottom, since so many of those are recurring and yet also, so out of my budget, I assume they're not things people looking for something spontaneous to fill a night are looking for. I'll try to update if I hear of stuff I missed, but mostly I'm using this as my permission slip to be mostly offline and out of touch for the next several days. Thanks again for the many messages; they mean so much.  

Stay safe out there.  

Personal: R.I.P., Daddy: Big Ed Bystrak

 

After years of close calls and over a year under home palliative care, on Sunday, April 9th, 2023 my dad took his final breath. Just last week, my parents celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary, and while my dad was bedbound, the rest of us celebrated with a feast from a local taco shop and one of those chocolate mousse tuxedo cakes from Costco. A week later, he's no longer with us. 

More, after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, April 7-Wednesday, April 12, 2023: Screaming Females | Two Another | X | Pinback | Colin Hay | G. Love | Jupiter Flight | City Of The Sun | Muse | Tyson Motsenbocker | Etran de L’Aïr |

Here's the deal. I usually at least try to separate the listings posts from my diary-esque posts, but after returning from New Mexico, I haven't gotten back on a great schedule. My dad is not doing well, my brother is likely coming out this weekend with the kids and they're obviously not doing well, and all I can do is go shoot a bazillion photos a day at the zoo and hang out with a gorilla who demands no explanations of how I'm feeling about any of it. So listings are done, possibly not ordered as much as I'd like, and I bookmarked a bunch of things to tell you but now I can't remember any of them except that if you wanna buy tickets to the North Park Music Festival, they extended the early bird pricing for maybe another week? I'll check that when I have time but by the time I do, it may have passed, so go search it if you want it. At the Casbah, we've been announcing so many shows my head is spinning, but I'm especially excited about Slothrust at Soda Bar and The New Pornographers at Music Box, which ideally I get to work and get paid to be at while also getting a chance to shoot them and just be in attendance. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I already know I forgot some stuff in these listings, like a parade and celebration for SDSU on Saturday. I'll try to update, but I've got so much family stuff going on right now, who knows? I'll try to add the weekend roundups because those seem to be helpful between Pacific SD (which is the Union-Tribune without subscription), KPBS, and San Diego Magazine. Until then, be safe, healthy, and let's be grateful Davey is out of the hospital because I'm not ready for another amazing human in my life to die, even when he was close to it. If I find a GFM to help him, I'll add the link.

Stay safe out there. I love you all.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Saturday, April 1-Wednesday, April 5, 2023: North Park Festival of Beers | Husbands | xiu xiu | Bobby and The Pins | Band Argument | Lucero | Sunny Day Real Estate |

It has been a bit of a crazy week, and since I would actually like to have a normal Saturday life (and not sleep all day), I'm just gonna say I mostly got the listings done. I'm sure there are things I forgot, but sleep is calling my weary and exhausted body. 

Thank you for all the kind words and Venmos to me @sddialedin, which will help me get back to New Mexico when we have the actual memorial, and also to the Go Fund Me for my brother and his kids, which will help them as they try to navigate their new life. 

Also, with Darren's work schedule, it was kinda easier doing listings during the weekend, so it's possible I may stop doing Thursday-Wednesday and maybe switch it up back to Monday to Saturday or something like that. Just don't count on me for consistency is all I'm saying. I'll have listings, just maybe not in the capacity anyone else wants. 

I love you all.
Be safe out there. 
Listings through Wednesday are after the jump.

 

CoViD-19: Ending The Emergency, Research Still Trickling | Fletcher Resigns | California Passes Windfall Profit Law |

Amur Leopard Cup (4.5.23)

I've had a hell of a month, so this post is just to clean my slate of drafts. I've got a lot to talk about when I'm able. 

Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, March 31: Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Michigander | Soulfly | Thumpasaurus | Super Diamond | Art Alive Bloom Bash |

 Is tonight a Revenge Friday? It looks like it with so many sold out shows! 

I got home super late last night and had to make sure you all got your Casbah newsletters, so I didn't stay up to do listings, so once again I'm just doing tonight's stuff and hopefully sometime between tonight and tomorrow I'll finish the whole week. But, I am working tomorrow at Balboa Theatre and you know I need to go get my zoo time in, so we'll see how it all goes. Maybe I'll even convince Darren to pop down the street to check out Fresh Veggies Micro Brass for a minute, since I've not seen him more than 20 minutes this week.

Also, a ton of shows went on sale today. I've been notified by Jeff that we're attending Ryan Adams & The Cardinals in October, so I guess it's time for me to believe in DRA's sobriety and amends and start to appreciate his music again, which I haven't really been able to listen to for a few years. Casbah also announced a ton and let me tell you something. You know how a band plays here and then later they play another tour in bigger venues and skip San Diego? It's because when they're on these smaller tours we're too slow! The agents get ticket counts, sometimes daily, to compare how quickly tickets are purchased in every market of a tour. Of course their goal is for every show to sell out, but how fast it sells out matters, too. So while September or October may seem far away, buying your tickets now not only secures your entry to shows, but it also means that maybe those artists won't leave us behind as they get bigger and plan future tours. That's your little Pay No Attention To The Man Behind the Curtain moment for the weekend.  

Be safe. 
Love you all. 
Friday listings are after the jump.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 30, 2023: Lead Pony | Colony House | Theo Kandel | Mason Jennings | Padres Home Opener |

I know I said I wasn't going to do listings this week, but after a long day yesterday, I crashed out super early, and thus woke up around 4am. I mostly just checked email, but I already finished packing and it sounds like everyone here is still asleep and we're not planning on hitting the road until around 9am, so I'm trying to take advantage of the quiet and the strong wi-fi before our drive. So I was able to crank out listings just for today, and if I can get to the rest of the week, I'll try on Friday, though I might have to do them from the zoo because a friend of mine has kept me posted and Denny has been moved in with his half-brother Maka! Eventually, that means he'll move in with all three boys, but geez...I visit him nearly every day for a year and go away and this happens?!? And don't even get me started on the Fletcher scandal. Ugh.  

As for my family, thanks for all the kind comments and responses. We're doing well, considering the circumstances. My brother and his kids have a long road of transition to this new reality. I'll write more about that at another time, but there's a GFM if you'd like to contribute. Some have asked if they can help with this unexpected trip which isn't necessary, but my Venmo is @sddialedin if you're so inclined. A memorial hasn't been confirmed yet, but it might be a little later down the road, like Memorial Day Weekend, in which case we'll likely all be driving back and doing this all over again.  

Stay safe out there. I love you all. 

Personal: RIP Melissa Hayes Bystrak

Help Melissa’s Family - Gone too soon - GFM

I'm sitting in a restaurant in New Mexico with my brother, his kids, my sister, and her kids. This was a rushed trip. My sister in law, Melissa Hayes Bystrak, died on Saturday, March 25, just before 3am. 

Taken 10.2.22

Here's my post about it all: 

We got the news this week that my sister-in-law wasn't doing well; that after a long fight with breast cancer and the pain of numerous reconstructive surgeries, that the cancer was back and had spread to her spine and other areas of her body. While it was many months and years of pain for her, the diagnosis of the spread was new to us on Thursday and by Friday she was hospitalized and heavily sedated. My sister flew out to New Mexico as did Melissa's dad and twin sister; her mom had been with her for some time already. They all arrived in time to be with her say goodbye and just before 3am our time, we got the news that she had passed. 

Melissa was only 44 years old and leaves behind my brother, her husband of more than 2 decades, and three amazing kids, Gabe, Gia, and Evan. At this point, my plan is to drive my nieces to New Mexico to support their cousins in this time of immeasurable grief. Their whole world is rocked. Our whole world is rocked. Melissa was a brave warrior in her battle but in the end it was too much for a body to take. We love you so much, Liss. Sleep in peace, Sister.

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 23-Wednesday, March 29, 2023: Andy Frasco | Adi Oasis | Delta Rae | David Cross | Copeland | Mustache Bash | Beabadoobee | Daniel Rodriguez | Vanessa Carlton |

It's a big week with a ton of sold out and almost sold out shows, so my recommendation to you is to get used to buying your tickets in advance because our small venues are on fire right now. Casbah has continued to announce a bunch of new shows, including Bully, Manic Hispanic, and The Amalgamated but probably the biggest news this week is that The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, announced a San Diego show on December 2nd at Pechanga Arena, with tickets on sale Friday. I'll be working at the Delta Rae show on Saturday, going to beabadoobee on Monday, and might check out Vanessa Carlton on Wednesday since I haven't seen her since Sunset Sessions a million years ago. And Darren wants to go to Andy Frasco, but seeing as I'm finishing these listings at 5:45am, I'm going to try to get some real sleep. 

CoViD-19: COVID-somnia Is A Thing | Crazy California Storms | Uvalde Interviews Released | Zoo Photos: Andean Bear Cubs

Andean Bear Cubs, Born December 10th, 2022 (Taken 3.21.23)

When I was young I always envisioned myself having some great outdoorsy lifestyle, but the reality is I think I like the idea more than the actual lifestyle. Like when I was a kid, I had a tackle box and was always organizing it and adding lures and bait, but in reality, I just liked the colors and collecting things. The only fishing I ever did was at a local campsite in a stocked lake (more like a pond) and never ever got a bite. I certainly wouldn't have known what to do if I'd caught anything. 

In my 20s, I was freshly single after my college boyfriend and I broke us, and had the great idea that I'd get a big dog. We'd go hiking and camping and to the beach and I had my car and I could live an active and outdoorsy life on a whim. Problem was I ended up adopting the neediest, most skittish dog ever (RIP Pascha) who certainly wasn't going on any hikes or anywhere other people existed, and I worked in the most corporate of corporate jobs, a nine-to-five that afforded me one week off a year but definitely not enough money to ever save to use the time off. So that whole plan was a big fail. 

Nowadays, I have the time and the resources to kinda do what I want and go where I want, but Darren and Nova do not have that flexibility, so going to the Zoo is my great compromise...I'm outside, I'm among beautiful plants and amazing animals and I have developed a relationship with so many of the animals - engaging with the gorillas and orangs, certain birds that communicate with me, even the mountain lions respond in their own way when they see me. This week I finally got to see the Andean bear cubs, and with the zoo open later, it's just been a pleasure to see the animals adapt as the seasons change. 

All that being said, this week has been low-key for me and I'm perfectly okay with that. I mentioned last week that my dad is back at home so I've gone to help out my parents a few times, I worked a couple merch gigs - MoonTricks at Music Box and Protomartyr at Casbah, I got a raise at my day job, and spent a ton of time at the zoo while Nova has been off living her teenage independence and Darren working all the time. This week was also the 8 year anniversary of Ficus' Adoption Gotcha Day, which maybe makes her 10 or 11, we can't really be sure.  

I've been stoked on the rain though haven't seen it that intense in a very long time, and I was glad to have the van all stocked up with my rain gear and I've been getting good use of my rain boots. When Darren did finally have a day off, we went to Balboa Park free Tuesdays which was the Mingei and Museum of Art this week, which turned out to be a great way to get dry before spending the rest of that afternoon at the zoo. Now I'm working on listings and I guess I've procrastinated enough, so hopefully you'll have your listings by morning. 

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, March 16-Wednesday, March 22, 2023: Vance Joy | KRS-One | Old 97's | St. Patrick's Day | Titus Andronicus | Jason Mraz | Damien Jurado | BAILEN | Algiers | Protomartyr |

Gotta keep it short this week because I have a meeting in a few hours and I'm up way later than intended. I don't have a big music roundup but I do wanna say that any attempt by the Port of San Diego to impede or restrict public access during events at the Shell are absolute bullshit. This is our embarcadero, no matter which philanthropists' names you throw on it and to me just reeks of some shady ass shit. If this is what public-private partnerships bring, we should all be very worried about the future of Balboa Park and all of our public spaces. My two cents. 

As SXSW goes on, lots of tours are being announced in our area, so sign up for all the newsletters you can to get that inside info. Casbah announced Matt & Kim, which you can buy via presale now. but I know all the venues keep rolling out great shows for the summer. 

Stay safe out there.

COVID-19: 3 Years Later | $17 Humane Society Offers Adoptions | Biden Issues Gun Background Check EO | Bank Bailout | Another Atmospheric River Blasts California |

New Male Tiger Dumai at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Taken 3.10.23)

It has been a mostly chill week for me and I'm loving this weather. I'm happy to report my dad is back home as of Sunday night, which I think most people in his circumstances would prefer, but it was also comforting to know he was under the care of medical professionals for a few nights and we were off the hook for driving to Chula Vista. Since he's been reclassified as hospice care, he will once again have more in-home assistance for my mom, and we'll go back to helping at night half the week. There's always an upside correlating with the downside and vice versa.  

Besides my usual zoo trips, on Thursday we went to Nova's Academic League competition and on Friday I went to Safari Park with Darren which was so nice. He recommended I take the Spanish tram and it was interesting to hear how some of the animals names and information translates...not exactly the conversational Spanish we learn in school and in my normal life I don't have much occasion for using Spanish so I would definitely do that again. On Saturday night we went to the EXTC show which was pretty fun to see Darren living in his 20-something dreams and it was nice to see so many old friends at the show. 

This week seems to already be spring break for a lot of people so the zoo has been packed which is why I kinda love when it rains...it definitely makes people change their plans, but when it is crowded, I can still duck away into an aviary or a quiet space when I need to. The next few weeks will probably be kinda crazy there, but I'll try and keep the habit - I feel healthier with it in my life than when I skip a day or two. 

This week is going to be a little busier with some work nights at the Casbah and Music Box but hopefully I can offset with the longer zoo and Seaworld hours and lots and lots of sleep. May you all find time for the things you love, too. If you're in the market for a new pet, all adoptions are $17 in honor of St. Patrick's Day for the whole weekend. 

Stay safe & healthy out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego:: Thursday, March 9-Wednesday, March 15, 2023: Choir Boy | Charlie Parr | Adam Melchor | PUP & Joyce Manor | Otoboke Beaver | EXTC | The Church | Marc Anthony | SZA | Forty Feet Tall |

It's been a busy week already, which I guess kinda always happens around SXSW as tours and festivals make all their big announcement for the year. This week alone, Casbah has announced shows with Bratty (4/16), Night Beats (4/19), Hammered Hulls (5/3), Skating Polly (5/12), Billie Marten (6/5), Joshua Ray Walker (6/15), Surfer Blood (6/17), Quintron & Miss Pussycat (6/28), The Tallest Man On Earth (9/30), and Nation of Language (10/29). Outside Lands announced their lineup, as has FIesta Del Sol, and North Park Music Festival sent out a 'save the date'. So yeah. A lot. 

We're looking forward to seeing EXTC on Saturday night and I'm waiting to hear if I'll be working a merch gig, but other than that, I've got to keep my schedule kinda open, though I know Otoboke Beaver and The Church and Lovejoy are all gonna be amazing. We'll see how things work out. 

Stay safe out there. The Casbah's show with Kevin Devine just got canceled because he tested positive for COVID, so it's still out there. 

News and listings after the jump.   

COVID-19: At Least 26% Of Parents Are Assholes | Spring Break Plans | Murdaugh Murders Fallout | SDG&E Wants More Of Your Money | My Daddy Update |

It's been a busy work week but I finished listings and did all the things I needed to and wanted to get this post up because my week could get a little tricky. Some weeks ago I mentioned that my dad's condition had been upgraded and he was no longer considered to be on hospice care. I said then that it felt like it was more of an insurance thing than a health thing and so we all had to step up and help my parents because he wasn't getting the same in-home care as before. But last week his health took a turn and they reclassified him back to hospice or palliative care and he hasn't been doing great, and yesterday I was supposed to go help in the day but instead, a couple doctors or nurses went to the house and decided he needed to be hospitalized immediately. Already low on sleep because my dog had been sick all night and needed to be let out repeatedly all night long, I was just having a day. I went to the zoo to clear my head and then came home and have been working ever since. At this moment, I don't know my dad's status; they took him to Sharp and then were going to move him to Kaiser but then I was working and my mom is with him wherever he may be and I guess I'll find more out in the morning. 

So yeah, I had been putting this post together for the week and had thoughts that I wanted to expunge from my system. Everything in this post was collected and written before this change of circumstances, and it all seems dumb now, but here it is anyway. I hope to get some zoo time in on Thursday because I have to say, walking around with my earbuds in and lost in my own thoughts for a couple hours in the sun felt nice, but I'll be at my parents' service as needed. Hopefully this is something he'll get some care for and be back home, but we've been living on this edge for a long time so I don't really know what to think or feel at the moment. I do know I'm pissed that California is removing mask requirements in health care environments because both of my parents have dodged COVID through the entire pandemic and hospitals are such a disaster that either of them could easily pick it up among the sick, but maybe the hospitals will individually maintain the requirement. I guess I'll find out. 

Stay safe out there. I'm going to try to finally get some sleep. 

xxoo

 

COVID-19: Emergency Ends, Reporting Ends, COVID Carries On | California Tax Extension | Bird Flu | Murdaugh Murders: Guilty! 2 Consecutive Life Sentences |

Little Kaja at 14 months and 1 day old (Taken 3.5.23)

I had been really enjoying my laid back, low-pressure life lately, working remotely at the zoo and all that goodness, but then suddenly that isn't the case. In the past couple weeks, I worked for Almost Monday, King Tuff, Jawny, and Braxton Cook, as well as celebrating Darren's birthday, catching the SG Goodman show (with after-show cocktails at Ould Sod and we know how that goes), plus I was streaming the Murdaugh Trials, and even had jury duty tossed in there. And then there were van repairs and helping my dad and taking Nova and a friend to Sea World for a day and it's all kinda worn me out. And I know a lot of those, particularly hours of Murdaugh Trials were optional, but I couldn't resist the intrigue and anyway, I was only streaming while I did a million other things anyway. Darren has been working his ass off, too, so this week I would just like for everything to slow down, am politely declining invitations, and would like to just be able to get by with my laptop in my backpack at the zoo while I watch all the babies -- Kaja, of course, but there's a new golden takin born on Friday, there's Andean bear cubs who have finally been making appearances, there are amur leopard cubs recently born that haven't made their public debut but who we hear stirrings about not to even mention how much I would like a day at Safari Park since I took off the free seniors month. I've just got to get a handle on all these ding-dang emails and concert announcements...like, my actual work. There are so many shows coming up, it's gonna be a busy spring and summer, I can tell you that right now. 

For now, I'm off to bed. I'll get listings up by Wednesday or Thursday. We'll see how punishing this week turns out. 

Love you. Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, March 1-Wednesday, March 8, 2023: King Tuff | S.G. Goodman | Maggie Rogers | Pleasure Pill | JAWNY | English Beat | CRSSD Fest | Cass McCombs | Braxton Cook | Deslondes | The Flaming Lips | American Authors |

I never meant to switch my listings publish day to Thursdays, but it happened. But I'm gonna be working for King Tuff on Wednesday night and I don't think I'll be able to bust out the laptop because it might be a wet night at the Casbah, even if I'm in Bob's Lounge, so I had to bust them out on Tuesday night while I was awake and having some cocktails and bingeing on Murdaugh Murder trial stuff. So, you're welcome. Maybe I'm back to Wednesday publishing. Maybe not. Who cares? 

I don't have the tolerance to do music news this week, but you should definitely vote for San Diego Music Awards, you should know that Outside Lands "Eager Beaver" tickets go on sale today at 10am, and Violent Femmes are playing a show with the San Diego Symphony at the Shell on May 10th- performing their entire self-titled album - because we are so fucking old that a thing like that sounds like the coolest show ever. Tickets on sale Friday. 

And I always have to stick it in...stay safe out there. The COVID "emergency" is over (bye-bye funding for tests and vaccines) but COVID isn't over. In fact, we got another exposure warning from the kid's high school today. 

Ick. 

Stay safe out there. 

CoVid-19: Post COVID Damage | SDG&E Wants To Jack Your Rates | Super Storm Hits San Diego & Beyond | Insanity of Desantis | 4 Day Work Week Works |

Kaja at San Diego Zoo (2.22.23)

As a native San Diegan, I've always considered February & March to be spring. It was always my favorite time to do outside stuff like Sunset Cliffs or tidepools because of the absence of tourists and the typically moderate weather before the prolonged May Gray/June Gloom season. But this weather this week and this season has been so different and while I love it generally, I also heed the warnings...I'm not parking by any of the numerous Eucalyptus or Queen Palms in my neighborhood, with Nova older and in school we're not going to Laguna this round of snow even though we have chains, and I'm always a prepper...even for just short trips I always have a stash of backup clothes, umbrellas, shoes, jackets, snacks, and water in my van, ready for anything. But the biggest thing I can say is that these latests storms are hitting all across our state and whether connected or not, the midwest, too. As we've seen over and over again, whether real or exaggerated, this has already certainly lead to increases in gasoline and power prices and groceries. All that stuff doesn't go anywhere when trucks can't drive the 8 or the 5 or the 15 or way up on the Grapevine. California refineries certainly use any excuse to increase scarcity and thus drive prices, and naturally we're all at home with more heaters on to keep our frigid homes livable. Get your eggs, fill up your tank, hit the farmers markets for local produce and goods. It's not a full scale meltdown, but the corporations will treat any blip in the norm like it is and pass the costs to you to drive their profits. (internet time jump)

It's a week later. Maybe more rain on the way, snow in the mountains, nothing quite apocalyptic, but gas prices are still pushing up anyway. We're so fucked at the whim of all these gross assholes. Yay. 

It was Darren's birthday yesterday, I've had a really great week, and now I'm ready to go to bed after a margarita afternoon so I can sleep in and do my listings and be ready to work for King Tuff on Wednesday. And if you like any kind of country, don't miss S.G. Goodman at the Casbah on Thursday. It's gonna be an amazing show. I'll also be working at Jawny at Quartyard on Friday which is about a dozen tickets from sold out at this moment. 

Be good. 

Be safe. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 23, 2023-March 1, 2023: RIP O | The Builders and The Butchers | Almost Monday | Steve Poltz | Sure Fire Soul Ensemble | August Burns Red | Dinosaur Jr. | Magical Animals | King Tuff |

O photo by Tim Fears Photography

Like everyone in the local music community...and far, far beyond San Diego, I was devastated by the news that O had died. It's very hard to hear news like that and not center yourself. Like everyone, I loved O. He was a legend. When I was in high school, I was a fan of Fluf and my bedroom wall had magazine photos from floor to ceiling of bands and people and places and I would cut out ads in Thrasher of O skating. Were those Foundation ads? I don't remember now. And even though I'd been a fan for ages, when we became friends I would always be in awe of him and his stories, always a little starstruck. When I started working at the Casbah 15 or so years ago, he was always around and when I'd sell merch, we'd shoot the shit. The first time I worked for the Melvins, I remember being in the office with Tim and O and Buzz and it stood out to me how O introduced Buzz to me, as if he was lucky to be meeting me, and he'd say something like "she runs a sick blog around here" and then just reminisced and told stories and I'd try to soak it all in, and also wonder how they remembered so much shit with such big lives. When I ran into him at NAMM in the Fender Guitar suite the first time I went, he was introducing me to legendary guitar players and guitar makers, again making it seem like they were the ones who should be honored to meet me. he would do this with lots of his music buddies, too many times to track, and I always tried to play it cool, but it was such a sweet little nod that made what I do feel worthy. 

I think after a week of reading so many amazing tributes, that was the common thread, that O was a fan of people, made you feel so fucking cool, no matter what level or depth of friendship you had with him. If you got O's seal of approval, you were doing something right. I can't begin to track how many people's lives were touched by O through all of his numerous endeavors, his ability to be everywhere all at once, but he will always be a legend. I'll miss him sidestage at the Casbah, but I'll especially miss all the times I was a lone photographer for a show with a four foot gap from the band to the rest of the crowd and he would come join me so I wouldn't feel so alone. We're all better for having known him. 91X put this week's Loudspeaker tribute online which I've linked below. I know that there will continue to be tributes and I know we'll all have a massive party at the Casbah when the time is right. It just won't be the same without him. "Rock N Roll has no Boundaries, it knows no ethnicities, it just barges on in constant change...Music is my innermost relief." Otis B.  

Music News

• 91X Loudspeaker Tribute To O
• O's Casbah Pandemic Playlist 
• San Diego Bayfest Announces Full Lineup: July 8th 2023 @ Waterfront Park
• Damian Marley, Common Kings, Koffee, Prof, Denm, Kahlil Nash
• Download a MUSEUM MONTH pass

COVID-19: Looking At Long COVID | Trainwreck Fallout | Bird-Flu Crossover | Biden Visits Ukraine | California To Host Hearing on Gas Gouging |

Sea Wolf at Soda Bar (Taken 2.18.2023)

Like everyone, I was stunned to hear about the sudden passing of O and every time I think about it or try to write something, I fail. So I have some thoughts, but this post isn't for that. This is just a typical COVID and newsy post, which will transform once again as the data stops coming in next month. It doesn't mean COVID is gone, but the data just isn't going to be collected in the same way moving forward. 

Things have been pretty low key for me. Darren has been working so much lately so I'm just doing my thing. I went to La Jolla Cove to check out the sea lions on Valentine's Day and then we had an amazing dinner at home, and besides my usual, I worked for Bass Drum of Death on Thursday. We had a really great night on Saturday checking out Sea Wolf at Soda Bar, and it was our first time out together in awhile. Those early shows fit great with our current lifestyle and Darren's work schedule so long as my sisters can cover helping out my parents on those nights. So we fit it in when we can. And the rest of the time we're just trying to find some joy and do what we gotta do. 

Stay safe out there.    

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 16--Wednesday, February 22, 2023: Bass Drum of Death | Kaki King | The Lone Bellow | Karl Denson | El Tri | Sea Wolf | Steve Lacy | White Reaper | Daring Greatly | Silent Comedy |

I certainly love a three-day weekend and all your favorite places are having fun little dance parties and whatnot, so if you're looking to shake your ass, there are plenty of opportunities to do that. I'll be working at Bass Drum of Death on Thursday night and am hoping to pop into the Sea Wolf show on Saturday night but no other major plans beyond that, though I got a cool invite to The Legion home opener but don't really have anyone to go with so I might have to table that for another time. There's also the world premiere of The Silent Comedy's documentary and a live performance up at the Brooks Theatre which I'm sure will be a super cool night. 

On Monday night, the San Diego Music Foundation announced the nominees for the San Diego Music Awards. Tickets are on sale for the event on April 25th, and voting for some reason is running through DoSD so you can do that here. 

News:

• San Diego Music Award Nominees 2023
• San Diego Music Awards: Thee Sacred Souls and Rebecca Jade lead the field with five nominations each - Pacific SD (2.14.23)
• An inside look at the renovation of Copley Symphony Hall - kpbs (2.24.23)
• Download a MUSEUM MONTH pass 

COVID-19: The End of Data Is Nigh | The Kid Is COVID-Free (Finally) | Feinstein To Retire After Term (Finally) | Another Uni Shooting | UFOs |

Cormorant Mama & Chick Feeding at La Jolla Cove (Taken 2.14.23)

Hardly anybody is talking about COVID-19 anymore but I'm going to. Nova had successfully avoided catching COVID for the entire pandemic and then the school district stopped free weekly testing and between her extracurriculars with pep band (playing flute, deep sigh) at the home basketball games, the close proximity with her fellow students in Academic League, her time among her peers at The Center and it was bound to happen, even if she says she was still masking. 

And I'm sure there are people that don't care. There are people who never test, even when they're obviously sick. And there are people who still work or send their kids to school because they don't know better or they can't do otherwise, because they don't have sick time or daycare or whatever. This isn't about any of them or for any of them either.

 

This is about how much it SUCKS when someone in the household gets sick and you do everything you can not to spread it within the household. Not only was Nova sick and mostly isolated in her room for the last 12 days, but I felt obligated to make myself scarce so she could at least cook for herself, eat, watch TV and breathe maskless in the house and to just minimize our shared air. And that sucked. As much as I love going to the Zoo or Sea World or whatever, I felt like I haven't been home in a couple weeks. In the summer when I was sick, it was easy enough for me to stay in our studio, or for Darren to do the same part time when he was sick, but our studio is not really livable in the winter as it's currently configured, and it doesn't feel like kicking a 15 year old to her own apartment was the fair or right or just thing to do. 

 

So naturally when she tested super faint on Sunday and then finally negative on Monday, I was rejoicing when she finally went back to school today, Tuesday. I slept in. I lazed around in my pajamas and did my work on the couch while watching the Murdaugh Murder Trial on YouTube at 1.5x speed. I took care of my overgrown eyebrows that I can only take care of with the sunlight in a shared room. After doing some work, I went on a drive to La Jolla Cove and spent some time with the sea lions, the pelicans, and the cormorants. I popped by Children's Pool to see the 14 seal pups that have been born so far this season. I stopped to pick up creamed spinach at Boston Market because I had a craving. I went to the Zoo and caught Denny for a couple minutes before he went in, then spent some time at the orangs and some time in Parker Aviary. I picked up some rib roast on the way home. We cooked the meat and garlic bread and mashed potatoes and vegetables and we had a lovely Valentine's Dinner together at home. And I have a table full of flowers from Darren's new job. And the kid went to school and to The Center and came home beaming that she is once again part of the world. It felt nice to feel normal again.  

Happy Valentine's Day! Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 9-Wednesday, February 15, 2023: Unsane | SUUNS | Whistle Stop Anniversary | The Stone Foxes | Jungle Brothers | The Detroit Cobras | "A Dolly Parton Valentine's Day" | Devotchka | Early James |

I feel like I'm so behind in life right now. I basically lost the whole weekend by being sick -- just a cold, not COVID -- and I haven't really caught back up, but I wanted to make sure listings were up for the week while I catch up on Murdaugh Murder trial coverage. I did handle some stuff this week -- like a big overdue Costco run on Monday, and finally dealing with my renewed license that never came in the mail back in September. After surviving the DMV, I rewarded myself with a full zoo day, and Wednesday I caught my niece's soccer game at Nova's high school (though Nova is still faintly C+, so she's still isolating.) Darren has been working a ton and with Valentine's Day coming up, he's gonna be super busy next week, too. I love his new job because he's always bringing home flowers and houseplants that need a little TLC. We had date night this week and caught the John Early comedy late show at the Casbah on Tuesday and that was a blast though made for a slightly painful Wednesday after a bit too much whiskey. 

Obviously Sunday is the big game, so I'm trying to decide if I should tag along with Darren to Safari Park, do maybe a combo day of the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, maybe do a hike or hang out at La Jolla Cove, or actually just veg on the couch and watch the game, which, in comparison to the other things, sounds like a dreadful idea. 

I hope everyone has a SUPER awesome week. Stay safe out there. 

COVID-19: Happy To Be Boosted | State of the Union | Devastating Earthquake in Turkiye, Syria | GRAMMY Winners | Fossil Fuel Record Profits |

Happy 3rd Birthday, Amahle!! (Taken 1.23.23)

I guess I should get a normal post out before the listings for the week publish, even though this has last week's COVID data and the new data will be out today anyway. I'm still completely consumed with the Murdaugh Murders trial, and I've been listening and/or watching on YouTube pretty constantly for the past couple weeks. It is obvious to me that Alex is guilty, but I don't know that the prosecution is doing a very good job presenting the information to the jury. It will be a goddamn shame if he walks on these charges, though he'll still be locked up for his financial crimes anyway. 

As for other news this week, I thought Joe did a great job with the State of the Union, at least the 75% or so that I watched before we went to the Casbah on Tuesday night, and the death toll of the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria and the region is now in excess of 15,000 which is absolutely devastating. 

You know I've been following the HPAI -- the bird flu -- and while there are some people freaking out on Twitter about it jumping species, at least locally it sounds like maybe things are getting better. The Safari Park has begun to put some of its birds back in their public accessible habitats, including Max, the talkative Salmon-Crested Cockatoo. I hope that means good news worldwide, but that remains to be seen. Just know when egg prices drop, I'm gonna be farty mcfartypants with all the eggs I'll be deviling and egg salads I'll be shoving down my gullet. 

Hope everyone is doing well. Stay safe out there. 

Things To Do In San Diego: Thursday, February 2-Wednesday, February 8, 2023: Deb Talan of The Weepies | Save Ferris | Dune Rats | RJD2 | Nick Hakim | Tiltwheel | Loudon Wainwright III | Margo Price | Matt Heckler | Ottmar Liebert |

Well, here are the listings. And these ones go through Wednesday since it feels a little easier to get them done on Wednesday nights when Darren has a work day than when he's off and we both want to run errands or do stuff or go to Nova's pep band basketball games and whatnot. 

There were some serious show announcements this week but I'm realizing that it is harder and harder to plan for shows too far in advance so I just go to what I can when I can. And I'm certainly not dropping three-hundo for my family to see boygenius and Clairo especially at a field/park when we've already had the privilege of seeing both in far more intimate settings. I'm sure we'll get over it. Maybe we'll hike the San Diego River Garden and listen from afar. 

What I really want to share is that our pal Cynthia from the Casbah has recently had surgery for cancer. She's been really private about it, but Casbah staff and friends are trying to get the word out to help her during her recovery. If you've been to the Casbah or Soda Bar in the past few years, you've probably been served by this amazing woman. If you can help in any small way, please donate here. 

Stay safe out there. 

• February is MUSEUM MONTH (Get half price admission at select museums. Download a FREE Digital Pass HERE.)
• February is FREE SENIORS ADMISSION at San Diego Zoo Safari Park:
• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park invites guests ages 65 and older to visit for free throughout the entire month of February. During Seniors Free month, seniors may present their valid photo ID upon arrival and gain free admission to the Safari Park, where they can explore expansive habitats and connect with wildlife. The Safari Park’s 1,800 acres are home to vital conservation efforts—with more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species, and a botanical collection of more than 1.75 million plants—offering remarkable educational opportunities and fun for the whole family. By visiting the Safari Park, guests help support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in its mission to save wildlife worldwide and help create a world where all life thrives. The Seniors Free offer is valid only at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and only for the month of February; parking not included.
• AEG Announced the Re:SET Concert Series will be coming to Thrive Park at Snapdragon Stadium. You can register for presale tickets where you'll find that tickets START at $99.50. VIP starting at $275. 
• Friday, June 2 with boygenius, Clairo, Dijon, Bartees Strange
• Saturday, June 3 with LCD Soundsystem, Jamie XX, IDLES, Big Freedia and more
• Sunday, June 4 with Steve Lacy, James Blake, Toro y Moi, Foushee 

CoViD-19: Annual Bivalent Boosters | Emergency Declarations Ending | More Talk No Walk On Guns | Murdaugh Murder Trial |

Sweet Kaja (Taken 1.29.23)

I'm not gonna lie, I've been obsessed with the Murdaugh Saga since I discovered Mandy Matney's podcast a while back and have been following the family drama since sometime in the late summer of 2021, before Alex allegedly murdered his wife and son, and now Alex Murdaugh is in the midst of his double homicide trial so now I'm watching far too much YouTube, including Emily D Baker's channel and this fun one Gossip, Rumor, and Innuendo. It's all very dark and morbid but it's infinitely fascinating. If you have good links, please let me know!! 

This is kind of an incomplete post, but since Thursdays are reporting days, I thought I should get last week's COVID numbers up, at least locally and statewide, before they all completely disappear on us, and at least there are some links of why most of these numbers don't really reflect reality anyway. We've been pretty good over here, testing when we need to and masking when appropriate and when I say I'm not feeling great, it's generally lady problems and I'm actually fine, I just get a little knocked down at that particular time of the month, every month, until one day I'll age out of the cycle and have all kinds of new stuff to complain about. 

The past week was a good one overall. I do the Zoo nearly daily, we went to Nova's high school's basketball game to hear her in pep band on Wednesday, I went to the media night of Beyond King Tut with my sister on Thursday, I got in a couple hours at the Zoo and then Sea World on Friday, a full day at Safari Park on Saturday where I got to ride two of Darren's guided tours back to back (you can watch one of them here), and then did a full Zoo day on Sunday, getting to watch the drama unfold as Adira, the red panda, climbed out of her habitat. I've mentioned my issues with a particular photographer psycho at the Zoo and after some security incidents last week, rumor has it that it won't be a problem anymore, though I shouldn't say anything more about that until the smoke has cleared, but at least I don't have to be afraid of that situation or person for now. And now I'm watching recaps of today's Murdaugh court proceedings and will still get to bed at a normal, functional, human hour so I can have a productive Thursday. We're taking the van in for service so fingers crossed that doesn't break the bank. And I did full listings tonight...so those will post at 6am on Thursday.  

Stay safe out there.  

Things To Do In San Diego: Wednesday, February 1, 2023: Black Joe Lewis | The Wood Brothers | King Pari |

Black Joe Lewis at the Casbah (Taken 8.28.2016)

Okay, okay. I know. I'm supposed to do listings by Wednesday mornings, but the weekend kinda backed me up with my actual work and then I wasn't feeling 100% on Monday, even skipping the Zoo, and then Tuesday our little Jacaranda maybe ate a bee or got stung by one or both, which left him sick all day barfing all over the house and when he finally rested, we cozied up into the bed and I didn't get around to my actual work until the evening and then the listings needed to be done and I decided I didn't want to be up until 4am to do them. So I'll get to them. But for now, I'm just posting Wednesday. Sorry.