Author: Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

More signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.
According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.

Two weeks to go and counting!

I’ve spotted a few more signs that San Diego Comic-Con is on the way!

I suspect most of the building wraps, banners, and offsite venue construction will begin materializing sometime next week.

I’ll keep watching for new stuff!

Pacific San Diego Magazine's latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-Con
Pacific San Diego Magazine’s latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-Con
Omnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.
Omnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.
An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.
Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.
A couple posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a spot near the Tin Fish.
A couple of posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a coveted spot near the Tin Fish.
The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures during Comic-Con!
The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures for a very special event: 2018 Comic-Con!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

A pure love for life in Balboa Park.

This morning I’m going through my computer removing old photos.

I found a few that I’d like to share.

Balboa Park is a special place where minds are released from daily concerns, and hearts rediscover a pure love for life.

I feel so fortunate to live within walking distance. My legs seem to like the place.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park, too? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

More fun artwork discovered around Coronado!

Marilyn Monroe of Some Like It Hot, filmed at the Hotel del Coronado, in colorful new street art. Art Outside the Box features painted utility boxes around Coronado.
Marilyn Monroe of Some Like It Hot, filmed at the Hotel del Coronado, in colorful new street art. Art Outside the Box features decorated utility boxes around Coronado.

As I walked around Coronado before the big Fourth of July parade, I noticed all sorts of cool public artwork I’d never seen before.

Most notably, a whole bunch of utility boxes have recently been jazzed up with images that represent the life and history of Coronado. The project, called Art Outside the Box, is sponsored by The City of Coronado Cultural Arts Commission and Caltrans. I photographed two of the eight boxes. I suppose I’ll swing by the other six some other day.

I also saw a couple of cool public restroom trailers that the City of Coronado uses during special events. I’m not sure how many of these exist, but I do recall seeing one years ago during a walk near the Hotel Del and Coronado Shores. It didn’t occur to me to photograph that one back then!

The two trailers I spied today at either end of Spreckels Park celebrate Coronado’s railroad history and the fun Tent City carousel, which today makes its home in Balboa Park.

Finally, I got some photos of a public piano that had been set up in Rotary Plaza. A plaque on it suggests that people passing by Sit a Spell and Play a Tune! It’s covered with images of Coronado landmarks.

Very cool!

Forgive me for being ignorant and not recognizing this face. If you know, leave a comment!
Forgive me for being ignorant and not identifying this face. UPDATE! Sharon left a comment indicating this is Jim Morrison. He lived in San Diego as a child and his parents lived in Coronado.
And I don't recognize this person, either!
And I can’t identify this person either! UPDATE! Sharon identified this as Bela Lugosi! He performed in San Diego, but I can find no Coronado connection…
Art Outside the Box celebrates Coronado's zip code 92118.
Art Outside the Box celebrates Coronado’s zip code 92118.
Surf breaks on a utility box. Coronado is not a true island, even if it's almost entirely surrounded by water.
Surf breaks on a utility box. Coronado is not a true island, even if it’s almost entirely surrounded by water.
Several public restroom trailers used during city events each celebrate a different aspect of Coronado history.
Unusual public restroom trailers used during city events each celebrate a different aspect of Coronado history.
Sign describes the history of Coronado's railroads. John D. Spreckels built a line that went up the Silver Strand, bringing passengers to the Hotel del Coronado and Tent City.
Sign describes the history of Coronado’s railroads. John D. Spreckels built a line that went up the Silver Strand, bringing passengers to the Hotel del Coronado and Tent City.
Graphic on restroom trailer shows the faces peering from a streetcar that ran along Orange Avenue to the original ferry landing.
Graphic on restroom trailer shows the faces peering from a streetcar that ran along Orange Avenue to the original ferry landing.
All aboard!
All aboard!
Another restroom trailer features images from Coronado's historic carousel at Tent City.
Another restroom trailer features images from Coronado’s historic carousel at Tent City.
The old Tent City carousel moved away from Coronado in 1922. Today it offers rides to young and old alike in Balboa Park!
The old Tent City carousel moved away from Coronado in 1922. Today it offers rides to young and old alike in Balboa Park!
The carousel was built in 1910 by the Herschell Spillman Co. builders in North Tonawanda, New York.
The carousel was built in 1910 by Herschell Spillman Co. in North Tonawanda, New York.
Sign describes the golden age of carousels and the history of one beloved merry-go-round that lives on in San Diego.
Sign describes the golden age of carousels and the history of one beloved merry-go-round that lives on in San Diego.
Another photo of the trailer.
Another photo of the trailer.
If these images seem familiar, you might have seen them in Balboa Park, where the historic carousel provides rides today!
If these images seem familiar, you might have seen them in Balboa Park, where the historic carousel provides rides today!
A cool public piano had been placed in Rotary Plaza during Coronado's Fourth of July Celebration.
A cool public piano had been placed in Rotary Plaza during Coronado’s Fourth of July Celebration.
Sit a Spell and Play a Tune!
Sit a Spell and Play a Tune!
The public piano is decorated with memorable images from around Coronado.
The public piano is decorated with memorable landmarks found around Coronado.
A look at the top of the piano.
A look at the top of the piano.
One more side of the Popcorn utility box. Orville Redenbacher was a resident of Coronado!
One more side of the Popcorn utility box. Orville Redenbacher was a famous resident of Coronado!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Colors of patriotism at big Fourth of July parade!

Flags move forward down Orange Avenue during the 2018 Fourth of July Parade in Coronado.
Flags move forward down Orange Avenue during the 2018 Fourth of July Parade in Coronado.

This morning I headed to Coronado to enjoy another Fourth of July parade.

This is the third year I’ve photographed the epic event. I had considered going elsewhere this year, but Independence Day in Coronado is special, and their patriotic parade is arguably the very best in the entire country, so I couldn’t resist experiencing it all again one more time!

I arrived early to Coronado and walked about for a bit, then found a spot on the parade route just before it started down Orange Avenue.

Here are some colorful photos…

People gather in Coronado for a patriotic Fourth of July Celebration.
People slowly gather in Coronado for a patriotic Fourth of July Celebration.
A guy waits on the sidewalk for the big morning parade with a flag ready.
A guy waits on the sidewalk for the big morning parade with his flag ready.
Red, white and blue bunting could be seen on shops and buildings throughout Coronado.
Red, white and blue bunting could be seen on shops and buildings throughout Coronado.
Kid heads down Orange Avenue on a small bicycle decorated for Independence Day.
Kid heads down Orange Avenue on a small bicycle decorated for Independence Day.
Many homes had patriotic banners and decorations. Most residents in Coronado support our country and our liberty.
Many homes had patriotic banners and decorations. Most residents in Coronado support our country and its core principle of human liberty.
A smiling Uncle Sam at someone's front gate.
A smiling Uncle Sam at someone’s front gate.
These tie-dye Coronado shirts in front of a shop are red, white and blue.
These tie-dye Coronado shirts in front of a shop are red, white and blue.
People relax and look at artwork for sale in Spreckels Park. An afternoon concert in the park features patriotic music.
People relax and look at artwork for sale in Spreckels Park. An afternoon concert in the park features patriotic music.
Patriotic wreath and bouquet in front of the Coronado Police headquarters honor and remember Senior Volunteer Patrol volunteers who recently passed away.
Patriotic wreath and bouquet in front of the Coronado Police headquarters honor and remember Senior Volunteer Patrol volunteers who recently passed away.
Portraits of hometown heroes.
Portraits of hometown heroes.
People head down Orange Avenue as the parade is about to begin.
People head down Orange Avenue to get in their spots as the parade is about to begin.
Hats are removed and hands placed over hearts as thousands sing the National Anthem.
Hats are removed and hands placed over hearts as thousands sing the National Anthem.
Can you see it yet? Here comes the parade!
Can you see it yet? The parade? Here it comes!
Members of San Diego County law enforcement come down the parade route on horseback.
Members of San Diego County law enforcement from Escondido ride down the parade route on horseback.
The Grand Marshall this year was Vice Admiral Brown.
The distinguished Grand Marshall this year was Vice Admiral Brown.
Several waving Pearl Harbor survivors received great applause from the crowd.
Several heroic Pearl Harbor survivors received great applause from the crowd.
The Fourth of July Parade in Coronado goes on and on with too many participants to mention!
The Fourth of July Parade in Coronado goes on and on with too many participants to mention!
A patriotic pooch.
A patriotic pooch.
Here comes the Marine Corps Band San Diego.
Here comes Marine Corps Band San Diego.
Military heroes march by on Independence Day.
Military based in San Diego march by on Independence Day.
Wounded Warriors get a big Welcome Home!
Wounded Warriors get a big Welcome Home!
A big American flag carried by many hands.
A gigantic American flag carried by many hands.
Smiles and many who are proud to live in the land of the free.
Smiles from many who are happy to live in the Land of the Free.
Here comes the Castle Park High School Trojan Brigade!
Here comes the Castle Park High School Trojan Brigade! They came up from Chula Vista.
As you might imagine,lots of cool cars were in the parade.
As you might imagine, lots of cool cars were in the parade.
Kids wave to the crowd.
A driver touches hands with the crowd as kids wave.
I think I see Maverick of Top Gun in that cockpit! No, it's actually a friendly young Tom Cruise look-alike who I've seen posing for photos by the USS Midway Museum.
I think I see Maverick of Top Gun in that cockpit! No, it’s actually a young Tom Cruise look-alike who sometimes poses for photos by the USS Midway Museum. I spoke to him once and he’s a super friendly cool guy.
The USS Midway Museum is always an important participant in San Diego's patriotic celebrations.
The USS Midway Museum is always an important participant in San Diego’s patriotic events.
During patriotic holidays, the Rotary Club of Coronado lines Orange Avenue's grassy median with American flags.
During patriotic holidays, the Rotary Club of Coronado lines Orange Avenue’s grassy median with American flags.
Here comes Honest Abe!
Look! Here comes Honest Abe!
I was getting hungry and hoped she'd accidentally flip a pancake my way.
I was getting hungry and hoped this lady might accidentally flip a pancake my way.
Guys in wheelchairs shoot hoops behind the Rotary float.
Guys in wheelchairs shoot hoops behind the Rotary float.
Another hero is celebrated. He represents The Distinguished Flying Cross Society.
Another hero is celebrated. He represents The Distinguished Flying Cross Society.
There were lots of parade participants on horseback.
There were lots of parade participants on horseback.
Another American Veteran is saluted. I saw many members of The Greatest Generation being thanked for their service long ago.
Another American veteran is saluted. I saw many members of The Greatest Generation being thanked for their service long ago.
More pageantry, another marching band.
More pageantry, another marching band.
Members of the United States Navy march past.
Members of the United States Navy march past.
A flag held high greets passing musicians.
A flag held high greets passing musicians.
A beauty queen smiles and waves.
A beauty queen, seeing my camera, smiles and waves!
People watch the big parade from a building on Orange Avenue.
People watch the big parade from a building on Orange Avenue.
Flags everywhere.
Flags everywhere.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Lingering in sunlight at the edge of an ocean.

Today I found myself walking through Coronado.

The sunshine was strong. I settled on a bench facing a margin of white beach and let my mind wander.

I and many others were sitting, relaxing, playing, speaking, thinking, soaking in one more summer at the edge of an ocean. A canvas of wide blue unrolled into the distance. Tiny glints of light beckoned from very far away.

My eyes were drawn irresistibly to a mystery beyond the horizon.

As our eyes rise to peer beyond life’s ebb and flow, we drift to strange places beyond our reach.

My photographs have been altered slightly. You might recognize Point Loma, Mexico and the small, rocky Coronado Islands that jut from the ocean a bit southwest of Tijuana.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

To read a few small stories that I’ve written, wander over to Short Stories by Richard.

Art exhibit paints colors of Southern California!

Earthlab, 2017, by artist Eva Struble. Acrylic and oil on canvas. Optimistic and energetic colors depict small San Diego farms.
Earthlab, 2017, by artist Eva Struble. Acrylic and oil on canvas. Optimistic and energetic colors depict small San Diego farms.

Today I enjoyed some stimulating artwork at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park. Their current exhibition is called High-Key: Color in Southern California, and for a very good reason.

Palm greens, desert tans and ocean blues are primary colors in our region’s sunny landscapes.

Additional vibrant colors live in our diverse urban centers. Like neon and surfboards, lowriders and pinatas, our local culture is saturated with bold, bright color.

High-Key: Color in Southern California can be enjoyed at the San Diego Art Institute through August 12, 2018.

If you visit Balboa Park this summer, you might want to check it out!

Visitor to the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park absorbs the exhibition of High-Key: Color in Southern California.
Visitor to the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park at the exhibition of High-Key: Color in Southern California.
Chaparral (II), 2018, by artist Audrey Hope. Canvas and hand wound rope. Swaths of colorful fabric are suggestive of San Diego's natural landscape.
Chaparral (II), 2018, by artist Audrey Hope. Canvas and hand wound rope. Swaths of colorful fabric are suggestive of San Diego’s hilly, arid natural landscape.
Green, Red-Orange, 2018, by artist Michael James Armstrong. Acrylic sheet, fluorescent light, spray paint.
Green, Red-Orange, 2018, by artist Michael James Armstrong. Acrylic sheet, fluorescent light, spray paint.
Untitled, 2018, by artist Joshua Moreno. Watercolor, watercolor pencil, gouache, marbling, spray paint.
Untitled, 2018, by artist Joshua Moreno. Watercolor, watercolor pencil, gouache, marbling, spray paint.
Cleaning Portrait; Whisk #1, 2017, by artist Claudia Cano. Acrylic on paper. A cleaning tool used by a hardworking Mexican immigrant laborer.
Cleaning Portrait; Whisk #1, 2017, by artist Claudia Cano. Acrylic on paper. A cleaning tool used by a hardworking Mexican immigrant laborer.
More artwork splashed with the vibrant colors of Southern California.
More artwork splashed with the vibrant colors of Southern California.
Rhubarb Moon, 2018, by artist John Oliver Lewis. Porcelain, acrylic.
Rhubarb Moon, 2018, by artist John Oliver Lewis. Porcelain, acrylic.
Paradise Prototype, 2018, by artist Allison Wiese. Cast sugar. Patterned concrete blocks were popular in Southern California architecture in the 1950s and 60s.
Paradise Prototype, 2018, by artist Allison Wiese. Cast sugar. Patterned concrete blocks were popular in Southern California in the 1950’s and 60’s.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Early signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O'Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.
Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O’Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.

Just three weeks to go until 2018 Comic-Con!

In addition to Marvel banners now hung up and down streets throughout downtown, and numerous trolley wraps that I’ve been tracking down to photograph lately, a few other signs that 2018 Comic-Con is approaching have slowly begun to appear…

A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
Cool psychedelic artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Cool artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics, which will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library during Comic-Con.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics. There’s a new location and time. Crowdfunding to Hollywood: Comics in 2018 will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library a couple days before Comic-Con.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks are now in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Whiskey Cavalier trolley for 2018 Comic-Con!

A trolley wrap for 2018 Comic-Con promotes ABC's upcoming drama Whiskey Cavalier. Lauren Cohan costars with Scott Foley. Both are CIA operatives.
A trolley wrap for 2018 Comic-Con promotes ABC’s upcoming show Whiskey Cavalier. Lauren Cohan costars with Scott Foley. She’s a CIA operative; he’s with the FBI.

I was completely wrong! In a recent Comic-Con trolley post, I surmised that ABC wouldn’t have a trolley wrap this year. Look what I spied this morning! Whiskey Cavalier, a show that’s coming to the ABC television network, is being promoted in San Diego.

A quick check of the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog shows there are two additional Bob’s Burgers wraps debuting, as well. There are so many trolley wraps now I can hardly keep track of them!

Now I have to keep my eyes peeled for those new Bob’s Burgers trolleys! And who knows what else?

What fun!

Another cool trolley wrap for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con spotted at the Fifth Avenue station downtown.
Another cool trolley wrap for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con spotted at the Fifth Avenue station downtown.
Whiskey Cavalier is coming soon to ABC television. Two CIA agents deal with relationships and office politics while occasionally saving the world.
Whiskey Cavalier is coming soon to ABC television. An FBI and a CIA agent deal with relationships and office politics while occasionally saving the world.
The face of agent Will Chase played by Scott Foley. Opposite him, Lauren Cohan plays Francesca "Frankie" Trowbridge.
The face of FBI agent Will Chase played by Scott Foley. Opposite him, Lauren Cohan plays CIA operative Francesca “Frankie” Trowbridge.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

More photos of art observed while walking.

Colorful fish swims through a wall at Petco Park near the Sun Diego Beach.
Colorful fish swims through a wall at Petco Park near the Sun Diego Beach.

Here’s a collection of random art that I’ve observed while walking around San Diego. Some of these photos are recent; others have been languishing for a year or two unused in my computer.

Enjoy!

Four mermaids painted on tile in a shop in Old Town.
Four mermaids painted on tile in an outdoor shop in Old Town.
A deer dressed in a polo shirt. Humorous street art in Golden Hill.
A deer dressed in a polo shirt. Humorous street art in Golden Hill.
A silly pelican painted on a utility box on Mission Boulevard in South Mission Beach.
A silly pelican painted on a utility box on Mission Boulevard in South Mission Beach.
IMAGINE painted on a box in downtown San Diego.
IMAGINE painted on a box in downtown San Diego.
More imaginative street art downtown.
Imaginative, plant-like street art downtown.
Beautiful tile mosaic with Virgin Mary at its center on a wall in North Park.
Beautiful tile mosaic with Virgin Mary at its center on a wall in North Park.
A boy and a bird on an electrical box downtown.
A boy and a bird on an electrical box downtown.
I spied this small work of art leaning up against a garbage can downtown.
I spied this small unusual work of art leaning up against a garbage can downtown.
A branching tree enlivens a transformer box in Golden Hill.
A branching tree enlivens a transformer box in Golden Hill.
A whale, shark, dolphin, ray and other sea life painted on a community mural in Ocean Beach.
A whale, shark, dolphin, ray and other sea life painted by many hands on a community mural in Ocean Beach.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Lobster traps, shadows create a cool matrix.

I got some cool photos yesterday when I walked past new lobster traps on a pier. The cage-like traps and their shadows, which were cast on a clean flat surface, created an illusion of strange dimension and space that captured my eye.

These grids of metal and shadow remind me of some unusual sculptural artwork I recently blogged about in the gallery of San Diego’s Central Library.

The following images almost look like molecules arranged in a matrix. Intersecting parallel lines seem to form an abstract, mathematical, three dimensional space.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Life is a stimulating adventure!