It's a very festive weekend preview we have for you - holiday gift making, shopping, cooking, and general merry making.
Guests:
Maya Kroth is the editor of Where San Diego and Performances magazines.
Marty Wollesen is the artistic director of ArtPower! at UC San Diego.
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This is a rush transcript created by a contractor for KPBS to improve accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Please refer to the media file as the formal record of this interview. Opinions expressed by guests during interviews reflect the guest’s individual views and do not necessarily represent those of KPBS staff, members or its sponsors.
From an old timy bike ride to holiday gift making, from fantasy on ice to your own hand painted Rumanian egg owner apts. That's something for everyone to make a few holiday memories around San Diego this weekend. I'd like to welcome my guests, Maya Kroth is the editor of Where, San Diego, and Performances Magazine. Maya, good morning.
KROTH: Hi, Maureen.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And Marty Wollesen is the artistic director of art power at UC San Diego. Marty, hello.
WOLLESEN: Hi, great to be here.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Welcome back. Let's start with you, Maya, this is just an enormously fun event. The second annual 2003ed ride is happening this weekend. What is that?
KROTH: I'm so excited about this. It's a [CHECK AUDIO] old fashionedy apparel, the idea is just to show up looking dapper and prove that you don't have to wear Spandex and neon bike shorts and a ridiculous looking helmet in order to be a bicyclist. Bicycling is for everyone.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: It's like you just rode in from saint Maried me with Agatha Christi on your handle bars.
KROTH: Yeah, I'm looking forward to see if anyone shows up with a penny farthing.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, you'll have to let us know what that is. [CHECK AUDIO].
KROTH: Well, it's kind of a cult favorite bike shop in south park. Among the -- a different kind of cyclist, kind of these cyclists that aren't really into the lycra and Spandex. [CHECK AUDIO] older bikes from, like, the '70s and '80s back when the craftsmanship was different. So a great the place.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: So how long is this 2003ed ride.
KROTH: It's going to be a leisurely 7 or eight miles. It's open to all skill levels, not too hilly.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: So that's nice. But isn't it supposed to be hot this weekend.
KROTH: You know, it said 70 on my -- so that's about the right temperature for a bike ride, but you know, you're not gonna be sweating. You're not gonna be going uphill.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: You are gonna be in 2003ed though.
KROTH: Yes, but you're gonna be going more at the pace that's more leisurely and more fitting to the lifestyle.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: So any suggestions on where to get yourself some clogs for this, some cheap 2003ed.
KROTH: I went over to the thrift stores yesterday, and it was so funny, I was downtown, and I saw a girl grab of [CHECK AUDIO] and rush into the dressing room. So I have a feeling it's gonna be a well attended 2003ed ride.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Well, the tweed ride starts at [CHECK AUDIO] your cocktails?
WOLLESEN: There would be no point otherwise. Of course you do, of course you do.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And how much does this cost?
WOLLESEN: Well, the cost is $40 for a couple, and from my point of view, sadly, you end up paying more if you're single. [CHECK AUDIO].
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: When you leave.
WOLLESEN: Exactly. But of course you do have to be 21 and up.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Okay. Sidebar hosts their mixology class tonight. And I just want to put a postscript on our tweed ride, a caller called in and said that kids and helmets are very important. So maybe you can find a funny helmet that's tweed but also protects your head. How's that?
KROTH: There are some really cute helmets out there that don't look like something out of alien.
WOLLESEN: And yet they still do the job.
KROTH: Yes, I have one myself.
THE COURT: Okay. Let's move on to holiday night on Adams, Maya. A little holiday gathering on Adams avenue this Saturday. Of tell us more about it.
KROTH: It's just a little holiday walk about type of thing, up in those neighborhoods of normal heights and Kensington. [CHECK AUDIO] just sort of a night out in the neighborhood.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: I see. And so what businesses are gonna be involved?
KROTH: Some of the businesses that I checked out that are having some special programming include blind lady ale house, that very popular gourmet pizza place, they're gonna be showcasing some holiday and winter ales, [CHECK AUDIO] and there will be free mini piñata decoration and Mexican cookies at a Mexican themed gallery called back to Timbuktu.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: [CHECK AUDIO].
KROTH: Kensington as I understand recently got its sign back of it was down for a little while I think for repairs but it's back, and they're also gonna be doing a tree lighting at 5:00 PM to kickoff this whole event of they're actually gonna be lighting a pine tree, that's situated right there on the corner, so they're not cutting down a tree, but using what they already have.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And it coincides with the tweed ride?
KROTH: You know, I thought it did, but it doesn't of it's just a convenient place to go after the tweed ride. Biking distance.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Specimen will be setting up a temporary shop at the new children's museum, and Marty, we've talked a little bit about specimen before, but tell us a little bit more about this holiday sale and the kinds of things that specimen offers to the public.
WOLLESEN: Yeah, I just love specimen, it's an amazing amazing on line store and it sells arts and curiosity. And the art itself is contemporary, but the [CHECK AUDIO] but not always, and the specimen's creator, mark Quint, is the owner of the Quint contemporary art gallery here in San Diego. And he really sort of etch searches out unique finds that sort of deserve a [CHECK AUDIO] and sort of a great home for the holidays. And so specimen will be setting up a shop at the children's museum with some really fantastic things.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, I checked out specimen's website, and really, I mean, it just is the definition of eclectic. You have a bone pipe.
WOLLESEN: Yeah.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: A pipe made out of a bone. I didn't know if it was a human bone. I didn't look. But Beatles cards, all sorts of things like that.
WOLLESEN: Yeah, it's a great on line curiosity shop.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And so when you go to the children's museum, dun what kinds of toys they may be selling?
WOLLESEN: Yeah, you know, they decided to create a little theme around this holiday sale. And it's -- the theme is up, down, round and round. And so the toys that they're gonna be looking at are things that never go out of style. Things like yo-yos, kites, and the great old hulla hoop. [CHECK AUDIO] and I think these toys are probably for someone who really wants -- you know the toy stores are really for somebody who wants something shiny and new, and I think this will be more about tradition and toys that kind of interact and kids can create with.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Right. That have some history behind them.
WOLLESEN: Right, right.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: What's the price range? Are these sort of trendy, pricey kind of things?
WOLLESEN: Well, I think this'll be a pretty big range. But there'll be some pretty affordable things for all folks. Of they have both large and small toys but you'll also have the chance to buy something special and precious and artful, not something that has a short shelf-.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Well, Specimen sets up [CHECK AUDIO] this Saturday and they'll be there through Decemberh. Now we're talking cookies, Maya.
WOLLESEN: Yum.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: There's a holiday cooking class at sea rocket bistro on Sunday. Tell us about it.
KROTH: Well, it's just like it sounds issue it's a chance to learn some new res fees for holiday cookies, in a hands on cooking class. . And personally, I don't know, I think this is a great holiday gift. Just bake several batches of cookies and you give half I dozen to some people that maybe you might not otherwise think to buy for, just a nice little gesture. It's a great gift, it's very much appreciated?
A. We had a popular show all about baking and cookies for the holidays, and I am prime. So what kind of treats will guests to this cookie class, what will they learn how to make.
KROTH: The menu looks pretty scrumptious to me. [CHECK AUDIO] candied cherries, pecans, sprinkles, or coconut.
WOLLESEN: Does it have to be a choice, Maya?
KROTH: Put them all on there! There's mixed up [CHECK AUDIO] flourless nutelea and chocolate chip.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: That's the one that caught my eye stereo.
WOLLESEN: I just want to know which ones you're gonna be making for me.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, can you tell us a little bit about sea rocket bistro and the chef leading this class?
KROTH: Sea rocket bistro is a fantastic little restaurant in Northpark that's part of that whole ethical eating movement that's taking over the dining scene. They try to source from farmers ask ranchers and firer men, a lot of them hole to San Diego, all of them sustainable products and down to the craft beer, which is also local. And chef Jen is -- so she's gonna be making a swing through sea rocket this weekend.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now how much does this class cost and how much do you get to take home with you.
KROTH: The class is $45 per person, and yes, you do get to take your cookies home. I don't know the exact amounts. But you do get the recipes so you can replicate them at home in in however many numbers you want.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Do you need to reserve a spot in this class.
KROTH: Yeah, they do ask that you make a reservation, and all of the contact information is on sea rocket bistroo website.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Any other holiday cooking classes that we should know about?
KROTH: Yeah, up in North County, San Marcos is another holiday cooking class at Alchemy of the Hearth. And down here in central San Diego, great news in Pacific beach it's gonna be doing a couple different holiday themed classes. One is all about festive breads. So you can learn how to make sticky pudding and things like that, sticky buns. And then a holiday chocolate class. So chocolate peppermint cheese cake and dishes things like that.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Chocolate and sticky buns. All right. Chef gen of sea rocket bistro hosts a holiday [CHECK AUDIO] and you don't want to bake them, you can go to the min gay international museum, right Marty?
WOLLESEN: That's exactly right.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: What are they gonna be making? [CHECK AUDIO].
WOLLESEN: It's part of the ming a's folk arts -- [CHECK AUDIO] folks are gonna get a chance to make things that are very unique. Reverse glass paintings, [CHECK AUDIO] that was popular for painting icons during the Byzantine empire. But in fact, they'll be working with one of the exhibits there to learn from the art and reflect from the art. So really interesting, great fun different stuff.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Ask you can go on their website, these ornaments, just what they're copied from, at least are just gorgeous.
WOLLESEN: Stunning and huge detail, and the great thing about this is that folks will have an opportunity to see these painted eggs and use those as examples to work from and be inspired pie them.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, one of the guitars is influenced by designer Zandra Rhodes, and she was a guest on These Days earlier this year. She's quite a purpose at. What kind of gifts are inspired by Zandra Rhodes?
WOLLESEN: She's so terrific. She's a British textile and costume designer and has lived in San Diego for many years, and is internationally renowned for her work. And there will be an exhibit of her work on textiles, and so folks are gonna actually be able to make cards and little purposes reflected from textiles.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: From the textiles, those wonderful patterns.
WOLLESEN: Yeah, the Designs and patterns. So it's just a wonderful opportunity to see this art around you and use that to inspire you.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: So are these gifts representative the current exhibits up AT&T hang a?
WOLLESEN: Yeah, like I said, the exhibit for Zandra Rhodes is up now, and that's sort of a display of her work and her love of textile. There's an exhibit of RUmania, so again, folks will be able to use that as inspiration for their egg making. Then there's a great exhibit called viva Mexico, heroes and artisans, so they're gonna be using some of the designs and artistic work there as inspiration for the reverse painting of the.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, if you go to the min gay to make holiday gifts, can the guests make more than one gift? U. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So this studio is really giving you the opportunity to explore in a very wide range of sort of artistic styles, and you know, arts from different times and cultures. It's really, I think, a very exciting workshop.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And how much -- how much is admission?
WOLLESEN: Well, it's actually very afford annual. It's $12 for members, and $15 for nonmembers. And that includes the materials for making these gifts.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Okay, the folk art studio of the ming gay [CHECK AUDIO] lots of things going on this weekend. Now, let's go to the arts and trees, Maya. What is it?
KROTH: Arts and trees. It's a crafting bazaar that's happening in Tijuana. And this is one event that I think is worth crossing the border for. It's a shopping event, basically, where small, independent vendors are gonna be selling all kinds of sort of easily giftable things from art to clothing to music. And you know, the shopping in Tijuana has really evolved. It's not just shot glasses and Ponchos anymore. The DIY movement is really strong down there. A lot of handmade items, handmade silk screen T-shirts, [CHECK AUDIO] really remarkable craftsmanship.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: So the kinds of vendors you're saying include what? Toys and clothing? Tell us what we might be able to see.
KROTH: Well, I don't know exactly which vendors will be down there. But I did go down to Tijuana last weekend for a little shopping tour. And yeah, some of the shops that I saw had really interesting things. I bought a scarf, really beautiful that probably up here would be double the cost. And it's handmade and you're supporting I local up and coming Tijuana business person. So yeah, [CHECK AUDIO].
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: That was my next question. Of so it is affordable shopping.
KROTH: Yeah, I would imagine, I mean, even the things down there that do cost a lot bit more are still probably a better bargain than what you're gonna get north of the border.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: I wonder, is there sort of a cell bratory thing, can people do other things besides shop.
KROTH: Yeah, it's very much a to do. So maybe if it's not in your budget to shop or you're not a shopper, there's also gonna be music, food and wine, and art exhibitions, stuff like that.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And where precisely is this located.
KROTH: It's going on in downtown Tijuana at the very happening sixth street. [CHECK AUDIO] so if you know, you know, from maybe your older days in the 90s, going down to Tijuana, you remember how to get to revolution, you just meander your way down to sixth street, and you're practically this.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Well, thank you, and Marty, our last event, fantasy on ice skating risk. . Now, that's been open for a few weeks in Horton square, tell us exactly where this is.
WOLLESEN: Well, it's right downtown in Horton Plaza, and I think that's called Broadway square there. [CHECK AUDIO] outside in the warm sunshine, and indulge in your, you know, ice skating fantasies.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Are there any --
WOLLESEN: Which I do.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Are there any special events?
WOLLESEN: Yeah, they have had a number of special events already. The skating is happening every Sunday from 10 to 730, and they've done things like tree heightings and skating demonstrations. But they're also -- the risk is available for holiday parties.
THE COURT: Oh, you can rent it out?
WOLLESEN: Yeah, so it's just a fun way to free skate, do your triple sow cow and --
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Do your triple sow cow.
WOLLESEN: Exactly. I don't think anybody would want to see that.
KROTH: What if you take a spill though? Do you wind up on television?
WOLLESEN: That's very possible. At least YouTube.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, is the ice risk partnering with children's hospital?
WOLLESEN: Yeah, such a great thing. Fantasy on ice helps increase awareness about the children's hospital. And the proceeds help support some of the psychosocial [CHECK AUDIO] and oncology care for example. And a number of other programs. So it's a great thing that they're doing there.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, Marty, it sounds like you really take advantage of the fantasy on the ice risk.
WOLLESEN: Probably too much.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, when I've been in Horton plaza and even shopping andive looked down at the risk, it always seems to be pretty empty. Are there times when it gets more crowded?
WOLLESEN: Yeah, I think, you know, as the season -- as we get closer to Christmas, I think people come out more and more. And I think it's a little bit surprising I think for people in San Diego to think that there is an ice risk here.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And they don't realize it.
WOLLESEN: Exactly.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Ah, I see.
WOLLESEN: And you know, most ice risks are usually in doors, and this is an out door one. I think as people begin their intensive shopping, that'll happen.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Well, speaking of intensive shopping issue can gets still get validated for parking?
WOLLESEN: Well, there is validated parking, what do they call -- the validation units in the Horton Plaza plaza. Horton Plaza, so if you go to the parking lot there, you'll get three hours of validated parking. So you can park and skate you got it all made.
KROTH: If you can find your way through the parking lot.
WOLLESEN: Well, that's another issue all together.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Now, final he how much is it?
WOLLESEN: It's $14 for adults, 12 theres for kids. And it's running through January. It is closed on Christmas day.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: Okay.
WOLLESEN: And as I said, it's on Sundays.
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH: And sometimes there's not many people this, so remember, fantasy on ice outside of Horton.
WOLLESEN: So you can really explore your artistic skating talent.
