Congratulations to Monty for being voted by you as Commune’s Featured Local of the Month.

Ashley and I first came across Monty’s art when we stopped by, what used to be MESH in North Park. Monty was Commune’s featured artist back in March ’09 and if you have ever seen one of his pieces, you understand why we were so excited when he agreed to be a part of Commune. Monty’s art is colorful, bright, expressive and unquestionably Monty Montgomery. I met up with Monty to congratulate him and see what he has going on. (more…)

Career politicians sure have it rough. Press conferences, legislative meetings, big decisions and three-day, fully paid getaways to beachfront resorts – that takes some real dedication.

Republican lawmakers in California (and their aides) grew tired of the dismal Sacramento landscape a couple days ago and decided they needed a change of scenery. Being that the state’s economy isn’t in an ideal position, our politicians chose to sneak away to somewhere prudent, frugal and of course low profile: a luxury beach resort in Santa Barbara.

The three-day event allowed our treasured politicians to spend some much-needed solitude focusing on their tasks at hand. Of course, if they decided that they wanted a little bit of stimulation (you know, to get those legislative juices a-flowin’), they could always take part in the tour of the Ronald Reagan ranch, grab a $300 gift bag, enjoy a gourmet meal or indulge in a cocktail or 12…all of which was paid for by private companies.

Any guesses what type of companies would foot the bill for such a lavish event? You already know.

Among oil companies, casinos and various other slime balls with a political agenda, our good friends in big tobacco shoveled out big bucks to treat people who are already wealthy to a much needed escape from their luxurious, high profile lives. The two largest contributing companies were Chevron and Altria (Philip Morris USA).

When Senate Republican leader Dennis Hollingsworth was questioned by the LA Times about his involvement in the getaway, he declined to answer. Later, his spokesperson, Hector Barajas, informed The Times that “most” attendees actually paid for their own rooms. It was later discovered that these attendees used money from political contributions to pay for their vacay.

Maybe it’s just me but it strikes a very disturbing nerve to find out that this sort of flagrant bribery still works. It’s no secret that tobacco companies rely on lobbying to stay afloat but you’d think that both companies and politicians would have moved on to new methods by now. Instead, our politicians fall for the same tricks that worked 50 years ago. A suite, as many Tom Collins’ as your liver can process, free shell fish and a bag full of tchotchkes somehow STILL justifies allowing deadly products to line shelves.

Dan Merino, also known as Sex Mannequin is no stranger to the neighborhood.   I first met Dan a couple years ago at the Casbah and instantly knew he was a fun person to be around, but it wasn’t until I saw him dance to Maneater on vinyl in his living room, that I knew we would be friends. I was stoked to have Dan be a part of Commune last March and even more so that he won Commune Featured Local.  It was a close race between all three nominees, but Dan pulled ahead in the last couple of days of December and finished the month with 487 votes! I met up with Dan to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1. So, we have to know. Where did the name Sex Mannequin come from?

At the time I came up with Sex Mannequin I wanted to make a name that reflected my own social commentary on the act of promiscuity and that looked good on an iPod. I had just turned 21 and immersed myself into a hedonistic lifestyle. (more…)

It’s time to take 2009 and say sayonara, good riddance, hasta la vista and f off. I know for many of us 2009 was no walk in the park. Between wars, bar take over’s, Rhianna, Tiger the cheetah, Sarah Palin, and the economy; I think we’ve had enough. Excitement shudders over my body as I think about what 2010 has in store. Whatever it is it has to be better than ’09, in the very least we are one year closer to 2012, predicated to be the end of the world, but I really think it was a just an ok mega- budget flick.

If you’re like me and wait ‘til the last minute for everything including putting the final thoughts into this blog, then you haven’t quite solidified your NYE plans. Here is some local options that will make your New Year’s a night to remember.

• The W Hotel has done it right this year, and brought some local heavy hitters together for a night of ass-shaking fun. Gabe Vega, Adam Salter, and Mikey Beats are just some of the deck geniuses set to spin into the New Year. Tickets start at $50 and go up depending on room packages.

• Ken Club is rockin’ tonight.  You don’t want to miss No Bunny, The Atoms, Jungle Fever and the Kabbs.

• The Super El Camino in Little Italy, which by the way is my new favorite spot, (take care of my girl Jasmine she’ll take excellent care of you) will be featuring one of Commune’s favorite bands Buddy Akai. Along with The Office Twins, the native SD electro-rock band is sure to set your disco night off right with some glittery tunes. Been trying to get the skinny on prices, but I’ve been told between $10 and $20; not bad for the grand opening of South Park’s sister bar.

• Finally Corey Biggs will be spinning at The Fleetwood for what is sure to be a ballpark size party. Biggs is one of our favs out in the scene, and will assuredly bring some unique and sexy beats to your NYE.

From everyone here at Commune, we would like to wish you a safe and fantastic NYE. Remember to take your vitamins and drink lots of water, cause the 1^st of the month isn’t always like Bones’ Thug’s say it is.

Commune returns January 27^th at the Whistlestop. Hope to see you there!

With the holiday spirit ringing in the air, beer-belly Santa’s running rampant through malls and store entrances, rainy freeways, and ridiculous traffic with even more ridiculous drivers; now is the perfect time to stay close home and enjoy some of your favorite local artists.

Despite the despicable economy most everyone still feels the pinch to give back, if you are one of those kind-hearted souls check out our friends Mimi and Red at one of our fav spots El Dorado. Mimi and a sleuth of other local companies will be hosting the Holiday Toy Drive from 9p-12a at the East Village hang out. There’s no cover, just bring in an unwrapped toy of your choice (Super Soakers are a timeless pick) or $10 that will go towards buying new toys. When you buy for someone else, despite how empty your bank account is your heart will be full, especially with that corny metaphor.

All that giving really leaves my soul yearning for some inspiration… of the visual sense. Stop by 3795 30^th for Wish You Were Beer with art by Brian Clinebell and Taylor Johnson, (more…)

Jesus De Jesus aka DJ J Peso is a good friend of mine and one of my favorite local DJs.  With the most votes in Commune featured local history, I was excited to congratulate him on winning Commune’s featured local for December and find out what he has going on.

The name is a nickname my best friend Norm gave me when we lived in NY together.  I’m Dominican and our currency is pesos. When we would go out and pay for something I would say that’s x amount of pesos, even though they were dollars. So, that’s how the name came about.  When it came time to to pick a DJ name that was the default. Not a very exiting story, I know.

I can go about this for hours. Music is my outlet and the soundtrack of my life. I get inspired by all types of music like Jay-Z, CCR, Stevie, Dio, Cash, Chromeo, Black Keys, and the list keeps going, but, i’m a huge hip hop nerd. It’s my go to genre of music. It all started when I was about 11.  I walked into an HMV and I went straight to the hip hop section. I picked up A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders on cassette and put that tape in my walkman and was hooked.  I like DJing because I like seeing people have fun.  A couple of weeks ago I had this big crowd of people dancing. Every one looked like they were having so much fun.  I looked at the crowd and out of nowhere some dude pulled his pants down. No one even noticed! Now, that’s crowd control. For those few hours i’m up in the booth I’m having fun and so are they. That’s enough inspiration for me to DJ.

Last Wednesday Commune hit up the Soda Bar for it’s second pre-thanksgiving bash. We had another all-star lineup and couldn’t have asked for better company to party with.  Cats of Japan rocked the stage, DJ Groundfloor kept the party going, and Yonder Biology filled the walls with DNA portraits from people around San Diego.  Cash Crop Clothing was also there featuring their 100% organic and recycled clothing line.

Thanks to everyone who spent their pre-thanksgiving night with us.  Commune will be taking December off, but you can find us back at it in January at the Whistlestop.  It will be Commune’s 21^st event and Dan from Whistle’s last shift.  You definitely don’t want to miss it.

To see pictures from last Wednesday night’s event click on the events tab at the top of the page.

If you would like to be a part of Commune, please email me @ jointhecommune.com.