San Diego Reader

1 day ago | sandiegoreader.com | Dryw Keltz

Local bands Pleasure Pill and Benches spent two weeks performing together on a tour that stretched from the Pacific Northwest to the mountain states before returning to southern California for a performance at Little Italy’s Music Box. The evening got off to a great start when I stumbled upon an open meter spot on Ash Street about five blocks east of the club. Reader, please cherish these days of free parking after 6 pm while you can: extended parking meter enforcement hours may be on the horizon.

3 days ago | sandiegoreader.com | Mike Madriaga

On June 1, two men walked into Junot Ignacio's family toy store in Escondido and stole a rare Labubu doll—similar ones currently selling online for more than $1,000. The plush in question, a Labubu x Pronounce – Wings of Fantasy edition dressed in dark denim and purple sunglasses, is part of the latest blind-box craze captivating toy collectors across San Diego and beyond.

3 days ago | sandiegoreader.com | Sheila Pell

Tucked into Carlsbad’s budget approved last week is funding to replace synthetic turf fields. Yet another goal for next year is ramping up the city’s sustainability efforts. And those two things are at odds. Fake grass, once lauded as a drought fix, is increasingly scrutinized for its environmental and health impacts.

1 week ago | sandiegoreader.com | Matthew Lickona

Latine laugher must close this weekend You can learn a lot about Gloria Calderón Kellett’s One of the Good Ones from this publicity photo taken by Rich Soublet II. The fellow at the door looks like a clueless gringo who thought it would be a good idea to bring a Mexican piñata as a present for his first visit to his Latine girlfriend’s parents.

1 week ago | sandiegoreader.com | Spike Steffenhagen

Tinkersmith brings a little darkness into a sunny lunch hour “Fuck kale.” I declare to Cari Veach, the hostess at Nate’s Garden Grill on Euclid in San Diego. It seems that I’ve been unable or unwilling to let go of my grudge toward this “superfood” ever since the McDonald’s in Anaheim offered it in a laughable attempt to appear more health conscious. They didn’t fool me then, and I’m not going to start eating that shit now — on principle.