Congratulations to Jennie Hinkle, creator of Unstandard Deviations for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Jennie to congratulate her on winning and also to get the dirt on what she has going on.

1. How did you come up with the name Unstandard Deviations and what inspires your pieces?

My jewelry is unique and usually the first thing people say about it is, wow I’ve never seen anything like that. So I actually had a really hard time coming up with a name that I felt worked for my jewelry. I made lists, looked at synonyms, asked friends for opinions, etc. I knew I wanted it to be something that was unique, bold, and different. I wanted it be something that made people think. It needed to portray the nonconformity, and the “against the grain” quality that my jewelry carries along with it. I finally came up with “Unstandard Deviations” and the tag line “jewelry that defies the norm”. It stems from the statistical term “standard deviation” and how it relates to bell curves. Once I came up with the name, I knew there was no turning back.

2. Without giving away your secrets, what are your pieces made out of?

Most of my pieces are made from a material called polystyrene, a thermoplastic. This material allows me to make pretty much any image into a piece of jewelry (providing I have the legal right to use the image). I also use glass microscope slides on some pieces to encase collage images. All the chains I use are sterling silver and can be shiny or darkened according to personal preference. I want everyone to have something they feel represents them, so I am all about doing custom work as well as making that perfect piece for each and every person! I am also a silversmith, and at some point will be offering some of those creations on my Etsy store as well.

3. Where can people check out your stuff? (more…)

February 24^th brought us back to our favorite neighborhood spot in South Park, the Whistlestop. Not even the rain could keep people away from our all-star line-up of entertainment.  DJ Timothy Hines, who you may recognize from Lights On, broke out the vinyl for an eclectic set of tunes that kept our ears pleasantly surprised.  Long Live Logos took the floor for an impressive set featuring their retro inspired sound.  The three brothers and best friend rocked it out as fans bopped and swayed.  It was Danny’s (lead vocals) birthday too so we gave him his very own Commune limited edition artist designed tee.

Our artist for the evening was Robin Eisenberg who delighted our eyes with her detailed drawings and quirky sensibility.  Her anti-industry inspired tee and poster inspired much discussion about how the negative way tobacco companies see their customers and the ironies of their brand positioning.  Lucky for us Robin’s interpretation and sarcastic sense of humor about it resulted in two incredible designs we can’t wait to wear and share.

Out trunk show for the evening featured Fugaz bags aka the chicest clutches and shoulder bags Commune has ever had the delight of showing.  Ana Dolores Duenas and her Mom design and sew the one-of-a-kind pieces made from all recycled and re-used materials.  It’s no wonder that  at 20-35 bucks a pop these purses practically sold out by the end of the evening.  Were you lucky enough to get one?  I know I was.

Stay tuned for our next Commune Wednesday, March 31^st at Bar Pink.

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…)