Upcoming Events

I think I'm going to have to stop defining some events as breakthrough events. We have now progressed to the point where ALL events are crowdsourced in some way, so that everybody attending feels like they have a stake in the event's success through their good-hearted contributions. Every event is so darned sweet and amiable... I really don't have to keep pointing it out, but I still intend to, periodically in the reviews. It's always nice to bring good news!

RECENT ARTICLES

Scott Donald's Superb Fetish Photography at the Eagle. Dayton O'Connor set this whole thing up, and it's a masterpiece.

If you want to follow Mr. San Diego Leather 2012 Aaron's adventures during his title year, his new blog is here.

Rental Becoming Available in Normal Heights

Review of Contestant & Titleholder Appreciation, 2012, with hundreds of pictures.

Photos from the Mr. & Ms. SD Leather 2012 Contest. I finally posted them!

BIG event this Friday

EVENT UPDATES

This week's Wednesday Men's Discussion is CANCELED. The room isn't ready yet, due to extensive remodeling. They are making it more sound-proof, so when we all roar with laughter, we don't disturb the customers downstairs. It should be fully ready for us next week. See you then!

Honestly, folks - this is an awfully frisky week:

This Friday is going to be another hot mess of crazy-fun, at the Eagle this time around, starting at 9PM. If you just want a fun night that's like a ten-ring circus, this is your chance.

This Saturday's LL Bear dance party at RICHs is hosted by the superb CubClub crew, so you KNOW it's going to be a mini version of the awesome BELT party.  To make that happen, a bunch of us will be doing demos of kinky play styles such as flogging.  If you want to play, just march right up to us and say so!

Speaking of the BELT Party, the next one will be called "Where the Wild Things Are", and it will be at Numbers on Saturday, October 27th. You really need to put your friends on Red Alert Status. This event happens four times a year, and it has become the premier social event of every season. We had dozens of men volunteering at the last one. If you want to be a part of the team, come at 6PM SHARP on Wednesday, September 19th to get on the list and find out what the plans are. The volunteers last time were grinning maniacally with joy the whole evening.

RANDOM MESSAGES NOW BLOCKED

I'd like to apologize for the "Dave on Vacation, 9/7/2012, 1:00 pm" message that went out to everybody last week -  I never expected somebody would ever want to set an alert for the whole group, so I never turned that function off.  I've now locked ALL such functions down, so there won't be any further annoyances. Dave, I owe you a spanking! A nice, drawn-out, sensual spanking….

From: Mr. San Diego Leather 2012 Aaron:

AIDS Walk and Run 2012

On Friday, September 14th from 10PM to midnight we will be at the Eagle, signing people up for the team and taking donations during STUD Night/Dress It Up, Strip It Down.

We are still accepting members for the team to either walk or run. Our first fundraiser at the Eagle was a great success. We will be hosting one last bar night on Friday, September 14 from 10-12. If you are unable to participate, we are always accepting donations. You can donate online here.

4th Wednesday Men's Discussion: Hands On

This month our hands on topic will be Boot Blacking And Leather Care. Everyone is encouraged to bring a pair of boots to work on that evening. If you have your boot blacking supplies, please bring them. If you don't, do not worry. We will provide some supplies for you. Our special guest speakers and demo guides will be Spike and David Shorey. Both are well versed in boot blacking and leather care.
More information to follow.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thu. Sep 13, 9pm-1am; Red Hankie Social Night at the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way. Second Thu. of each month

Fri. Sep 14, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way; 2nd Fri. of each month. Hosted by Mr. San Diego Eagle 2012 Eli. It's the nicest, friendliest crowd you'll see at a leather bar. Here are a few reviews, if you haven't been to one yet. Dress to impress if you've got the gear, or show us some skin - I promise you'll be glad that you did. Here are some pictures from Oct., February, March, April, June and September. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too.

Since the Folsom Street Fair is occurring next weekend, a few events in San Diego are being shuffled around.  The Eagle's monthly STUD Night event (where a local porn model gets introduced to the crowd, gets interviewed, hands away porn and answers questions (and possibly performs) will be combined with the monthly FMSD Gear Night at the Eagle called Dress It Up/Strip It Down on Friday, September 14th. It's also the First Anniversary Party for Stud Night, so It's going to be PACKED!

Sat. Sep 15, 9:30PM-2AM: LL Bear Dance Party @ Rich's, at 1051 University. Third Saturday of each month. Lots of leathermen attend this event. Shirtless with a harness appears to be the dress code! This time around, we will be doing flogging and other play demos. If you want to participate, just march right up to us and let us know!

Wed, Sep 19, 6PM SHARP. Meeting of Community Representatives for the next BELT Party on October 27th. Get on the list, get the freshest news, become part of the super-successful team. These are the men who you really want to invest in as friends!

Wed. Sep 19, 7-9PM: MEN'S DISCUSSIONS. This has turned out to be ideal for building friendships by getting to know men outside of the bar/cruising scene. EVERY Wednesday of each month. This week's discussion is meant for a single theme, and it's usually tied in with the following Wednesday's hands-on demo.

Thu. Sep 20, 9-PM-Midnight: Yellow Hankie Social Night at the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way. First and Third Thu. of each month.

Fri. Sep 21, 8:30PM-1AM: FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy 2010, tiger - Ms San Diego Leather 2010, caryl - San Diego's premier Sea Monkey Trainer, and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. Third Fri. of each month. This is a GREAT educational event if you want some hands-on training in a safe environment.

Friday, Sep 21, 9PM-2AM; FMSD is hosting the annual FOLSOM IN EXILE Party at the Eagle. This is for the folks (like me) who are low on cash, but still wanting to enjoy the spirit of the Folsom Street Fair here in San Diego. Gear up if ya got it, or wear as little as you dare. More details as time goes by. 

Sat. Sep. 22, 10pm: Underwear Party and Contest at the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way. Fourth Sat. of each month. Everyone is invited to strip down to those boxers, briefs or "street" legal jocks and join in the fun, you do not have to enter the contest. Although our 1st prize is $100 Cash and 2nd prize is a $25 bar tab., Clothes check opens at 10pm and the contest will be held at midnight. Your evening will be hosted by Mr. San Diego Eagle 2012, Eli

Wed. Sep 26, 7-9PM: MEN'S DISCUSSIONS. This has turned out to be ideal for building friendships by getting to know men outside of the bar/cruising scene. EVERY Wednesday of each month. The fourth Wednesday is usually set-aside for a hands-on demo/show and tell. More coverage of practical technique.

Sunday, September 23: Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.

Saturday, Sep. 29 from 9PM-1:30AM: Hey, all you horn dogs - the Eagle is hosting Wolfs Revisited, Part II. The last one was legendary, and this next one will be on the night of the full moon!  It gets awfully dark in there...

Sunday, September 30: AIDS Walk San Diego

Wed. Oct. 3, 7-9PM: MEN'S DISCUSSIONS. This has turned out to be ideal for building friendships by getting to know men outside of the bar/cruising scene. EVERY Wednesday of each month. Past topics: Tips for bottoming for the first time, dealing with excessive religious programming, how to deal with unwelcome attention (without being a jerk), and so on. This is where you can bring your questions and get them answered!

Wed. Oct 3, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way, hosted by Dayton O'Connor. First Wed. of each month.

Thu. Oct 4 9-PM-Midnight: Yellow Hankie Social Night at the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way. First and Third Thu. of each month.

Fri, Oct 5, 7-9PM; SDLOG educational event. First Friday of each month. at the Joyce Beers Community Center, by the Aladdin restaurant near Ralph's supermarket on University.

Sat. Oct. 6, 4-7PM: CIGARS & BOOTS.  Bourbon Street, at 4612 Park Blvd is our new host bar.  This event is now on the first Saturday of every month at our new location. Join us for 1/2 priced pitchers of beer and $4.25 Smirnoff cocktails. Don't worry about eating before you come, as the kitchen will be open. Don't forget that Saturday night at Bourbon Street beginning at 7:30pm is the Dream Girls Review. We will have cigars available for purchase. Please come out and join us whether you are a seasoned smoker, or curious to learn.  Here are some reviews.

Sat. Oct. 6, 9PM-2AM; BearNight Dance at Numbers, at 3811 Park Blvd. $5 before 10PM. First Sat. of each month. Lots of leathermen attend this event, and it comes highly recommended… Here are some reviews

Wed, Oct 10, 7PM: Men's Discussion: Men's Discussion: PLANNING THE FUTURE. Second Wed. of each month. This week's discussion is usually set aside to talk about what is coming up, and what we want to do about it. Get the news ahead of everybody else!

Sat. Oct 13, 9PM onward: UNIFORM NIGHTat the Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way. Wear Military Gear or Civil Uniform Gear. Second Sat. of each month.

Sat. Oct 27, 9PM onward at Numbers, at 3811 Park Blvd.  It's the next BELT Party, called "Where the Wild Things Are". You really need to put your friends on Red Alert Status. This event happens four times a year, and it has become the premier social event of every season.

November 8-11: Palm Springs Leather Pride

Fri. Nov. 30, 8:30PM-1AM: MEN-ONLY Fri. NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. The Men-Only version is on the FIFTH Fri. of each month, such as Nov 30 of 2012, and Mar 29, May 31, Aug 30 and Nov 29 of 2013. There will be hands-on training for folks who want to learn from experts in a very safe environment.

Rental Becoming Available in Normal Heights

Note from Tony: I LOVE living in Normal Heights. Very, very neighborly. This is a screamin' deal!

From James Blair:

I have a 1100 square foot share rental in Normal Heights coming up. The relaxed, open-minded environment, that I have created here, welcomes Fetishmen or men in the leather lifestyle. 

The available suite is in my townhouse and has its own private floor with bedroom, bathroom, and balcony. 

There's a fireplace and garden patio -- perfect for BBQs and entertaining. Also, there's an in-house laundry, garage parking; Internet and cable TV-ready. 

Walk to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Convenient to the 805 and 15 freeways, and mass transit. Ready October 1. I am asking $675.00 per month.

If you know of anyone, please have them contact me at (619) 990-0997 or erosfactor @gmail.com - Part-timers, Weekenders, and Travelers are also welcome.

Thanks!   James

Review of Contestant & Titleholder Appreciation, 2012

NOTE: HUGE amounts of pictures from this event may be found HERE.

Well, if you are the kind of person who appreciates honest acknowledgment of good people's virtues and values, you would have loved this event. We HAVE to make it an annual event.

On Sunday, September 9, 2012, a whole bunch of very fine people showed up at the Bamboo Lounge to participate in something wonderful.

It started out as a way to give the outgoing Ms. and Mr. San Diego Leather 2011 titleholders a chance to share their experience without any time-limits, but it quickly grew into a way to show love and approval for:

- The older folks who have been titleholders
- The outgoing titleholders
- The current titleholders, and the men who competed at the contest, indicating their willingness to step up on behalf of us all.
- the folks in the crowd who have already started getting ready to run for a title.
- The folks who have never held a title, but who care deeply about those who do.

It was a Love Fiesta.

An event simply does NOT get more high-minded than this. Only a truly stable, solid and dependably kind community can pull something like this off.  No factions hissing and spitting at each other, no drama, and no fear of being disrespected somehow. Just pure, simple love. When you look at the many pictures, you can see utter relaxation, lack of artifice, and complete transparency in every face.

I'm going to bring up Mazlow's Hierarchy of Needs. Hey - It's my blog, I can get wonkish.

We all need to know that we are loved, respected and needed - It's how primates evolved to this point. All humans need to know that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, our insecurities and our petty fears.

You'll notice that "Esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval and recognition" is a prerequisite to becoming fully self-actualized.  If the people in these pictures are going to attain true serenity, joy and wisdom in their lifetimes, they have to have a solid basis of community support to move upward from. There are no shortcuts. Lucky them - they are in the right place, and at the right time.

I rejoice that our community is achieving more and more very, very high-level events. I can't imagine how our Tribe could get any better, but it just does. I look forward to the future with great pleasure and anticipation.

BIG event this Friday

On Friday, September 14th, from 9PM onward, it's going to be a ZOO at the Eagle. It started out as our usual, popular monthly Dress It Up/Strip It Down event.

Then, the First Anniversary STUD Night was moved to the same night, featuring three fine men from the local San Diego porn industry as the hosts.  You probably already know Dayton and Preston as your local brothers and community leaders and volunteers from FMSD. Lots of local men are in the industry.

Then, the team of local leathermen working with AIDS Walk San Diego plan to join up with the event, bringing entertainment of their own, signing up members to walk with the FMSD and Eagle Team for the 2012 AIDS Walk San Diego. They have a gift basket to be auctioning off with the proceeds going to benefit the team. Robb Rodd will be there giving chair massages for $1 per minute. All proceeds will be donated to the team.

There will be flogging demos, porn giveaways, crowd-pleasing presentations, and constant surprises, wrapped up in a JAMMED event.  If you're looking for a great way to show off the gear you plan to wear at the Folsom Street Fair the following weekend, this is your big chance.

Let's GEAR UP!

CHP Uniform and Dehner Boots for Sale

From: Dan Cosgrove

Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 15:30:56 -0700

A friend of mine in Seattle area is selling a CHP uniform, so I thought perhaps you may know someone who is interested.  The particulars follow and photo attached:

Breeches, shirt and boots.  Here are the details:

Breeches:

Made by Sinatra Mfg. Inc.

Size 42x27 (they are short because they are breeches)

Shirt:

Made by Flying Cross

Size: XL Short sleeve, CHP patches on both shoulders

Boots:

Made by Dehner

Size 12E

He would like to get $450 for the set, but that is negotiable.  He would cover the cost of shipping if sold for $450. Contact Steve at stevehess@ tubapower.com if interested.

ROMP San Diego Review; Introducing Mr. & Ms. San Diego Leather 2012!

By Adam Latham

WOW, what a weekend! Everyone planned, worked, and hoped that the new San Diego Leather Pride event, ROMP San Diego, would be fun – but it turned out fantastic. We’ve been working hard for this, the very first year that the Mr. & Ms. San Diego Leather contests have been combined, and everything went splendidly. Well over 100 people turned out in the woods above San Diego; the food was good, the company was great, and you all were incredible.

Friday night kicked off the weekend with Opening Ceremonies and Meet & Greet, where our esteemed judging panel was introduced to the attendees. Heading up the Panel of Judges was our Chief Judge, Tom Dickerson (celebrating his 10 year anniversary as Mr. San Diego Leather 2002), Naria Jordan (also celebrating her 10th anniversary as Ms. San Diego Leather 2002) Ruby Empress Ajax, Hooker, Shann Carr, Eric Siglin, and tiger. The contestants were Wish, Aaron Duke, Kane and Scotty.

After Opening Ceremonies, the Dungeons were opened, and some impromptu fire play at the bonfire, nicknamed ‘Cirque Du ROMP!’ by Hooker gave us a tradition that will definitely continue. Fired-up bullwhips, jumpropes & marshmallows under a crystal clear sky with more stars than any of us have seen in a long time – Thanks to Lady Kimberr and her family for the flaming spectacle!

Saturday morning everybody woke to a great breakfast out among the giant Live Oaks, hosted by the GSGRA-SD Rodeo Folks. They did a great job, and people got their fill to start the day off right. The judges and contestants decamped to perform the interviews, while everybody else had a chance to take in the mountain air. Next year, we will be adding a motorcycle ride Saturday morning, as the area around Live Oak Springs is perfect for a ride, straddling the Tecate Divide.

Later in the afternoon the contest drew everybody back out to the open area, it was deftly emceed by Karen Ultra and Loren Berthelsen. They did it right, dressed in matching scout uniforms, they kept us laughing and kept the show moving. The breaks were highlighted by Loren’s professional comic sets. All of the contestants did a great job; there were insightful speeches, some hot fantasies, and of course, a bountiful amount of skin!

After the contest, everybody met for the Club Colors Progressive Cocktail Reception. A number of clubs offered drinks, drunken gummi bears, and the Family Health Center gave out free condoms and lube.

The cocktail reception ended at the banquet and everyone feasted on a spread of super tasty barbeque, where the winners were announced by the San Diego Leather Pride producers, and sashes were bestowed by Mark Holmes, Mr. San Diego Leather 1984, and Annie Romano, Ms San Diego Leather 1998 & Ms World Leather 2001.

The new titleholders for the coming year:

Ms. San Diego Leather 2012 - Wish
Mr. San Diego Leather 2012 - Aaron Duke

Wasting no time, the Dungeons opened to some great play as the new titleholders hosted a cigar and scotch social. There is nothing quite like the sounds of kinky play out in the mountain night air!

Sunday morning was a good brunch with a key note address by Karen Ultra that really got everyone thinking. We thought she was just pretty and quick witted, but she actually made the earth move during her address with a rare cluster-quake, reaching a 5.3 on the Richter.

A few awards were given; Club Spirit went to CCMC, Spirit of Leather Pride was awarded to Vonn Tramel, and Annie was awarded Pig of the Party for hogging all the tops in the ROMPer Room!

At last goodbyes were said, the tents torn down and equipment packed up, and hugs passed all around. In the last few days the internet has lit up with a lot of great comments about the newest little run in San Diego. Thanks to everybody that worked hard, volunteered, drove out of their way, and gave of their amazing energy to help make ROMP San Diego a huge success. We’re already booked for next year, same leather-time, same leather-station!

Thanks everybody for a ROMPing good time!

Reviews of BOOTS & CIGARS at Bourbon Street

Review by Mr. San Diego Leather 2012 Aaron:

There was a diverse group of men that showed up to the cigar social. It was nice to see some of our younger members conversing with our "classic leathermen". This event was very laid back and casual. 

Men enjoying their cigars and pipes, getting their boots shined by Spike and Cobi, and enjoying the company of each other. It was very reminiscent of Smokeout in Vegas. We look forward to making this the first Saturday event every month. As the weather cools off, I am sure more and more men will join us. 

We had a great turnout considering it was a holiday weekend. Please tell your friends (smokers or not) to please join us. It is a great time for everyone to drop the shields and enjoy one another's company. Thank you to Bourbon Street for being our new host. The staff was amazing. We look forward to spending more time with them. See you all next month.

Review by Mr. San Diego Leather 2010 Anthony:

I had a great time at The Cigar Social hosted by Aaron Duke. It's been months since I even smoked a good cigar and I think Bourbon Street is a great venue for Cigar smoking and I'm very happy to see Aaron making this a monthly event. A Cigar Social is just that. Yes, some guys smoke Cigars or pipes. Some don't. But, it is also a social. A time to meet new people or catch up with friends you don't see out much. 

I love it when I get the opportunity to introduce a new young man to the leather community to someone who's been in the leather community for 20 yrs. or more. It was also a great opportunity for me to bring my boy out for his first social event. He has only been collared for a month and although we have spent a lot of time together, I was looking forward to a social event like this to see how he would do. 

Although we had discussed proper protocols as Sir and boy in a social setting I forgot to mention taking my cigar ash. So as my ash was getting longer he asked if I would like an ash tray. I told him to get on his knees and open his mouth. He did as I told him with a trusting but puzzled look on his face as I flicked my ash in his mouth and told him to swallow. He's a good boy and without question he swallowed. This is my first boy and the first time I'd given him my ash. I'm 41 and it's not often that I do things for the first time. 

Since joining the San Diego Leather Community almost 3 yrs. ago I have experienced many first times. You might not like smoking Cigars or wearing boots or even swallowing an ash. But, I think we all enjoy the excitement from doing something for the first time. Even if it's going to your first Cigar Social. 

So if you're reading this and are thinking about going, please do. Because this might be the beginning of a lot of new experiences and first times for you. 

Big Hugs & Leather Love!  :-)

Review by Papa Tony:

On Saturday afternoon, September 1, Mr. San Diego Leather 2011 Anthony and Mr. San Diego Leather 2012 Aaron hosted a CIGARS & BOOTS social on the patio at Bourbon Street, at 4612 Park Blvd from 4-7PM.

This picture shows around half of the men who showed up.

This new monthly event got off to a great start. I'm estimating that between forty and fifty men showed up over the three-hour event to congratulate Aaron on his recent title win, smoke a cigar or two, catch up with old friends, build new friendships and get their Saturday evening started.

The best part about Anthony and Aaron's leadership on creating this event is that they have attracted the very best-quality men in San Diego. Yes, I'm putting a value-judgment on people, but it's justified. The kindest, wisest, most-experienced heavy players showed up in much greater numbers than I have seen in many years. This is an incredible breakthrough, and our Tribe needs more reasons to entice these fine men back into the public eye.

There was a larger-than-normal number of properly-collared boys than you usually see at an average event (and that is a very good thing), and the other boys were showing intense interest in the Daddies, Sirs and Masters on display. They'll get properly trained soon enough!

This event could easily have been bigger (like the first Cigars & Boots event two years ago that Anthony hosted, shown above), but there were factors working against it - It was Labor Day weekend (every bar and restaurant in town had low turnout), and I screwed up the publicity, causing confusion over whether the event was still going on.

Still, it was a superb, majestic beginning, and the weather is going to get cooler on the patio as the months will go by, allowing men to get leathered-up, and build our Tribe's newest monthly tradition to even better successes!