my wife might be a dancer at a topless club in San Diego. A caberet
license i required. is this a public record i can obrtain for
verification of rumor?

Hi whyme2,

The license is called a Nude Entertainer License, it's issued by the
Broadway office of the SDPD. You can read about it here, and contact
information is at the bottom.

Summer's FAQ on San Diego Licenses 
http://www.zbone.com/zone/p-faq06.htm

SAN DIEGO MUNICIPAL CODE - DIVISION 36
Nude Entertainment Business and Nude Entertainers (1999)
http://www.bigeye.com/sexeducation/sandiegonudeentord.html
...§ 33.3607 Nude Entertainer - Permit Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of
acting or act as a nude entertainer without a permit issued pursuant
to the provisions of this division..."

Also, there are "Outcall Nude Entertainers" (ESCORTS) and licenses are
required for them as well.

http://clerkdoc.sannet.gov/legtrain/mc/MuniCodeChapter03/Ch03Art03Division36
http://clerkdoc.sannet.gov/legtrain/mc/MuniCodeChapter03/Ch03Art03Division28

Here is your contact information, this is who issues the licenses:

San Diego Police Department - Permits and Licensing Department. 
1401 Broadway - MS-735
San Diego, Ca 92101
Hours: 8:30 am - 4pm (Monday - Thursday)
619-531-2250

I didn't find a database of licensed nude entertainers but I'm sure
the folks at the phone number above will help you, it goes directly to
the Permits and Licensing Section.

Good Luck.

~~Cynthia

Search Strategy used at Google:
"exotic dancer" license "San Diego"