Blacks Beach isn't the easiest beach to find. If you Google "Blacks Beach," a number of unhelpful sites pop up with cryptic directions, faraway entrances, miles-long hikes, and no real address. But here's the easiest way to the somewhat secluded …

I'm on a mission this summer to visit San Diego beaches, especially the ones I've never been to. Here is the first one: Imperial Beach. When we visited, the beach was dotted with sunbathers, umbrellas, and kids playing. The vibe …

J.T. Rogers' Blood & Gifts- at the La Jolla Playhouse - evolves into an intricate saga about the Russia-Afghanistan War. Though Rogers presents the information clearly, I suggest reading the program notes first. They give a useful timeline for the …

“Guess what he just did? He broke the Olympic Trials Record of Steve Prefontaine. Is that destiny? [He] did it at Hayward field. He’s also an Oregon Duck. He also trains in Oregon and he beat Bernard Lagat for the …

The 5,000 meters Olympic Trial final is Thursday night at 7:15 for the women and 7:38 for the men. Local coverage is on NBC Sports Network at 9 pm. Most of us know how long it takes us to run …

Photo by Michael Parks Tonight and every Tuesday night from 6-9 p.m. at 34th and Adams is Tasty Truck Tuesday. The trucks tonight included Thai 1 On, Slow Cal BBQ, Pierogi Truck, Opera Caffe, Groggy’s Fat Sandwiches, and a couple …

Summer Immersion in yoga means consistency, guidance, and a set schedule for yoga practice. Sarah Clark, the immersion instructor states, "This 3-week course is a unique opportunity to dive deep into this ancient wisdom tradition, integrating the benefits of the …

A hundred years from now, students may study the movies of the past not for the plot or techniques but to comb the backgrounds for details from the period. We probably have no idea what they'll find important: technology, density …

I started practicing yoga about a year ago and have yet to master the Crow's Pose. The pose, or asana in Sanskrit, strengthens the arms, wrists, abdominal muscles, and opens the groins and upper back. The pose requires that the …

The premise of the world premiere musical sounds formulaic: gay men gather on Monday nights to sing choral music and find respite from their rural neighbors. And the story's slow to take shape, since Anna K. Jacobs (music) and Bill …

John Patrick Shanley's 1990 movie script has a Scrooge-like, shocked into living arc. Joe Banks drags through his days under harsh fluorescent lights as an "advertising librarian." His only signs of life are aches and pains. Hypochondria? Maybe not. A …

Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga (3301 Adams Ave) celebrates summer with 108 Sun Salutations, a challenging and exhilarating 2-hour class in which students and teachers join together to complete a foundational yoga sequence that takes a mind-body approach in order …

If 10K, 6.2 miles, isn’t far enough for you to run on the 4th, there is the 15K on Coronado. 15K is about 9.3 miles. It is one of those gap distances. The typical progression for a recreational yet serious …

It is quiet. It took me a while to figure out Lake Miramar’s chief virtue as a destination to run or cycle. It’s quiet. The lake is maintained by the San Diego Water Utility—not the parks. There is no swimming …

On Saturday, July 7 at 9:30 a.m. Shauna McKay teaches Yoga for Runners, a therapeutic hatha yoga class for runners who suffer from tight, contracted muscles. The class is designed to open up these tight muscles to promote health and …

On June 24th the San Diego Polo Club will be hosting Chukkers for Charity, a fundraiser for Prince Harry’s pet foundation, Sentebale. A match of Polo, referred to as the Sport of Kings, is divided into six periods called chukkers. …

Artist and architect James Hubbell creates free flowing, sloping, sky soaring structures integrated into their natural surroundings and infused with mosaics, wrought metal, carved wood, stained glass, shells and gemstones. Shelter Island’s Pacific Portal Gazebo and Trellis and its Pacific …

Tonight from 5 to 7 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego opens both of its locations--downtown and La Jolla--to the public for free. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/21/26615/ The museum downtown (1100 & 1001 Kettner Blvd) debuts Ai Wei Wei's zodiac heads, and …

In January, I saw my brother's band Wild Moth play at I Promise, a benefit festival to keep Che Cafe Collective (9500 Gilman Dr), a student-run community space, afloat. Located on the UCSD campus, the cafe's aesthetic is entirely different …

The tents had been erected on twenty acres at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale for the month long Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire’s fiftieth year Golden Jubilee celebration. More than 13 stages offered entertainment from around the world--labeled …

The first running event I participated in at the start of my mid-age comeback, was the Old Pros 4th of July 10K around Lake Miramar. At the time, the dam was closed as a precaution against terrorists and the Old …

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge (1030 Broadway Ave) celebrates summer with a live comedy hour at happy hour on Saturday, June 30. DJs Adam Salter and Gabe Vega will also spin. This contemporary rustic lounge boasts a selection of over 25 …

San Diego has become synonymous with microbrew, but I doubt that Japanese brew is the first thought conjured. However, the annual Beer and Sake Festival sponsored by the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana is a beer tasting event …

Six years ago Brian Salmon moved to Sacramento. He was on to new adventures and - owing to several negative experiences - told friends he would quit acting forever. "Thoughts of acting never leave you. I was a season subscriber …

Commune is a local arts advocacy program that supports artists, designers, and musicians who "stand against [tobacco] corporations and their presence in the scene." Commune partners with local musicians and DJs for monthly events every last Wednesday of the month, …

Through this weekend, Brian Salmon plays Sidney Cochran in California Suite at Scripps Ranch. For over a decade he was one of San Diego's "name" actors. Audiences went to see him perform. Six years ago, Brian left San Diego, changed …

An actress asked Anton Chekov if he could make her an artist. "Yes I can," said the great Russian writer, "but first I must break your heart." In Katori Hall's "play with blues music," Toulou wants to sing the blues. …

Next Tuesday and every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Whistle Stop (2236 Fern St) hosts Friends Chill, where people can enjoy games like Battleship, Uno, Scrabble, Boggle, and Jenga. Whistle Stop also has pool, darts, and mellow tunes …

Yes, Lance is being investigated for blood doping but what is blood doping? The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) defines it as, “the use of products that enhance the uptake, transport, or delivery of oxygen to the blood.” The term “blood …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/14/26237/ On Thursday, June 21, The Little Yoga Studio (702 Ash St.) celebrates the beginning of summer with a two-hour yoga class led by Merrin Muxlow, a yoga instructor since 2008, and whose motto in yoga is "Do your practice …

The US anti-doping agency (USADA) is going after the doctors. It has “charged” three doctors with possession, trafficking, assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, covering up, attempted administration and the administration of doping materials and methods. The USADA has no authority to …

The theme for June's VAMP (video, art, music, performance) showcase is "The Open Road": "...for some traveling’s a way of solving emotional problems with geographic solutions. Travel tales dominate our June VAMP Showcase every which way but backwards." http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/13/26179/ The …

What guy doesn't like long walks on the beach just after getting an awesome "mani" and "pedi" from one of San Diego's many fine salons? And, what guy doesn't enjoy picking up fresh fruit and smelly cheese from one of …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/13/26216/ Ghost stories are among the oldest fictions ever told, predating the written word, and what Hollywood icon has spun off more flights of fiction (and purported/distorted “biographies”) than the most storied and serenaded candle in the wind ever to …

“The fruits of the some 80 wineries tucked amid the lush hills between Tecate and Ensenada have inspired oenophiles from near and far to brand the Guadalupe Valley as Mexico’s Napa,” writes Turista Libre rad tours guide Derrik Chinn. Tickets …

So Say We All, a nonprofit arts organization, hosts Long Story Short, "a populist platform available to the entire community by inviting anyone, and we mean anyone, to join us and tell a five-minute or less story, without notes, on …

East Village craft cocktail lounge El Dorado is celebrating the release of their summer menu on Tuesday, June 19 with $5 drinks all night, free Frito pies, and live music from local jazz outfit Bully, Kid Wonder, and DJ All …

Caballo Blanco’s body was found on March 31st in New Mexico’s Gila National Forrest. When Caballo disappeared, several friends and admirers flocked to New Mexico to assist in the search. His body was found up a creek far from any …

The first day of summer falls on June 20, and with more hours of sunlight, there's time to bring the dog out to a few leash-free areas. Nate's Point Dog Park (2500 Balboa Dr) at the end of the Cabrillo …

It was too gorgeous of a day not to go! This was my third visit to the Leucadia Farmers’ Market. I was spoiled because my first two visits were with a friend who lives nearby, so we walked. As I …

It's called the Old House Fair (30th & Beech St). The free festival falls on Saturday, June 16 and celebrates the history of homes in South Park, and also offers 45-minute trolley tours for $5 , or $20 detailed tours …

"He musta thought his car had more guts, as he kept on tooting his horn. I'll show him that a Cadillac is not a car to scorn! Beep beep, beep beep, his horn went beep beep beep." (Lyrics from "Beep …

I never took a home ec class in high school. I also never learned how to sew beyond suturing a hole or refastening a button, which is why I'm going to learn how to really sew this summer. San Diego's …

Neil Simon set his 1968 comedy, Plaza Suite, at New York's Plaza Hotel. As if the Left Coast demanded equal time, Simon wrote California Suite (1976). In four one-acts, guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel unravel amid elegance. "Visitor from …

The 12th Annual Taste of Adams Avenue takes place on Sunday, June 24. This cuisine-centered, self-guided walking tour will cover North Park, Normal Heights, and Kensington. So far, the participants for this year include Kensington Cafe, Blue Boheme, Cantina Mayahuel, …

As predictable as June Gloom. Between the first and the fifteenth of this month, few local theaters open a new show. Then, as if a starter's pistol goes off, everyone does, and suddenly t'is the summer season. Here's a list …

“…I salute the air, the ocean and the land, Every day, at Sundown…” –Whitman On Friday, dozens of swimmers and triathletes descended on La Jolla Cove to salute the ocean. The conditions were favorable with the swell having diminished from …

You've probably seen a dog on a surfboard in a viral Youtube clip, or maybe you've seen a dog surf at the Mission Bay Dog Beach. On Saturday, June 16 at Dunes Park/Beach (700 Seacoast Dr) in Imperial Beach you …

The other night I passed Hipcooks (4048 30th St) in North Park. It looked like a clean, well lighted space, and a small group of aproned people had gathered around a table to listen to instructions. I actually thought, I …

Today, June 8, is World Oceans Day. To celebrate, Rubio's, a restaurant which owes a measure of its success to both oceans and beaches, is hosting a beach clean-up party tomorrow, June 9, at South Cardiff State Beach from 11:30 …

Have you ever been at the gym and found yourself re-racking 315lbs of plates before you can use the squat rack? Have you gone to the open area usually reserved for stretching or abs only to find it covered with …

On Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, Taste of Gaslamp showcases chefs and Gaslamp restaurants. Taste of Gaslamp is a self-guided culinary walking tour hosted by the Gaslamp Quarter Association. This year's participants will include Cafe Sevilla, Nobu Restaurant, …

Speaking of summer movie nights, The Lafayette Hotel (2223 El Cajon Blvd, University Heights) kicks off a poolside series starring beach party icons Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Entry is $3 per person, $5 for …

About a year and a half ago, I saw the work of a man named Andrea Rushing on the walls at Queen Bee’s in North Park. I loved the elements of fantasy and mysticism in his paintings, and I put …

Stone Brewing Company (1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido) kicks off their summer movie series tonight with a showing of The Big Lebowski at 8:30 p.m. The brewery invites you to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets every Wednesday evening this …

The very first drive-in theater opened 79 years ago today (see my "Selected Timeline" after the article for details). If you checkout the Google homepage today, there's a great cartoon graphic - click the theater ticket to watch a cool …

In an early post we explored a few verses of the Bhagavad Gita. In those verses we learned that we have a right to do work but not a right to the results of our work. http://bit.ly/KsKVLR What if we …

It's easy to assume that plays - and novels, for that matter - begin with some grand idea. But many grow not from the intellect but with a tap on the shoulder: an image or a vague mood the author …

The 4th Annual Doggie Street Festival takes place this Sunday, June 10. The San Diego Humane Society & SPCA deemed the festival "the largest and best publicized adopter's event." The festival presents speakers, pet professionals, vets, and also provides a …

Don't look directly up with your bare eyes! But if you can (pinhole camera, perhaps?) find a way to look, or check all the photos appearing on your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook feeds right now of Venus making its way …

Non-mainstream sporting championships happen in a relative vacuum compared to, say, the Super Bowl or the World Series. Because of this, there's very little hype surrounding something like the United States Tennis Association National Open Hard Court Championships, which are …

What about my friend who ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll without training? I should make it clear that while my friend didn’t train for a marathon, this is a person who does three miles a few times a week and …

This past Sunday, Jeanne Kelley, author of Salad for Dinner: Complete Meals for All Seasons, signed copies of her new book for guests in the third installation of Good Earth/Great Cooks at Del Mar’s Chino Farm. Milane Christiansen of Vintage …

According to several major media sources, US drone strikes have increased in Pakistan over the weekend: 3 strikes in 3 consecutive days (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Pakistan, a member of The Nuclear Club, has been publicly demanding an end to …

We were supposed to go over what it means to “lean into” a hill but I got distracted. Here it is. There’s only one difference between a hill and flat ground. That difference is the way we interact with gravity. …

I first heard Cocorosie in someone's college dorm room in Chicago, and it was winter and frozen outside. When "Hairnet Paradise" came on, I couldn't really identify the instruments and I watched all of the available Cocorosie videos, and stepped …

Last week was the kick-off race for Cortez Racing Association's and Silver Gate Yacht Club's 33rd annual San Diego Bay Beer Can Series, and I was fortunate enough to be right smack dab in the middle of it. I was …

My phone gave me a text alert. “I have some news but you have to promise to be positive.” “I promise.” “I’m running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon tomorrow!” “Awesome! You’re in for an experience. Isn’t it sold out?” “Ya …

Dee Dee Windom may have been a "slut of Olympic proportions," but like Hyman Roth in Godfather II, she always made money for her partners. Back in the 50s, she handled the famous and not so famous movie stars. All …

The San Diego Museum of Art usually hosts themed shows based on one of the traveling exhibitions for its summer Culture & Cocktails event, but this summer the Museum focuses on its permanent collection. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/may/31/25384/ At the event, customized drinks …

Eight high school surf teams across the county are looking for a good, clean break... tomorrow at the first High School Surf Showdown at Seaside Reef in Cardiff. The contest, presented by Carlsbad-based eyewear brand Spy Optic and Sun Diego …

The guys from S10 Fitness are giving a free boot camp session tomorrow, Saturday the 2nd at 9:00 am. The location is Dusty Rhodes Park in OB. Yes, this was my near puke experience. I can’t recommend it enough — …