BTC ISSUE 3 DEC

8-BALL
CHOCOLATE WHISKEY
MIND BODY SOUL
ESSENTIAL OILS w/ GUDI
HOLIDAY DRINKS
recipes FROM
SNAKE OIL COCKTAIL CO.
GIFT GIVING TIPS
from ELAINE
FEATURED
sweet treats
MOM’S PIE HOUSE & JULIAN PIE CO
SPIN RECORDS
LOUS RECORDS
WINTER IN CALI
SUN / SAND / MOUNTAINS!
WONDERFRONT x TONY HAWK x ERNIE HAHN
HOLIDAY
DECEMBER 2019

2

3

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www.backtocali.com
ISSUE 3 DEC 2019
TEAM
CEO & ADVERTISING
DAVID ADDY
advertising@backtocali.com
(858) 774-2625
CONTENT MANAGER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
CHRISTINE LUNDAY
features@backtocali.com
CONTRIBUTORS
MICHAEL DRENTEA
Michael@backtocali.com
Associate Editor
NICK BIANCO
Photographer + Writer
LUCIA VITI
Writer + Copy Editor
LAURIE SUTTON
Copy Editor
ROCIO GUZMAN
Photographer
STORE
LOCATIONS
ENCINITAS
509 S. COAST HWY 101
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
CARLSBAD VILLAGE
300 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DR. #107
CARLSBAD, CA 92008
THE SHOPPES @ CARLSBAD
2525 EL CAMINO REAL
CARLSBAD, CA 92008
Photographer: Cayla M Evans
Model: Jessi Edmunds
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WHAT’S INSIDE
COVER STORY : WONDERFRONT 2019
On the Cover : Ernie Hahn + Tony Hawk
Photo: Michael Drentea + Nick Bianco
PG 8 | WONDER ON THE WATERFRONT : Michael Drentea + Nick Bianco
PG 12 | WONDERFRONT MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL : Michael Drentea + Nick Bianco
PG 14 | SNAKE OIL COCKTAIL CO .
PG 16 | JULIAN PIE COMPANY : Michael Drentea
PG 17 | MOM’S PIE HOUSE : Michael Drentea
PG 18 | IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CALI : Michael Drentea + Nick Bianco
PG 19 | MIND BODY SOUL : HOLIDAY SCENTS : Gudi Rubbo
PG 20 | 8-BALL CHOCOLATE WHISKEY : Lucia Viti
PG 22 | ELAINE’S GIFT GIVING TIPS : Elaine Swann
PG 26 | LOUS RECORDS : Michael Drentea
PG 27 | SPIN RECORDS : Michael Drentea
SHOP IN STORE SHOP IN STORE SHOP IN STORE SHOP IN STORE
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O V E R $ 3 5
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Apparel - Souvenirs - Gifts
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Call: (858) 848-5509
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NEW LOCATION NEW DESIGNS COME SAY HI

Lil Baby
Photo: Michael Drentea
JID
Photo: Michael Drentea
SAN DIEGO, KNOWN FOR ITS
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND ENDLESS,
SURFING CAN NOW ADD WONDERFONT
FEST TO ITS LIST OF MUST DO’S.
Vince Staples
Photo: Nick Bianco
Migel
Photo: Michael Drentea
Migos
Photo: Michael Drentea
8

BY MICHAEL DRENTEA & NICK BIANCO
WONDER
ON THE WATERFRONT
Lil Dicky
Photo: Michael Drentea
FROM SUN-KISSED STAGES TO
MOONLIT MUSICIANS
The music gods moved the clouds and brought the sun out for
some pre-Thanksgiving weekend fun! The Wonderfront Music
and Arts Festival’s inaugural debut in San Diego’s Embarcadero
downtown area proved to be a pre-holiday hit and plans to return
in 2020!
San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches and endless surfing,
can now add Wonderfront Fest to its list of must dos!
Wonderfront Fest, where punk meets rap and indie rock meets
EDM, made San Diego history by turning the cute and quaint
Seaport Village into a hotspot for out-of-town festival goers and
locals for an entire weekend.
Tyga
Photo: Michael Drentea
Drawing in crowds of 56,000, the three-day event featured a
diverse music pallet and all-star line-up of over 100 artists and
musicians. The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival opened its
doors to over 15,000 patrons on Friday, November 22. Fans
rushed to the various stages scattered across the pier and
Seaport Village to see Lil Baby; Amine; Miguel; Don Omar; Ben
Harper & the Innocent Criminals, and many more!
However, this wouldn’t compare to the slew of fans rolling in
for Saturday. With headliners like Migos, Flatbush Zombies, and
MGMT, the Wonderfront Fest Saturday lineup was one for the
books. Running across the sprawling grounds, festival goers
sprinted from stage-to-stage, to catch every minute of the action.
Sunday’s lineup drew in nearly 18,000 people.
The festival bolstered comedy acts, private yacht parties on the
bay, artists after-parties in San Diego’s Gaslamp, and plenty of
parking. Visitors strolled the shops of Seaport Village while listening
to live music. For those music lovers inside, a whole new
world of yummy food, drinks, and games awaited.
Music lovers were treated to a bit of everything, including hiphop
and R&B greats the likes of Migos; Tyga; Lil Baby; Miguel;
Flatbush Zombies; Lil Dicky; Earthgang; J.I.D.; Aminé; Bryce Vine;
Vince Staples; Busta Rhymes, and more!
Others enjoyed grooves from MGMT; Phantogram; Suicidal Tendencies;
The Vandals; Pennywise; Thievery Corporation; Pepper;
Slightly Stoopid; Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals; Grace
Vanderwaal; Rob Machado & Friends; English Beat; Hippo Campus;
Big Wild; 3LAU plus many others.
Fans also flocked to see Latin artists Dj Nicky Jam; Don Omar;
Los Crecidos; Khe; Los Tucanes de Tijuana; and Banda Tierra
Brava.
Smaller stages were set for local artists.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is adding San Diego to the list
of must visits as a musical hot bed.
Sign up today for early-bird Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
2020 passes at www.wonderfrontfestival.com/tickets.
9

10
Suicidal Tendencies
Photo: Nick Biacno

Pepper
Photo: Michael Drentea
MGMT
Photo: Michael Drentea
Walk The Moon
Photo: Nick Biacno
Phantogram
Photo: Michael Drentea
Thivery Corporatio
Photo: Michael Drentea
11

San Diego’s newest
music and art festival!
BY MICHAEL DRENTEA
The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival was created as a collaboration between
San Diego’s influential superstars. Over eight years ago, Ernie Hahn II, longtime
general manager of Pechanga Arena, San Diego, decided to revitalize a “San
Diego Street Scene” music festival in downtown San Diego.
Hahn joined forces with Paul Thornton, festival guru and owner of Tag Presents
to rally together official brand ambassadors and backers Tony Hawk, Trevor Hoffman,
and Rob Machado. Flaunting a multi-million- dollar budget, which included
a $500,000 in underwriting from the San Diego Tourism Marketing Authority, the
group worked to reach maximum capacity of during its three-day event that took
place between November 22-24.
Catering to San Diego’s youthful extreme sport enthusiast, Tony Hawk’s Huckjam
added a BMX vert ramp extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday at Ruocco Park
that featured the Carlsbad local in the Tony Hawk Huckjam half-pipe show!
Professional surfer and Encinitas local Rob Machado brought the house down
with his band Rob Machado & Friends at the Broadway Pier on Sunday night.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, or as many refer to it as the “Wonderfront
Fest,” attracted an audience of more than 23,000. The festival held smaller
stage areas for local acts and ferried music lovers to and fro, north and south
from San Diego’s Embarcadero.
12
Music & Arts Festival:
WONDER
FRONT

Catering to San Diego’s
youthful extreme sport
enthusiasts, the Tony Hawk
Huckjam brought another
element of X-treme to downtown.
Photos: Rocio Guzman
13

SNAKE OIL
COCKTAIL
CO.
All Images: Luna Photo
Snake Oil Cocktail Company is a fully licensed beverage catering
and mixology company. Based in San Diego, we travel nationwide
to create memorable event beverage experiences with creative
craft cocktails. Since 2010, Snake Oil Cocktail Company has been
elevating the craft of cocktails and event bar service in the beverage
and hospitality industry in Southern California.
Unlike others, our mixologists look to the kitchen and to the farm
for inspiration and innovation when building our cocktails, bringing
in seasonal produce and fresh ingredients, and crafting them
together to make unforgettable drinks and experiences for your
guests. Our seasonal craft cocktail menus feature crowd-pleasing
flavor profiles and freshly juiced infusions paired with premium
spirits. At Snake Oil Cocktail Company, we have the capability
to go above and beyond our signature craft cocktail bar and provide
experiences such as education and tastings, team-building
activities, molecular mixology, creative drink designs, and more.
We can handle the basics no problem, and love hosting craft beer
and wine bars. We are always innovating and refining the craft to
develop new trends within the beverage industry.
we currently manage the food and beverage programs at the
San Diego Symphony, The Conrad, Lyceum Theatre and our newest
venture, JULEP venue, a 12,000 sq event venue, cafe and
headquarters to Snake Oil Cocktail.
JULEP is one of San Diego’s newest and largest multipurpose
venues, featuring a bright and expansive main hall with high
gabled ceilings and 12,000+ square feet of flowing indooroutdoor
dining and event space. Located at the base of Mission
Hills in the heart of the city, JULEP is the perfect location for
weddings, galas, holiday parties, corporate events, conventions,
workshops, and community gatherings. JULEP Cafe is expected
to open December 1. For more info: www.snakeoilcocktail.com.
14
In addition to our farm fresh cocktails and beverage experiences,
our polished service staff goes above and beyond. We provide
a crew of professional, talented and cheerful individuals. All of
our bartenders and supporting staff have gone through a training
program for alcohol responsibility and are LEAD certified
through the Alcohol Beverage Control. A majority of our work is
done in southern California, including San Diego, Palm Springs
and Los Angeles. Although our headquarters are in San Diego,
the Snake Oil team travels internationally for both consulting
projects and events.
Beyond great tasting cocktails and decades of combined event
experience, we have a passion for our community and take pride
in the valuable relationships we’ve built over the years. Snake
Oil Cocktail Company is prominently featured on the preferred
vendor list at over 30 San Diego wedding and event venues and

LONDON
BURNING
( white cocktail )
1.5 oz. vodka
1 oz. applewood infused simple syrup
.75 oz. pressed lemon juice
.5 oz. coconut milk
.1 oz. fresh ginger juice
club soda
Pour all ingredients, save club soda, into a
mixing tin. Shake with ice and strain over
fresh ice in a highball glass. Top with club
soda and stir. Garnish with two speared
cranberries and a torched rosemary sprig.
GINGERBREAD
SOUR
( brown cocktail )
1.5 oz. bourbon
.75 oz. pressed lemon juice
1 oz. winter spiced infused simple syrup
.25 oz. molasses
Pour all ingredients into a mixing tin.
Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into
a glass. Garnish with a gingerbread cookie.
15

Sydney Ruiz
helps customers
receive their warm pies,
rain, shine or snow!
JULIAN PIE COMPANY
BY MICHAEL DRENTEA
Julian Pie Company arguably might be one of the best apple pies in America next to “Mom’s Pie House” just a block away,
and they are both here in our beloved San Diego mountains. It’s the unintentional competition and love for baking a great pie
that keeps so many faces waiting in line for their slice of pie and apple cider on a cold snowy day, making Julian Pie Company
a local favorite.
In September 1986, after baking pies for local pie shops in the area, Owner Liz Smothers made her dream become a reality
and created Julian Pie Company. To sustain her pie shop, she and husband Keith and son Dan planted an apple orchard of
over 17,000 apple trees.
Today, operations are managed by the youngest son Tim at the Santa Ysabel location which opened doors in 1992, and Dave
the eldest is manager of the shop in Julian, California. Come in this holiday season and share some warm apple pie and warm
apple cider and some laughs.
Connect with JULIAN PIE COMPANY
www.julianpie.com
www.facebook.com/Julian-Pie-Company
Twitter: @JulianPieCo
IG: @julianpiecompany
16

MOM’S PIE HOUSE
BY MICHAEL DRENTEA
Made from sugar and spice and everything nice, Moms Pie House in Julian, California is not your average pie bakery.
Started in December 1984 by Anita Nichols “Mom,” it has become a “must do” when visiting San Diego’s beautiful
mountainous countryside. Famous for its apples, Julian, California, has become a hotspot for locals and travelers alike,
who fall in love with the quaint home-baked taste of “Moms Pies.”
“Mom,” a mother of four children and four grandchildren, started with humble beginnings using one oven, and a
mounted counter peeler, and seating for two in a cozy 10-by-22 pie shop in the old Julian Café building. Quickly gaining
popularity year after year, by 1987 Mom’s expanded to what it is today and offers 13 different pies. One thing that
remains the same is the flaky crust and delicious apple pie-filling. It is worth the time you may have to wait in line for
your turn for a bite of one of San Diego’s best homemade pies!
“Mom” Anita Nichols and her
son Teak Nichols show off
some homemade pies!
• Apple Flakey
• Apple Crumb
• Apple Sugar-free (Flakey)
• Apple-Boysenberry Flakey
• Apple-Boysenberry Crumb
• Apple-Cherry Flakey
• Apple-Cherry Crumb
• Apple Dumplings
• Bumbleberry Flakey
• Bumbleberry Crumb
• Rhubarb-Strawberry Flakey
• Rhubarb-Strawberry Crumb
• Pecan
www.momspiesjulian.com
Twitter: @MomsPiesJulian
17

It’s beginning to look
Whether it be the hitting the sand-dunes in Ocotillo Wells, or the soft,
powdered slopes of Bear Mountain, or ice skating with an ocean view
at Hotel Del Coronado, Southern California has much more to offer than
just our one-of-a-kind sunsets and perfect weather. Now we know what you’re
thinking, what else is there to do in Southern California? Well, look no further. With
such a diverse geographic layout, and great weather, we’re going to break down just a few of
the favorite holiday season activities Southern California has to offer!
Just minutes north of Mexico, tucked in the corner of San Diego, California, is the infamous
Hotel Del Coronado. Once a celebrity getaway for stars like Marilyn Monroe, the Hotel Del
Coronado is now home to some of San Diego’s most festive holiday attractions, including
Skating by the Sea. If you’re imagining an ice-rink with stunning beach views, then you’re absolutely
correct! Skating by the Sea is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether it’s a first, second
or third date, the experience is a guaranteed “ice breaker.”
Trying to get the family into the holiday spirit? Look no further. The sights and sounds that
take over Skating by the Sea is enough to get even the Grinch into the holiday spirit. After
you’ve spent some time on the ice, feel free to warm up with some hot chocolate by the Hotel
Del fire pits.
On the off chance ice-skating is not your thing, or you’re looking for something a little bit
more adventurous and adrenaline pumping, we’re taking you to the mountains. Only two to
three hours northeast of sunny San Diego, is the small, quaint mountain town of Big Bear,
California. Don’t let the peacefulness fool you, however. Big Bear is home to some of the most
extreme snowboarding and skiing trails west of the Mississippi. The powdered slopes can be
a lot like CALI
BY NICK BIANCO & MICHAEL DRENTEA
evenly compared to any trail found in Park City. While Big Bear is known for its world-renowned
extreme sports, the towering pine trees and spacious lake are enough to make anyone want
to extend their stay!
Sixty-seven miles east of San Diego, lies Ocotillo Wells, a motocross, and dune-buggy delight is
a haven for desert goers who love a hot days and cool nights. Whether you and your family and
friends are camping or came to ride, and showcase your mx skills, the Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park can get pretty gnarly during winter. The desert’s cooler winter weather brings locals
from Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Diego and Imperial counties flocking into Ocotillo,
making it one of the desert’s busiest times of the year.
No matter your preference, Southern California covers all bases when it comes to fun and exciting
activities throughout the winter season. From an easygoing Sunday afternoon of ice skating
on the beaches of San Diego, to the weekend getaways of hitting the steep slopes of Big Bear
Mountain, your SoCal holiday will be one for the books.
18

MIND BODY SOUL
HOLIDAY SCENTS
with Gudi Rubbo
The fact that our sense of smell is linked to our memories becomes especially evident during the
fall and holiday season. The cheer of the holidays comes not only from the visuals of decorations,
Christmas music, and the warmth of a crackling fireplace, but also from the aroma of vanilla, cinnamon,
clove and nutmeg wafting soothingly from the kitchen. And then there are scents of fir and pine
from the Christmas tree, and damp wool from our sweaters and mittens. A sudden feeling of déjà vu.
Like this one I recall from my last Christmas. My mother had given me one of my grandmother’s crossstitched
tablecloths. When I opened the present, the distinct smell of my grandmother wafted out of
the gift box. I knew exactly where that scent came from — “Omama’s” flat in a town outside of Vienna.
I buried my face in the tablecloth to drink in my memory. My grandmother had died in the 1970s. This
scent memory had been locked and hidden all this time, ready to re-emerge.
Essential oils give us the opportunity to have natural aromas available to make our home inviting,
comfortable and cheerful. How easy it is to magically let these smells emerge and waft through the
entire home. Finally, we take a deep breath, and allow our whole being to slow down and relish moments
of peace.
The best way to spread natural scents throughout the entire home is by diffusing them. Diffusing basically
means to suspend essential oils in the air to fill our home. This can be
achieved by different means. Most everyone by now is familiar with electric
diffusers that work really well with strong, straight forward scents like lavender,
peppermint, citrus oils and so on. More complex oil blends develop beautifully
in aroma lamps with a candle. I have fallen in love with enjoying the scent of
natural frankincense resin (sap form the frankincense tree) in my small aroma
lamp. Here we not only enjoy the essential oils from the frankincense, but also
its gums and resins. The sap melts with the heat of the votive candle and
bubbles gently, while emitting a woodsy-caramely scent that is also noted to have
meditative qualities.
Whatever scent you chose, become a peacemaker this Christmas time and create
a little ambiance of holiday joy and reflection.
More about Gudi’s Aromatherapy
For the past 16 years Gudi Rubbo has been blending pure essential oils right here in Encinitas. For
her, it is more than a business it’s the way of life that she grew up in Austria.
Currently Gudi’s Aromatherapy sets up shop at the Encinitas Bazaar in downtown Encinitas on Saturdays
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 4 to
7 p.m., Street Fairs, Health & Craft Shows, as well as the San Diego County Faire. For more information
about Rubbo’s full line of products, visit www.gudisaromatherapy.com.
19

Southern Cal’s Holiday Ho-Ho Cocktail
is truly behind the 8-Ball
8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey that is!
BY LUCIA VITI
8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey is lauding its way to the top of the
happy everything cocktail menu for its delicious, smooth, velveteen, chocolate-whiskey
perfection.
While refining the recipe, Thomas established a business blueprint
that would allow the liquor once ready, to “hit the ground
running.”
San Diego native Paul Thomas is the culinary genius behind the decadent,
one-of-a-kind, chocolate whiskey indulgence born, bred and distilled in
America’s Finest City.
8-Ball’s instant success landed as no surprise. The entrepreneur
was however, taken aback by the “speed at which success
is happening.”
20
Sourcing only the finest ingredients from Madagascar, Indonesia and
Mexico, Thomas handcrafted America’s first, 100%, all-natural, chocolateinfused
bourbon whiskey. Subtle yet spicy notes of oak, maple and vanilla
are embedded with hints of brown sugar, then aged in select barrels before
being “proudly” bottled in San Diego.
Thomas is no stranger to distillery success. Ten years ago, the Julian fire
fighter partnered with long-time friends Ken Knott and Keith and
Priscilla Webb, to “craft a libation” that would rekindle America’s
passion for hard cider; one that would become as popular as
America’s craving for craft beer. With an unwavering dedication
to old-school quality, Julian Hard Cider was born.
Using fresh-pressed juice from hand-picked apples,
the company’s uncompromising diligence to excellence
catapulted Julian Hard Cider to the apex of hard-cider
popularity.
As the maverick company garnered loyal customer support,
Thomas traversed the globe as the United States
Global Ambassador of Alcoholic Beverages – formally
appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
During his travels, Thomas witnessed people’s love for
and chocolate and American whiskey and wondered,
“Why isn’t anyone making a drink that would harness
the richness of chocolate with the world’s most notable
spirit – whiskey?”
“Driven by unmarked roads,” the part-time chef tinkered
in his kitchen to create a “uniquely magical chocolate
whiskey with global appeal.”
Distilleries warned him to steer clear. Chocolate whiskey
“couldn’t be done,” they said. Separating the chocolate
oils from the cocoa butter – the cocoa oil inside the cocoa
butter – would be “impossible.”
“I spent two years concocting countless batches of every
chocolate and whiskey combination on the planet,”
he said. “I never doubted that I was on to something.
Chocolate is by far the most popular flavor in the world
– confirmed by research – and American bourbons and
whiskies are the fastest growing spirits in the world.”
“I strategized a solid plan for success, but never imagined it
would happen at the speed at which it’s happening,” he said. “I
honestly would’ve been more surprised if someone said, ‘This
drink sucks,’ because it doesn’t. Everyone’s buying it on the
spot. We’ve landed hundreds of local San Diego accounts simply
by serving samples.”
Thomas humbly admits, “This is my golden moment. I’m excited
about the drinks potential.”
Strategic planning also included making 8-Ball’s alcohol content
66 proof to ensure that no one’s “hammered” after one drink.
“I didn’t want a drink that was so hard on the palette you’re
drunk after one,” he said. “People should enjoy the guilty
pleasure without cringing. 8-Ball has plenty of alcohol, but it’s
smooth and manageable.”
The former Naval Medical Corpsman donates a portion of 8-Ball
Premium Chocolate Whiskey sales to support the military families
of those killed or maimed in action while protecting America.
Programs include the Tragedy Assistance Program (TAPS),
Tuesdays Children, and Camp Pendleton’s HERO Racing, a racing
program that provides prosthetics to war-torn amputees.
Still in its infancy, the one-of-a-kind made for everything liquid
treasure has even collected its first outstanding accolade – a
Gold Medal win at London’s Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards/2020,
one of the world’s most sought-after competitions.
The decadent pleasure can be found in more than 250 locations
in San Diego, as well as New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia,
Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, North and South Carolina. Twenty
additional states will host the drink by the New Year.
“8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey is truly unlike anything
available on the market today,” concluded Thomas. “Through
extreme precision and undeniable dedication to provide a quality
product, we’ve created a spirit that honors chocolate and
whiskey. Drink and enjoy!”
www.8ballwhiskey.com
IG @8ballwhiskey

The Pillow Talk
2 oz. of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey
1/2 -ounce of Mint Syrup
1/2 -ounce of Crème de Menthe
Serve over crushed ice in a Mint Julep glass.
Garnish with mint sprig & an Andes Mint.
The Pillow Talk was created at San Diego’s
Double Black by San Diego Spirits Festival
winner, Stephan Ahearn.
The Crazy 8 Shot
Chocolate Manhattan
3/4 shot of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey
1 /shot of Rumple Minze
Garnish with whip cream
2 oz. 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey
One-ounce Heering cherry liqueur
One-ounce dry white vermouth
One orange twist
One cherry
Add all ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail
shaker and stir well. Strain into chilled
coupe glass. Run the orange twist along
the rim of the glass. Garnish with cherry
and serve.
The Pablo Diablo
8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey
served on the rocks in a caramel
and rock salt rimmed glass and cherry.
The Banana Split
Shot
The Dog Pound
2 oz. 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey
One-ounce Cointreau or Grand Marnier
Four dashes of Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
Add all ingredients to an ice-filled
cocktail shaker and stir well. Serve in a
martini glass and garnish with an orange slice.
The Bing Bomb
One pint of Guinness Stout Beer
One shot of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey
Fill one pint with Guinness Stout and drop one shot
of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey.
The Bing Bomb was created in San Francisco’s Mr.
Bings Irish Bar featured by Anthony Bourdain.
3/4 shot of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate
Whiskey
1/4 shot 99 Bananas
Garnish with whip cream
21

81% of people have split the cost of a gift with a group, according to a 2019 Zelle
survey(gift card to a restaurant, movie, spa, etc.).
#1
#2
#3
with
Elaine
HOLIDAY
GIFTING TIPS
Last Minute Gift Ideas
If you have an unexpected guest show up for the holidays or perhaps you left
someone off your list, it is most certainly appropriate to provide a gift for that
person even if it is at the last minute.
Tip 1: A Zelle survey found that when consumers receive a gift they don’t like,
93% of people plan to eventually getting rid of that unwanted item, so make sure
you have put some thought into the gift itself and be sure it is personalized to the
interests of the recipient.
Tip 2: Did you miss the post office or start shopping too late to ship a gift across
the country? Coordinate with family or friends and send money to cover the cost
of the actual gift. Let the local person purchase the gift so it can be given on time.
Tip 3: A last minute gift does not have to feel last minute. You can get an idea of
what they are interested in from asking a few quick questions from someone close
to them or taking a peek at their social media.
Group Gifts
An acceptable form of gift giving is via a group. Members can pitch in a specific
amount of money to purchase a gift for a loved one.81% of people have split the
cost of a gift with a group, according to a 2019 Zelle survey.
Tip 1: Because so many families are using a group chat method to communicate,
it would be a good idea to use the same method to narrow down gift choices
for family members. For example, siblings can pitch in to purchase one large gift
for their parents or grandparents.
Tip 2: Etiquette would dictate that you do not give your boss a holiday gift
because it may appear as if you are sucking up to them. Instead, the more appropriate
choice would be to pull the entire office or a particular team together and
share the expense of giving the boss a gift.
Tip 3: cCommunication is important, so designate a key individual to facilitate
the cost, contribution amount, and later purchase of the gift.
Gift of an Experience
The gift of an experience can be much more memorable and well appreciated.
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Option 1: It’s a nice gesture to send or give the recipient a physical card wishing
them well on the experience you have gifted them.
Option 2: It is acceptable for the card to arrive AFTER the money is sent and
during the holiday season.
Regifting
Regifting is absolutely acceptable, there are however a few guidelines to follow.
Tip 1: If you’re going to regift, ensure the item is in mint condition.
Tip 2: Remove any trace of the original wrapping and put it in a new gift bag.
Tip 3: Never re-gift an item within the same circle it came from. Make sure the
person you’re giving the gift to doesn’t know the person you received the gift from.
That means don’t give the sweater grandma bought you last year to your cousin.
Hostess/ Guest Gift Ideas
Tip 1: Send the hostess of a party a gift of a cooking class, wine tasting, or
spa day for themselves. Use the notes section in Zelle to share your well wishes. “I
wanted to take care of YOU after all your hospitality. Happy holidays!”
Tip 2: It is always appropriate to give a gift to the hostess after a long stay at
their home. You can give money to go towards housekeeping or the replenishment
of supplies. Simply state what you’d like to contribute to, in your Zelle note.
Tip 3: If you have houseguests for the holidays, you can send them money as
a welcome gift. They can use it towards meals or transportation while staying with
you or spend it elsewhere, since 58% of people prefer receiving money as a gift
because it allows them to spend it on whatever they want, according to a Zelle
research study.
Party Etiquette
Tip 1: Do RSVP to “legitimate” holiday party invites. It’s this time of year that
you’ll begin to receive a plethora of invitation don’t allow yourself to become
overwhelmed.Responding to every invitation is not a must, especially the ones that
are more blanket like. But do respond to legitimate party invites from individuals
who would be expecting you to join them. An RSVP means to respond whether you
will attend or not.
Tip 2: It is always appropriate to give a gift to the hostess after a long stay at
their home. You can give money to go towards housekeeping or the replenishment
of supplies. Simply state what you’d like to contribute to, in your Zelle note.
Tip 3: If you have houseguests for the holidays, you can send them money as
a welcome gift. They can use it towards meals or transportation while staying with
you or spend it elsewhere, since 58% of people prefer receiving money as a gift
because it allows them to spend it on whatever they want, according to a Zelle
research study.
Making the Most of Holiday Vacations
Tip 1: Designate how you will contribute to the cost of a shared vacation rental
and have the group send their money to one responsible individual.
Tip 2: For events and excursions, one person can collect the money and pay for
everyone all at once. Make sure to be timely when paying this individual back. According
to a Zelle study, when people don’t get paid back for the cost of a shared
gift or experience, 54% of people continue to follow up until they get paid back.
Tip 3: It can be quite unnerving to have a large group of people divide up the
check at a restaurant. Make your group dining experience simple and hassle free
by collecting all of the money in advance.
Follow Elaine FB, IG, Twitter: @elaineswann www.swannschool.com

BACKEND BUSINESS
Stream now
ApPle music | spotify | pandora | LIVEXLIVE
Marquee Music Group

BY
MICHAEL
DRENTEA
434 N. Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
LOUS RECORDS
OWNER: LOU BOB
What is that favorite song of yours that has been stuck in
your head all day¬? Chances are Lou´s Records has it! Lou
Russell opened-up his doors at Lou’s Records on Feb. 15,
1980, in a small strip-mall in Cardiff-by-the Sea, a wonderful
small sleepy beach town community of Encinitas, California.
Lou’s Records continued to grow throughout the ‘90s and
relocated to its present location on 434 Coast Highway 101
in the community of Leucadia, another quiet beach town community
of Encinitas, just a quick 40-minute drive north of San
Diego’s Downtown.
Many locals in the area may remember shopping at Lou’s
prior to 2010, with multiple buildings adjacent from each other
before Lou’s Records consolidated and reduced overhead
into its current one stand-alone flagship location.
As with Spin Records and many other record stores, Lou’s
Records is competing with digital streaming sites like Pandora
and Amazon to keep younger generations who grew up playing
music on their phones, laptops, and tablets at the push of
a button still interested in mediums that were present before
such as an 8-ttrack cassette or a vinyl record. A music lover
and DJ´s playground, Lou´s Records has everything from vinyl
records, 8-tracks, cassette-tapes, compact discs (CDs),
VHS, posters, stickers, pins, tees and more! Stop by the shop
this holiday season and support your local business.
www.lousrecords.com
Twitter: @lousrecords
IG: @lousrecords
www.facebook.com/lousrecords
www.recordstoreday.com/Stores
26

Spin Records is celebrating its 30th anniversary! After
setting up shop in 1989, and serving the community
of Temecula, California, for a decade at the original
store, Ken Kosta and then partner opened a second
location in Carlsbad, California. North County residents
may remember the old shop near State Street
before they relocated to the current location on at
370 Grand Ave. in Carlsbad. Spin Records is the place
to go for all your music needs including, cassettetapes,
compact discs (CDs), vinyl records, tees, pins,
stickers, posters, VHS, DVDs and more!
SPIN
Ashley from
Spin Records
pictured with
Spin Records Owner Ken
Kosta, sharing The Vandals &
The Monkeys new Christmas
albums.
Today, it’s very nostalgic to see Spin Records continuing
to do very much of the same as they did back in
the ‘90s. As a record store heading into 2020, Spin
Records competes directly with the ever-so-popular
digital streaming platform services such as Spotify,
Apple Music, Slacker Radio and others to create a
unique music experience. This is one of the sole reasons
many locals and tourists alike continue to shop
Spin Records and support small business owners like
Ken Kosta.
Spin Records has been one of the premier record
shops in North County for music lovers, DJs, and producers
for 30 years and has become the connection
to past, present and future artists. Music lovers can
always depend on Ken and his staff for referring new
music, as well as checking out local flavor with live
shows in there parking lot on Record Store Day. The
shop carries nearly every genre of music you can
think of, and continues to be a staple in Carlsbad,
California.
BY
MICHAEL
DRENTEA
Twitter: @spinrecords
IG: @spinrecords
www.recordstoreday.com/Stores
www.facebook.com/SpinRecords
RECORDS
Andrew Prater (left) from
Oregon shops Spin Records
with friend Devon Worobec
from San Diego.
370 Grand Ave.
Carlsbad, Ca. 92008
27

HOLIDAY
SAN DIEGO
LADIES and Gents HOLIDAY AT THE RACES
Sun Dec 1, 11 AM – 5 PM
Del Mar Racing, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA
December Nights 2019
Fri, Dec 6 – Sat, Dec 7
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA
40th Annual OB Holiday Parade
Dec 7
Sat, 5:05 PM
Newport Ave
San Diego, CA
CountryFest Christmas 2019
Sat Dec 7, 4 – 10 PM
Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA
Not So Silent Night
Sun Dec 8, 3:30 – 10:00 PM
Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA
Parade of Lights
Dec 8 – 15
Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA
Holiday Parade of Lights Cruises
Dec 8 – 15
Flagship Cruises & Events, 990 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA
Deck the Bows: Parade of Lights Party - NIGHT 1...
Sun Dec 8, 5 – 8 PM
The Fish Market - San Diego, 750 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA
An Irish Christmas
Fri Dec 13, 8 PM
Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA
AT THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 13 – 24
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave
San Diego, CA
Pacific Beach Holiday Parade
Sat Dec 14, 1 – 3 PM
Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA
Noel Noel
Sat Dec 14, 7:30 PM
San Diego Symphony, 750 B St
San Diego, CA
8th Annual Toy Ride for Toys for Joy
Sat Dec 7, 9:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Rock Church Tierra Del Rey Ministry Center, 1057 Tierra
Del Rey Ste. G
Chula Vista, CA
Parade of Lights Viewing Party
Sun, Dec 8, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, 2150 Harbor Island Dr
San Diego, CA
Holiday Festival
Wed Dec 11, 4 – 7 PM
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, 1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA
Jungle Bells
Fri Dec 13, 9 AM
San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA
12th Annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
Sun Dec 15, 12 – 5 PM
401 K St
San Diego, CA
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Jingle: 6pm Sunday...
Sun Dec 15, 6 PM
5469 Casino Way
El Cajon, CA
28

FESTIVITIES
Gala Fiesta de Navidad
Sat Dec 15, 6 – 11 PM
Crowne Plaza San Diego -
Mission Valley, 2270 Hotel Cir N
San Diego, CA
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon
Sat Dec 21
Hotel Karlan San Diego - a DoubleTree by Hilton
14455 Penasquitos Dr, San Diego, CA
Holiday Bowl 5K
Fri Dec 27
San Diego
San Diego, CA
A Magical Cirque Christmas San Diego Tickets
Sat Dec 28, 7:30 PM
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave
San Diego, CA
OMFG! NYE 2020
Dec 30, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA
San Diego Pier Pressure New Year’s Eve Party
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Flagship Cruises & Events, 990 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA
Gatsby’s House - San Diego New Year’s Eve 2020
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection, 421 W B St
San Diego, CA
New Years in Southern California with Rose Parade
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 4, 2020
Five Star Tours & Charter Bus Company, 1050 Kettner Blvd
Suite D
San Diego, CA
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2020 TUESDAY DEC 31/19 LATIN NIGHT.
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St
San Diego, CA
Holiday Bowl
Tue Dec 31, 1 PM
SDCCU Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd
San Diego, CA
NYE Beach Party 2020
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, 3999 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA
Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve Gala 2019-20
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA
Hard Rock NYE 2020 Promo Code San Diego
Tue Dec 31, 2 – 6 PM
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, 207 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA
San Diego Pier Pressure New Year’s Eve Party
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Hornblower Cruises & Events, 1800 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA
New Years Eve Yacht Party - San Diego
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Spirit of San Diego, 3835 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA
Bottoms Up NYE - 2020
Dec 31, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, 660 K St
San Diego, CA
29

NEW DESIGNS AVAILABLE NOW
Old English T-shirts
Colors: White, Black & Camo Green
S- XL $21.99
XXL $22.99
XXXL $23.99
Old English Long Sleeves
Carlsbad
Colors: Heather & Black
Encinitas
Colors: Navy
Oceanside
Colors: Black & Camo Green
S - XL $27.99
XXL $28.99

www.backtocali.com
Photographer: Cayla M Evans
Model: Kayla Martini