BearQuake 2023 Hosted By
.
Bears San Diego
October 19th-22nd, 2023 www.bearquake.net
Cirque De L’Ours
Welcome to BearQuake 2023 On behalf of Bears San Diego, and the BearQuake 2023 Steering Committee, we are pleased to welcome you to our weekend. BearQuake grew out of an idea of forming an alliance between the various clubs in Southern California and elsewhere. A “Bear Weekend” was planned where we could all get together and get to know each other. The success of that first event opened the door to future gatherings which has become “BearQuake”. The concept has remained the same: a weekend full of activities that are fun and exciting, a price tag that makes it worthwhile, and an opportunity to make new friends and visit with old ones. The weekend has also become a major fund raising event for the host club. This year’s beneficiary is Special Delivery San Diego and VIDA. We hope you join us for this weekend, get to know some of wonderful people participating in our event, and take away fond memories.
Donnie Vella President Bears San Diego
1
BearQuake 2023
About Bears San Diego
Bears San Diego is a club for bears and bear fanciers. We are based in San Diego, California but we have members throughout the United States and even a few from overseas. Bears San Diego was established in San Diego in October 1994 when a need was recognized for a group who did not fit in with the main stream gays.
In 2003 Bears San Diego took the next step and began our journey to become a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We finalized the process in the summer of 2006 when Bears San Diego got it’s final approval from the Internal Revenue Service to do business as a Non-Profit Organization. Bears San Diego’s purpose is to bring together men of common interest on a social basis, providing events at a local bar, den night at member’s homes, outings to movies, restaurants, the zoo and parties with other Bear Clubs. These gatherings give participants the opportunity to actually meet other bears and admirers to create new friendships. Contact Info: Bears San Diego, PO Box 3151, San Diego CA 92163
www.bearssd.org
Bears San Diego Board of Directors
Donnie Vella Jeff Rosenfeld
President Vice-President / Treasurer
Don Riggs
Secretary
Jeff Breeze
Membership / Social Chairman
David Ferguson
Public Relations
2
Cirque De L’Ours
3
BearQuake 2023
4
Cirque De L’Ours
Program Schedule Sunday Night, 2FWRber 22, 2023 Cirque De L'Ours Performace & Mr. Bear San Diego 20 3 Contest Welcome & Greetings Lady Ajax/Angel Fairfax ,QWURGXFWLRQ RI -XGJHV ,QWURGXFWLRQ RI &RQWHVWDQWV 6WUHHW :HDU 3HUIRUPDQFHV ± $&7 , 3UHVHQWDWLRQ RI &KDULWLHV
&RQWHVWDQWV &UXLVH :HDU DQG 4 $ 3HUIRUPDQFHV ± $&7 ,, Mr. Bear San Diego 23 Step Aside Silent Auction Winners Winner of Mr. Bear San Diego 20 3
5
BearQuake 2023
1642 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103
INSIDEOUTSD.COM 6
Cirque De L’Ours
7
BearQuake 2023
1295 University Ave #1B San Diego, Ca 92103 thecandypushers.com
8
Cirque De L’Ours
Mistresses of Ceremonies AJ Turner AJ is The Ruby Empress XL of the The Imperial Court de San Diego, and Sister Amanda Reckenwith of The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. AJ has also been a co-producer of San Diego Leather Pride, and a permanent performer for The San Diego Golden Girls. AJ is a prominent figure in our San Diego LGBTQ+ community and has been a long-time supporter of Bears San Diego.
Angel Fairfax Angel is The Peregrine Falcon Empress XLV of The Imperial Court de San Diego and Miss Goldilocks 2019-2022 for Bears San Diego. Angel has been a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and has a special place in her heart for Bears San Diego. She has even jumped into a pool in full drag for one of our fundraisers.
Urban MO’s Bar & Grill 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
9
BearQuake 2023
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear San Diego 2024 Tammy is a 50 year old San Diego native. She’s a married, bisexual, polyamorous mother of one and a collared Switch. She comes from a family with a mixed heritage and a motto that “In service to others, there is service to self.” Tammy is a member of multiple communities including the LGBTQ+, Leather, Kink and Pagan communities. As a result, she has been blessed to meet, interact, and grow with a diverse mix of people. Her hashtag #communitybeginswithme, reflects her spirit of problem solving and goal to always find ways to raise others up. Her efforts have led her to take on many leadership roles in these communities, from presenting BDSM education at UCSD to holding the titles of ICSD Ms. Cinco de Mayo 2016, Ms. San Diego Leather, 2017, Ms. Goldilocks San Diego, 2018, Contest Judge and Head Judge. Ms. Goldilocks 2018 - Ms. San Diego Leather, 2017
Tammy has also long been involved with several clubs and organizations including Bears San Diego, the Imperial Court de San Diego, Girl Scouts, Club X, Southland Title Sisters, and the Hardpink Sisterhood. She is a founding and former board member of the San Diego Girls of Leather and a former Co-Producer of the Leather Realm. Newly added, she is one of the new Content Creators for the SabbathSocial.com team. These memberships have helped her provide community service, education, activism and fundraising for many scholarships, programs, and people in need. Tammy holds a variety of awards, degrees, and certificates in Education, Nutrition, Sewing, and Theology. She is the sole Proprietor of Broomsticks Designs. In her downtime, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. While she has been locally nicknamed “The Scary Judge,” Tammy is really a very shy, quiet observer who in the end wants to help others just because it feels good to give and to see the lives of others improve.
10
Cirque De L’Ours
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear San Diego 2024 Michelle is a native San Diegan, mother, grandmother and now great-grandmother since 1975. She has been American Sign Language interpreter since 1988. Her nickname in the community is “LeatherTerp” Previous titles include Ms. San Diego Leather 2005 and Ms. World Leather 2005. She is also known as “Jackson Cable” who first performed as a special guest over twenty years ago with The San Diego Kings Club
Ms. San Diego Leather 2005
show at The Flame. Michelle also received the Pantheon of Leather President’s Award in 2007. Michelle is a longtime admirer of Bears in general and Bears San Diego in particular. She advocates that people please learn and use American Sign Language and include our Deaf siblings in our lives. As Mr. San Diego Leather, Buster broke through many barriers, finding a few firsts, fists, and many special friends along the way. He believes legacy and lore fare better than labels, and Serving With Pride is in his pants. Buster volunteered with the San Diego Leather History Project, held workshops on creative CBT and yarn bondage, revived Mr. San Diego Leather Leather Skate Nights, co-hosted the Leather and Lace in Outer Space Spectacular, established the Come As You Are Community Picnics, and many other free, sober-friendly events outside bars. Most recently, he served as an ASL interpreter in Los Angeles and as a co-owner and producer of San Diego Leather Pride. As Saint Akamu of the San Diego Sisters, Buster was there when the House Placenta splorched on the Street of Bourbon. He serves the community by sharing his sanctified meats with occasional splashes of jizz and caftans. Known as the original Faery Godfather, he is all known to bless you all over and then give you a sticker or a googly eye. Now 7 years sober, Buster enjoys people-watching and schadenfreude more than ever. Married to the community at this point for over 20 years, and married to an amazing keystone in our community, he’s happier and shadier than ever. Buster is extremely honored to be a judge and celebrate 29 Years of Bears San Diego! 11
BearQuake 2023
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear San Diego 2024 Earl has spent over two decades serving the LGBTQ+ community across the nation, including 15 years founding and operating his own philanthropic non-profit. Over the years, his immense amount of advocacy and support for the community eventually Mr. San Diego Eagle 2023 led to his being recognized as a community leader, and even sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. More recently, Earl has gone head first into serving the San Diego LGBTQ+ community, becoming a member of Bears San Diego; taking on the role of Treasurer for the Leather Boys of San Diego; joining the 51st reign of the Imperial Court de San Diego as Ambassador to Leather, Kink, Fetish, and BDSM; and as he is most well-known, currently serves the community as our reigning Mr. San Diego Eagle 2023.
San Diego’s Only Leather Bar
FREE PARKING IN THE REAR LOTS WITH VALIDATION CODE
3040 North Park Way, San Diego , CA 92104, 619-295-8072 www.SanDiegoEagle.com, info@SanDiegoEagle.com, Twitter: @SanDiegoEagle 12
Cirque De L’Ours
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear San Diego 2024 Shannon may identify as a lesbian small business owner, but she has a few aliases! Her Most Serene Highness the Rainbow Unicorn Princess Royale Shannon Diamond, Sugar Mama Shannon or Sugar Bear depending on which role she is playing.
Rainbow Unicorn Princess Royale Imperial Court de San Diego
Sugar Mama Shannon and her wife, Fudge Master Melissa, own and operate The Candy Pushers, a popular candy shop located at 1295 University Ave. When you stop by, you’ll not only get flavorful sweet treats, but you’ll be greeted by Sugar Mama Shannon’s smiling face and bubbly personality. She’ll be sure to make you feel like family within a few seconds. Shannon and her wife have opened their shop to be an all-inclusive sober safe space for LGBTQ+ Youth, the Recovery/Sober Community and Families to enjoy game nights, karaoke & open mic night and many more fun, friendly flavorful events to come! She recently became a member and Sugar Bear of Bears San Diego. She’s always joked that if she were a guy, she would definitely be a Bear! Shannon has worn many hats, having worked at multiple jobs. One of her most memorial was as an activist and founding member of a LGBTQ+ non-profit organization called Canvas for a Cause. At CFAC she would have conversations with non-supporters about LGBTQ+ rights by educating them, combating the propaganda and changing their hearts and minds! It doesn’t matter how you know her or what she goes by, Shannon is happy to have been part of making change happen and is looking forward to making a larger impact in our community.
13
BearQuake 2023
Meet The Contestants For Mr. Bear San Diego 2024 Matthew J. Gonzales Matthew is new to the bear community but has been involved with the San Diego LGBTQ+ community for over 12 years. He has volunteered with San Diego Pride, The Imperial Court de San Diego, San Diego Leather Pride, and many of the recent Bears San Diego fundraising events. Matthew joined Bears San Diego after being invited to attend a den party and was impressed with the friendliness and vibe of the members. As a title holder, he hopes to raise awareness and fund for those in need.
Jason DeCosta Jason (JD) realized in his early teen years that he was attracted to men. His involvement with the bear community, along with the love, support, guidance, and education he received, helped him deal with his identity and come out to his family and friends in 2020. JD has travelled the world to many bear events, networking with awesome genuine individuals near and far. JD feels it is also important to reach out to the younger community to inspire them to be more involved. His goal is to always be an approachable individual and be involved in our LGBTQ+ community by stepping forward and making a difference. JD has volunteered for Bear Pride Week in Provincetown in 2021, and the San Diego Pride Festival Latino stage. He also marched with Bears San Diego at the Pride Parade in 2023. JD looks forward to assisting in raising funds for Bears San Diego charities and affiliated partners in or great San Diego LGBTQ+ community. 14
Cirque De L’Ours
Meet the Contestants for Mr. Bear San Diego 2024 David Cordova David grew up in Fallbrook in north of San Diego County. He is hard working and enjoys music and singing Karaoke, traveling to new places, and exploring other cultures. David enjoys meeting new people and spending quality time with family and friends. He has also performed at events at The Merrow such as the Mama Cass Show and other venues. Over the past several years, David has volunteered with various charities such as Meals on Wheels, and other LGBTQ+ charities. He has also assisted at San Diego Pride, clothes drive for the homeless, and toy drives for children at Christmas and Easter. David looks forward to helping Bears San Diego raise funds and represent the bears in the greater LGBTQ+ community at large.
15
BearQuake 2023
16
Cirque De L’Ours
The Loft 3610 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 296-6407
Olde Armoury Leather P.O. Box 1351 La Mesa, CA 91944
Tele: 619-698-4237
oldearmouryleather.biz Dance & Night Club San Diego’s Legendary Venue in Hillcrest
1642 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103
17
BearQuake 2023
ඝඖඑඞඍකඛඑගඡ ඉඞඍ ඛඉඖ ඌඑඍඏ උඉ
ඟඟඟ ඊඉඒඉඊඍගගඡඛඛඌ උඕ
18
Cirque De L’Ours
www.grawr.shop
19
BearQuake 2023
3603 Fourth Avenue
(corner of 4th & Brookes)
San Diego, CA 92103
20
Cirque De L’Ours
Preformers & Entertainment
info@alvaradoskin.com 619.286.0372 Book Your Appointment 5565 Grossmont Center Drive Building 1 Suite 126 La Mesa, CA 91942
21
BearQuake 2023
22
Cirque De L’Ours
103 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 619-396-2480
1025 Fletcher Pkwy El Cajon, CA 92020 619-444-2327
2000 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92104
4050 Adams Ave San Diego California, 92116 (619) 282-4413
4026 Bonita Rd Bonita, CA 91902 23
BearQuake 2023
Our Founders
Lee L eeee A Albe Alb Albert llber bert b errtt
Wayne Wa W aayyne D Di Dietz iietz ettzz
Sok S ok ko kol olllowsk o ow o wssski w kii k
Wiink Wink W keellman kel man
Bears San Diego Founded October 1994
724
Cirque De L’Ours
Our Mr. Bear San Diego Brotherhood
1999 Jerry Colinard
1999 Cub Randy Campbell
2000 Rich Zoehrer
2000 Cub Jonathan Hewlett
2001 Everardo Aguilar
2001 Cub Jeff Phillips
2002 Mike Wylie
2003 Eric Crow
2004 Chris Galea
2005 Wayne Bradt
2006 Dave Bendixen
2007 Ron Brundige
2008 Ray Torres
2009 Michael Ferguson
2010 Dave Bendixen
2011 Mark Flores
2012 Chuck Houghten
2013 Aaron Borovoy
2014 David Ferguson
2015 Denny Blasingame
2016 - 2018 Jeff Breeze
2019 William Hurd
2020-2022 David Ferguson
2023 Tim Kutch
25
BearQuake 2023
26
Cirque De L’Ours
Bears San Diego 2023 Charites
Special Delivery San Diego has been saving lives and �lling bellies with nourishment since ����. They are a non�pro�t organi�ation with a sta� that is ���� volunteer� They currently cook and deliver fresh, homemade and nutritious meals to ���� individuals and families �ve days a week� Special Delivery’s mission is to alleviate hunger and malnourishment for those living with AIDS, �ancer and other critical illnesses & to people medically homebound throughout the San Diego community. Fresh, wholesome food is prepared, infused with love and home-delivered to feed both the body and the soul.
VIDA places value on the lives of all young Latinos and Latinas. Their goal is to foster education for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). By that, they mean how to protect you and your partner from infection of HIV, or how to live a long and happy life if you have HIV. It makes no difference on which side of HIV you are. Your life is worth living to its full extent. Nearly everyone in the United States and abroad knows someone with HIV. It’s nearly impossible to not know someone who is infected by HIV. It can be a friend, a family member or even someone with whom you are romantically or sexually involved. VIDA is here to educate, support and celebrate life. On their website, you can find stories of challenge, courage, and hope. The site also provides many links to resources for testing, health services, support groups, social events, and other related resources. 27
BearQuake 2023
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Donors Diamond Sponsor
Rich’s Nightclub San Diego
Platinum Sponsors
AWOL Bar San Diego Mo’s Bar & Grill BearSkn Underwear Donnie Vella
The Merrow Humanity Grawrr Shop Pat Peterson-Espinoza
Gold Sponsors
San Diego Eagle Bar Hillcrest Brewing Company Barrel & Board Gossip Grill Baja Betty’s Electric Tiger Tatoo - Sal Leon Christine Vella Carolyn McKay Gribble Alvarado Institute of Skin Care Gabriel Sotomayor Photography Anthony Limon & Jeff McCullough Jim Hannan & David James (Mr Cub San Diego Contest)
Silver Sponsors The Rail Inside Out The Loft San Diego The Candy Pushers Blackbear Diner Cafe El Cajon Sisters Pizza Amarrado - By Angelo Tom Goss David Wayne Ferguson Ashtray David Old Armory Leatherworks Carmen Revelez Jalisco Mexican Restaurant Ponce’s Restaurant The Tap Room Texas Roadhouse The Hillcrest Cutter - Britton Purvis Hillcrest Business Assoc. Jade Melrose & “The Golden Girls Show” The Imperial Court de San Diego North Coast Repertory Theatre San Diego Whale Watching Tours 28
Cirque De L’Ours
29
23 “CIRQUE DE L'OURS” 22nd 23 Truck Stop Tea Dance Every 3rd Saturday of the Month 5 to 9 PM
<50=,9:0;@ (=, :(5 +0,.6 90*/::(5+0,.6 *64 -(*,)662 *64 90*/::+