Boom

I have been an iPhone person since day 1. Yes, I had the very first iPhone a couple weeks after it was released back in June 2007. It was originally intended on being a surprise birthday gift from my mother and my future wife who agreed to split the cost. Now the cost back then was damn near $600 for the top of the line model, kind of nuts to imagine paying that now when you can get a sleeker, faster, cleaner, modern version today for like $199. So my lady came up short on her end of the funds so I had to throw in "her half" at the last minute to cover my surprise. Regardless, I love my phone or well loved that particular phone. I have since upgraded to the latest steez but still a story is a story.

Now the point I intended on making was regarding the applications or as we say "apps" now. I don't know if its just me but I could never sit around for hours and get sucked in the apps world. To this day, I have really only purchased a small handful and really only use a few main ones everyday. Maybe that would change if I spent more time on the damn thing but who has time to play with a phone. Yes, let us not forget although it acts like a mini computer, in the grand scheme of life it is still just a phone.

So the latest app that I have been using more is Instagram. I have always been one to take random pics and to be honest I am getting rather burned out on filtering thru the crap on FB and Twitter. So if hit me up on "the gram" and let's share some photography. Surfs up!

A's Rage

The homey, Adrian (A's Rage) has been adventuring/exploring/lurking across the country this past year and a half. These new tracks were recorded somewhere along the way from Boise to Boston. Click here for the 411.

And for those who are new to the blog, Adrian has been part of the Fam since day one, here are few classics from the back in the day...

NRML

I might be out of touch when it comes to this rap game. Ok, let's be honest, I am out of touch. But deep down I still have an eye and an ear for spotting talent. Those skills don't die brother. This cat goes by the name, Alexander Spit and he represents Cali, as in the left coast aka the west coast aka the best coast. I admire his work and look forward to his next live show. Enjoy the fire.

Word

Oh really...

SOX

It has been awhile since I released any Cavotu products. I wish I could tell a little white lie and say that it has only been a year or so but the shocking truth is that it has been damn near 5 years. Ok, that sucks, period. Yes I am aware.

Cavotu was my first child, born in 2005, and I pushed it off to the backseat. Eventually poor little Cavotu was no longer in the car but instead buried in the garage behind the spider webs. I can give you every excuse in the book as to why I have not been able to release and/or create and/or produce anything but the reality is that I am just out of focus. Yes, I am a blurry lens, unable to see the clear view ahead.

As some of you may or may not know, I married my best friend, we had a couple kids and then came the curve balls. Now I am not just talking about one of those Sandy Koufax curve balls but more like hundreds of curve balls and they were all aimed directly at my head. Yes, I understand life happens and we all need to make adjustments but seriously, I cannot say it enough- this black cloud freaking lingers.

Rather than continue to discuss my personal issues, boring I know, actually who reads my blog anyways, I am probably better off just saying this out loud to my two year old. I am sure it will get the same effect, a giggle, a confused look and then get distracted with something far more interesting like oh hey look at this piece of string. The point is that I am excited because today I accomplished a goal and normally I lose in the goal department.

One month ago, I picked today (11/11/11) as the day that I would release something, anything. Now I didn't exactly commit to releasing a full collection. Yes, I would love to drop ten fresh design tees with 2 color ways, a few hoodies, girls gear, kids line, hat program, etc etc. The concepts are all there, just need the final touches to put it all together. One month was just not enough time yet I reminded myself to release something. Ok sounds easy enough. Well, remember the curve balls, they are the only constant in my life.

Cavotu Socks was a concept I was playing around with last fall/winter. I rarely wear socks, I am pretty much a Rainbow leather sandals fiend like 90% of the time. Yes, I am grateful for my new Natives but still a fan of the sandals. I own socks, I own shoes but I rarely think about them. Cavotu rider, Matty Parker requested socks maybe 4 years ago. The conversation went something like this "dude, I have enough tee shirts but what I really need is some socks" and then I most likely said "ok, I'll get right on it" which I then filed away in my brain and most likely forget. For what it's worth, the seed was planted. Thank you Matty.

With out further ado, I present to you Cavotu Socks. I am very proud of these bad boys and your feet will thank you. You can purchase them HERE. Thank you for your continued support. Stay vicious my friends.

Pop ya collar

In my free time or shall I say when I am not working, I spend a great deal of time running around various kid friendly parks in town and in the surrounding cities. I lack the much needed backyard at home so I have no choice but use the park circuit to let the monsters play. We (as in the kids and myself) have given each park its own special silly name so that we keep track and really try to not visit the same place within at least a week to keep it fresh.

Today while I was sitting on a swing at "pirate ship" park, I thought about the "park and glove" scene from On The Waterfront. A truly classic film on many different levels. I can't help but dig the acting, the story, the music, the drama etc. I am a third generation longshoremen and I have grown up appreciating the benefits of union labor. The waterfront has changed quite a bit since this film was made but I still get the chills when I watch the scenes with the longies with their hooks on their shoulders. My grandfathers retired longshore friends said "we never did that shit" when I asked about the placement of the hooks. So resting the hook over the shoulder was either a East Coast trend or a Hollywood fabrication. However the hooks are real symbols/tools that represent the back breaking labor of unloading/loading cargo in the past.

Here is a taste of what I am talking about. Brando was soo f'n cool with his collar popped in that wool flannel jacket. The seasons are about to change a little. Time to bust out the jackets and hoods. Almost time to release some gear. Stay posted folks, these cards can't stay up my sleeves forever.

TriArt Fest

A little repost action for the homey, Craig. Should be a pretty cool event, both lineups look solid. Pedro needs this kinda energy! Please read the 411 below.

Here is the TriArt Mission Statement (taken from their website):

The TriArt Festival was created to increase the awareness and appreciation of San Pedro as a vibrant, sophisticated venue for all aspects of the arts including art, dance, and music and showcase the changing face of San Pedro as an artistic center.

END FWY Spiel:

This is somewhat of an up-and-coming San Pedro (town) civic event with a small budget and no corporate sponsorship. Although the TriArt Fest is in its fifth year, it is just now starting to gain some notoriety. The festival will include 12 professional dance companies from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and music from 3:00pm to 10pm on both days. This is the second year that DannyLou and I have been asked to be music directors which means we pick the bands and handle the sound. Last year we put together the music for one out of the two days with much success. This year we are handling the music end for both days. Thanks to Mr. TriArt himself, Joe Caccavalla for giving us another chance. We feel that this is a huge opportunity for the San Pedro Punk community to showcase the diverse sounds coming from our small town. This is definitely an alternative to the usual cover bands that frequent our town civic events. All roads end in Pedro!

– Craig Ibarra


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH

TOYS THAT KILL (san pedro) ... 8:25pm
http://www.myspace.com/toysthatkill

DEATH HYMN NUMBER 9 (fullerton/san pedro) ... 7:25pm
http://www.myspace.com/deathhymnnumber9

LENGUAS LARGAS (arizona) ... 6:30pm
http://www.myspace.com/lenguaslargas

IMAGES (carson/san pedro) ... 5:35pm
http://www.myspace.com/images

BOMBÓN (san pedro) ... 4:40pm
http://www.myspace.com/bombonhoorah

THE EXXTRAS (san pedro) ... 3:50pm
https://www.facebook.com/theExxtras?sk=app_57675755167

BLACK SPARROW PRESS (san pedro) ... 3:05pm
http://www.facebook.com/blacksparrowpressband


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TO CANDYLAND (san pedro) ... 8:25pm
http://www.myspace.com/theundergroundrailroadtocandyland

MIKE WATT + THE MISSINGMEN (san pedro) ... 7:25pm
• san pedro debut of watt's third opera, "hyphenated-man."
http://www.myspace.com/missingmen

THE LAST (hermosa beach) ... 6:30pm
http://www.myspace.com/10395802

SACCHARINE TRUST (wilmington) ... 5:35pm
http://www.myspace.com/sactrust

HARI-KARI (south bay) ... 4:40pm
http://www.myspace.com/harikarisanpedropunk

CAN OF BEANS (san pedro) ... 3:50pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Can-Of-Beans/252302708008?sk=app_2405167945

KIDS OF CASEY ANTHONY (san pedro/los angeles) ... 3:05pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kids-of-Casey-Anthony/178438825533302?ref=ts

DANCE INFORMATION:

http://www.lachoreographersanddancers.org/TriArt_Festival_Dance.html



MUSIC INFO (DAY ONE):

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=248442788502073



MUSIC INFO (DAY TWO):

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187602867967451

http://www.triartfestival.com

Billy

We lost a classic character last week to the evil they call cancer. Bill was a great man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to my brother, Dave and his family.

Bill was the cool dad who took "the boys" to our first concert, Metallica summer 1994 at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson. I still have the tee shirt from the show. Rest in peace.

Em Oh You Es E

My wife and I purchased Annual Passports a few years ago for the first time. I knew people who had the passes but never thought I would be that guy going to "the happiest place on earth" on the weekly. I was lucky enough to visit Disney at least once or twice a year for the past 20+ years, grateful indeed. My wife on the other hand was raised in Santa Cruz so she was not so lucky. Disney instantly became our favorite date spot and we enjoyed the experience a couple times a month. You really can't go wrong with a mid week dinner, a ride or two and then bounce home. Yep, those were the days, things were a lot quieter back then.

Now as parents, Disneyland is a totally different experience. We have been wanting to purchase passes but felt the kids were too young to appreciate it and/or not ready for the madness. Most likely my wife and I were the ones who were not ready. Eventually we caved and bought the passes once again. So far we have taken the Fam Bam a dozen times often just for a few hours and it has been awesome every time.

I am really trying to get motivated with this future Cavotu collection. Long over due to say the least but I am clearly my own worst enemy. Disneyland is super motivating with all the colors, artwork, magic, excitement etc. As your therapist, I highly recommend at least one Disney day a week. But non peak season and non weekends of course. With that being said, I think it is time for my fix. Let's go!

Skate(r)

Bob Dylan said it best...

"Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'."

And with that being said, I am rather bummed to write a blog announcing that San Pedro's favorite skateshop, Sunken City has permanently closed it's doors.

Shop owners, Brandon Zankich and Rick Plancich took a huge hit from the poor economic times and were forced to close their dream business. Sunken City skates established quite a buzz around town despite the fact that they relocated 3 times in the past 4 years. Pro riders like Daewon Song, Chris Haslam and Cooper Wilt called Sunken City their home away from home and hung out on a regular basis.

The good folks at Cavotu wish the Sunken City fam the best of luck on their next life chapter. The future is wide open. Keep on skating!

Check out a couple clips of Rick and Brandon doing their thing.

Bukowski Bluebird Birthday Booze Boy

San Pedro's own Charles Bukowski would have celebrated his 91st birthday today. Charles aka Hank was one crazy dude who definitely indulged in his fair share of booze, cigs and females. A poet, a writer, a novelist, a cult hero, the list goes on. Whatever title you want to roll with, the work of Bukowski will be praised for many years to come. I would never claim 'super fan' but I appreciate his skills with words/phrases etc. I can think of at least 2 or 3 people that I know who have a bluebird tattooed on their skin in his honor. I thought for a minute about walking over to Green Hills to look for his grave but then thought that was a bit much. Another day doggy. But thats what we have the Internet for, right? The "don't try" is pretty classic. Cheers!

denim and leather

I saw these silly bearded boys in concert a while back. I don't know anyone that can rock the denim vest look and make it look this cool. They have tons of energy on stage. A must see next time they roll thru your town. Enjoy the goodness that is Valient Thorr.

416 Broadway

The Hundreds is a clothing/lifestyle project that I follow on the regular. I'm part of the millions of people from all over the planet who read their blog and check their website every freaking day. The Hundreds dot com is a great source for all things street-wear, music, art, Cali life, etc etc. They are without a doubt 'thee' lifestyle brand to follow. I can't think of another brand that consistently hits the nail on the head like the Hundreds.

My daughter and I recently visited their new retail joint in Santa Monica which happens to be their 4th store. Not bad for a brand that just celebrated their 8 year anniversary. I have been to Rosewood a few times, their first store, located in LA's Fairfax district. I totally planned on going to Grand during my NYC visit this past June but never made it. Post is their San Francisco joint, Bay Area love and on my future visit list. Each store is completely different from the next and all offer the customer a unique shopping experience.

Pey is only 20 months old but she ran around like a kid in a candy store. The Santa Monica layout is pretty cool, a clean use of space which is only a couple blocks from the beach. I liked the shoe loft area and the overall white paint theme. I'm pretty sure they blogged about the concept on the website. The front window display has a turntable, old school boom box, and an original Nintendo console cemented into the ground to say the least.
The Hundreds founders and I were all born in 1980 so it's pretty cool to think that I can relate to everything that they are inspired by. It's amazing to see their achievements and successes in their 8 year history as a brand. Super motivating when I factor in that I started Cavotu back in 2005. Don't worry, we will breathe again. I could argue that these dudes don't have wives and babies so they have no clue what the life struggle juggle looks like. But they definitely got the drive and are not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Time to kick it into high gear which really just means its time to change a diaper, haha. Let's go.

Fresh from the earth

You can't go wrong with a juicy seedless organic mini watermelon. Nature's candy, need I say more. These bad boys where organically grown in Orange County. Check out for Tanaka Farms for the 411. Boom.