Per the title, spatial joins don't work when using an external database. In this case, PostgreSQL.
One table has points encoded as geometry. ArcGIS correctly identifies them.
The other table has polygons included in a shapefile. Polygons render correctly on the map.
Attempt to join the two tables using "intersect" generates the error.
ERROR 999999: Something unexpected caused the tool to fail. Contact Esri Technical Support (http://esriurl.com/support) to Report a Bug, and refer to the error help for potential solutions or workarounds.
Invalid SQL syntax[ERROR: syntax error at or near "%"
LINE 1: select bike_share.public.%bike_stations_data_3_8_52_305_1406...
^::SQLSTATE=42601]
Failed to execute (AddSpatialJoin).
How does one workaround the wildcard symbol where it does not belong?
Is it the case that while one can connect to external databases, the feature is totally broken?