My name is Lauren DeRose. I have lived in San Diego for almost seven years. I have worked many jobs in our beloved Hillcrest and have been an active musician in and around our community. My on-the-go lifestyle has allowed me to come across so many different people and things, I feel I can give a well-rounded insight on current events and the city’s best kept secrets.

Hapenstans (the tribe) and owner Cheryle Beltran have been in business for ten years. She first opened her shop solely as a salon. But since 2004, Hapenstans has grown into a one-stop-shop that can soothe your body, mind, and soul (not to mention, make you feel pretty fucking sexy when you walk out the door). Hapenstans consists of fifteen independent contractors all with strong, distinct personalities that specialize in a variety of services. The services and the people who provide them include owner Cheryle Beltran, and stylists Nicole Jacoby, Jen Gardner, Megan Titus, Leda DeRose, Sabrina Guo, Lesleigh Kent, and Audra Cutler.

Aestheticians Eileen Kline, Massage Therapist Tamara Manning, Reiki/ Energy Healer Tommie Starchild, Stitch & Embroidery Julie Unternahrer, ADAPT-Tattoo Artists Mike Beliveau and Diana DeAugustine. Piercings by Christi Campbell and Matteo Montone. What other place in San Diego can you walk out of having just gotten your haircut, colored, a tattoo, a piercing, an eyebrow waxing, a massage, a facial and spiritual guidance?

I am a client of Hapenstans and on every visit I am always treated with respect. I vow never to put up with another stuck up, pretentious ass strutting around thinking they are soooooo cool because they work at a trendy, hoity-toity salon. This shop is filled with talented, free thinking people who want you to leave feeling good about yourself in every way. Hapenstans, in my opinion, is the punk rock day spa of San Diego.

When you own a shop that does just about everything, what do you do next? I asked Beltran what direction she saw Hapenstans taking? She quickly replied, “Whatever manifests itself to be. My vision is to build a community that seeks and speaks the truth. I would like to earn a living without selling my soul.”

She has done it, folks! Ah, finally, someone around here who cares about something other than status. Following your heart and being successful. Gasp! It is possible, people. So loosen that tie and give it a try! Hapenstans is located at 416 University Avenue between Fourth and Fifth in Hillcrest. 619-291-1320.

This was my fifth S.F. Pride and I have to say there are two reasons why I continue to make an effort to make it back up there, year after year. Firstly, the people and secondly it’s San Francisco!

To be honest with you, I do not do well at Pride festivals. The port-o-potties, the large sweaty crowds, the miles and miles of barbecued pork, beef, and fried everything, tents that are constantly blowing smoke in whatever direction you seemed to be walking in and the network overload (AT&T’s fault) that I am sure is the cause of at least 50% of all arguments amongst friends. Let’s not forget, the number one most annoying aspect of the festival every year…the entertainment. Come on, we are queer, not deaf, dumb and blind. If I see one more lip syncing act, I am going lose my mind.

For some reason, being in beautiful San Francisco, all of the common annoyances of the Pride festival seem to fade away, as soon as you meet the natives. Wonderful, truly diverse people can be found on every corner of the city. Sitting in Dolores Park, I am seeing my own personal “American Dream” come to life. All walks of life are there, drinking, relaxing and having fun all in one place. What was this warm, fuzzy, overjoyed feeling I was having? It was a feeling of belonging. A true sense of community.

This is something I have yet to experience in San Diego. Our city is so segregated by straights and gays and our GLBT community is separated by boys and girls. Why? I do not know. We want mainstream America to accept us, but we do not even accept each other. Slightly hypocritical! Well, just for the record, I love all people until they give me a really good reason not to. I hope our city can one day be a stitch of what San Francisco is. I know it sounds hippity-dippity, but I still believe in peace and love.

San Diego is definitely not known for being anywhere near bike friendly. But there are many people in S.D. who love to ride their bikes. I mean, why wouldn’t you love to ride around in PERFECT weather all year long? The main reason is not laziness or the crazy love affairs that people have with their cars. It’s just plain fear. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people say, “Oh, I would totally ride my bike to work everyday, but I have to take University Avenue and it is too scary. There are no bike lanes and it is too narrow. Not to mention people drive like maniacs!” So what is it going to take S.D.? How many accidents and deaths have to occur for us to get a bike lane? Don’t tell me it is money. I see enough people getting parking tickets everyday in Hillcrest, which could pay for bike lanes all over the city. Oh! I’m sorry, I forgot. We probably are saving up for another giant multi-million dollar stadium that we do not even use. This really grinds my gears. Maybe we will get our bike lanes, if someone important enough is killed. Oh! Wait! Only important people have cars.

Since 2004, I have in some way or another been a part of San Diego Pride. Whether it be performing in the park or dancing on a giant wedding cake in the parade, I have done my share in showing my love for my gays!

This year with S.D. Pride’s new music coordinator/entertainment manager Beth Ladwig, I am excited for this year’s main stage line up. Rapper/Actress, Eve will close the show on Saturday, July 17th, performing after yours truly Lauren DeRose and rapper M.C. FLoW. This will be FLoW’s final show involving hype-woman Taylor-Tay and backing dancer G.G. Cat. Local all-girl pop band Bitter Sober, American Idol Finalist Blake Lewis, and new wave/punk band DEVO will all share a stage on Sunday, July 18th in Balboa Park.! woo hoo!

Side note: I saw DEVO perform live at Street Scene a couple of years ago and they killed it! They were the best act of the night and I am so glad they decided to come back to San Diego. This Pride should kick some ass. Tickets are available at the festival or online at www.sandiegopride.org.

-a possible way to avoid boredom-

Thursday, July 1st- Coco Rosie is performing @ The Belly Up. Also I will be hosting OPEN MIC NITE at Bourbon Street from 7-10pm. So grab a guitar and come sing me a song or two. I will buy you a drink (wink). Friday, July 2nd, Northern Towns ,one of my favorite local punk bands, will be playing @ The Beauty Bar. Sunday, 4th of July, go see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at the Delmar Fair grounds. Monday, July 5th, recover from Sunday. Bloody Marys and Badminton always work for me. Tuesday, July 6th VELODROME at Morley Field. Watch the fixies chase the track. Wednesday, July 7th, Lilith Fair @ Cricket! Brandi Carlile! Rarrar! If you have a fucking pulse you will love her. Thursday, July 8th, OPEN MIC NITE @ Bourbon St from 7-10pm,. people!!!