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.

Comic-Con: Netflix wraps in the Gaslamp and more!

A cool wrap promoting The Defenders on Netflix has been applied to a Gaslamp building for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
A cool wrap promoting The Defenders on Netflix has been applied to a Gaslamp building for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.

This morning there’s some Comic-Con preparation going on in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Three Netflix wraps are already up and construction has just begun on the Midnight Texas outdoor experience by the Tin Fish!

I got some photos!

A large Comic-Con wrap in the Gaslamp promotes Stranger Things 2, the second season for the series about the supernatural on Netflix.
A Comic-Con wrap in the Gaslamp promotes the second season of Stranger Things. The supernatural series thrills audiences on Netflix.
Construction has begun on the Midnight Texas outdoor experience near the Tin Fish, across from the San Diego Convention Center. The show is coming to NBC.
Construction has begun on the Midnight, Texas 4D experience near the Tin Fish, across from the San Diego Convention Center. The show is coming to NBC.
A third Netflix wrap on a Gaslamp building for Comic-Con. This one promotes upcoming fantasy film Bright, starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton.
A third Netflix wrap on a Gaslamp building for Comic-Con. This one promotes upcoming fantasy film Bright, starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton.

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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!

Glimpses of art along a few blocks in North Park.

Someone's artistic bicycle has a potted plant in its basket.
Someone’s artistic bicycle has a potted plant in its basket.

I captured these quick photos during a walk in North Park, along Adams Avenue between 30th Street and the I-805 bridge. Bits of art add flavor to life in the city.

Someone rests on a painted transformer box on Adams Avenue near 30th Street.
Someone rests on a painted transformer box on Adams Avenue near 30th Street.
A monkey on a utility box, crowned by a rummage sale notice.
A monkey on a utility box, crowned by a rummage sale notice.
A dog sees a yummy doughnut!
A dog sees a yummy doughnut!
A cool lady seems to stand on the sidewalk.
A cool lady seems to stand on the sidewalk.
Looking down from the Adams Avenue bridge over Interstate 805.
Looking down from the Adams Avenue bridge over Interstate 805.
Abstract mural incorporates nearby utility boxes.
Abstract mural incorporates nearby utility boxes.
An awesome Jimi Hendrix street mural near dumpster and motorcycle.
An awesome Jimi Hendrix street mural near dumpster and motorcycle.

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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!

Syfy trolley wrap, and more new stuff for Comic-Con!

The fifth trolley wrap for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con promotes the Syfy channel. Because you're a pro at cons. It's a fan thing.
The fifth trolley wrap for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con promotes the Syfy channel. Because you’re a pro at cons. Check in. Geek out. It’s a fan thing.

There’s a fifth trolley wrap debuting for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con! I don’t recall there being as many as five different wraps before!

I got lucky and got some pics this morning. This new wrap promotes the Syfy channel and appeals to real fans of science fiction and pop culture entertainment. The graphics don’t appear to be all that fancy, but the words flashing by might turn out to be effective.

I also saw a couple other new sights. Some Game of Thrones banners were hung today along the trolley tracks near the convention center. And a gigantic structure is being built north of The Tick Takeover. A guy watching Amazon’s smaller areas along MLK Promenade thought it was for NBC. During past Comic-Con’s that parking lot has been utilized for private studio parties, if I recall correctly. (Of course, if you know more than me, please leave a comment!)

Syfy appeals to diehard fans of science fiction and pop culture entertainment.
Syfy appeals to diehard fans of science fiction and highly imaginative entertainment.
Don't judge a book by its movie. Which came first: The dragon or the egg?
Don’t judge a book by its movie. Which came first: The dragon or the egg?
Along the trolley tracks near the San Diego Convention Center some Game of Thrones banners were hung today. Winter is here.
Along the trolley tracks near the San Diego Convention Center some Game of Thrones banners were hung today. Winter is here.
A huge structure being built just north of Amazon's The Tick venue, on First Avenue south of Island Avenue. I believe it's for a private party. A security guy thinks it's for NBC--but I'm not sure.
A huge structure being built just north of Amazon’s The Tick venue, on First Avenue, south of Island Avenue… UPDATE! I learned this will be the site of the Blade Runner 2049 Experience!
One more quick shot of the new Syfy trolley wrap. Only amateurs stand up when the credits roll. It's a fan thing.
One more quick shot of the new Syfy trolley wrap. Only amateurs stand up when the credits roll. It’s a fan thing.

Here are two more pics that I took later. Several different San Diego Trolley cars feature different sayings!

Don't call it a costume.
Don’t call it a costume.
Free swag equals social currency.
Free swag equals social currency.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Original Comic-Con art near the convention center!

Local artist Suzka has created lots of colorful artwork that includes elements from San Diego Comic-Con and comic books.
Local artist Suzka has created some colorful artwork that includes elements from San Diego Comic-Con, popular culture and comic books.

Check this out! There’s a bunch of cool, original San Diego Comic-Con artwork on display in an eatery not far from the convention center! Head a couple blocks up First Avenue and step inside Simon’s Cafe to see these colorful Comic-Con paintings!

The artist’s name is Suzka, and you can read her bio in one of my photos–click it to enlarge for easier reading.

This morning I had a lot of fun looking at this art inside the cafe while waiting for my breakfast burrito. (Which was pretty good, too!)

Biography of painter and writer Suzka. Some of her art celebrating San Diego Comic-Con can be seen inside Simon's Cafe on First Avenue, a couple blocks north of Harbor Drive.
Biography of painter and writer Suzka. Some of her art celebrating San Diego Comic-Con can be seen inside Simon’s Cafe on First Avenue, a couple blocks north of Harbor Drive.
Cool original San Diego Comic-Con art shows timeline of the international pop culture phenomenon.
Cool original San Diego Comic-Con art shows timeline of the international pop culture phenomenon.
An enormous Superman seems to stand guard near a harbor.
An enormous Superman seems to stand guard near a harbor.
Dr. Fate is in a big hurry to save Inza from danger!
Dr. Fate is in a big hurry to save Inza from danger!
Fun versions of Batman and Superman welcome everyone to Comic-Con!
Fun versions of Batman and Superman welcome everyone to Comic-Con!

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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!

Early signs that 2017 Comic-Con is almost here!

A pad has been set up near the Convention Center trolley station on MLK Promenade. I'm pretty sure Amazon will set up their animatronic The Tick venue here.
A pad has been set up near the Convention Center Trolley Station on MLK Promenade. Amazon will set up their The Tick venue here.

While no building wraps are being applied quite yet, a few interesting things have popped up near the San Diego Convention Center that indicate 2017 Comic-Con will soon be here! I walked all over the place after work and this is what I saw. A week and a half to go! (I spoke to a guy at the Amazon site, and he said they’re getting started a bit early, before lots of other construction trucks arrive in the coming days.)

Another nearby pad that I also believe will be utilized by Amazon during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Another nearby pad that I also believe will be utilized by Amazon during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Have u seen this person? I noticed these flyers around the Gaslamp and also in Mission Valley today. It appears Nickelodeon is engaging in a guerrilla marketing campaign during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Have u seen this person? I noticed these flyers all around the Gaslamp Quarter and also along Friars Road in Mission Valley today. It appears Nickelodeon is engaging in a guerrilla marketing campaign during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
The second of three types of flyers I spotted. It appears we're supposed to search for characters in the popular animated television series Hey Arnold!
The second of three types of flyers I spotted. It seems we’re supposed to search for characters in the popular animated television series Hey Arnold!
The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp will be featuring DC and Marvel Comics fine art, and other great stuff.
The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp will be featuring DC and Marvel Comics fine art, and other great pop culture stuff, as usual!
A poster promoting Shooter on USA Network near the Tin Fish.
A poster promoting Shooter on USA Network is already up near the Tin Fish and Hard Rock Hotel.
The Omnia Nightclub will have Rave of Thrones during Comic-Con weekend!
The Omnia Nightclub will have Rave of Thrones during Comic-Con weekend!
The San Diego Trading Company in the Gaslamp is stocked up on lots of Comic-Con gear!
The San Diego Trading Company in the Gaslamp is already stocked up with lots of Comic-Con gear!
I spotted Supergirl patrolling the Gaslamp, making sure no supervillains have appeared yet.
Finally, I spotted Supergirl patrolling the Gaslamp, making sure no supervillains have appeared yet!

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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!

Terracotta female figures at Heritage Plaza.

Two terracotta female figures stand at corner of Heritage Plaza, near the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Hortensia Street.
Two terracotta female figures stand at Heritage Plaza, near the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Hortensia Street.

A number of fine sculptures by artists T.J. Dixon and James Nelson can be spotted around San Diego. During a walk down San Diego Avenue in Old Town, I paused to photograph their 1995 sculpture of two life size female figures in terracotta. If you drive down the street past Heritage Plaza, it can be easy to miss them. Here’s a look…

Plaque reads Sculpture by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. Tile by Mark Emery.
Plaque reads Sculpture by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. Tile by Mark Emery.
Graceful female figure sculpted with lifted head and smile.
Graceful female figure sculpted with lifted head and smile.
The second terracotta figure.
The second terracotta figure.
Art can represent essential human truth.
Art can represent essential human truth.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Bayou Brothers rock the House of France!

Folks dance on the stage at the center of Balboa Park's International Cottages. The lawn program today was hosted by the House of France.
Folks dance on the stage at the center of Balboa Park’s International Cottages. The lawn program today was hosted by the House of France.

For a moment I thought I’d taken a wrong turn. Was this Louisiana? Upon entering the lawn area of Balboa Park’s International Cottages, the energetic, rollicking Zydeco music coming from the stage made me suddenly feel like dancing about! And I don’t dance!

San Diego’s own Bayou Brothers band was the main entertainment this afternoon for the House of France’s lawn program! And they appeared to be an enormous hit!

An accordion starts hands clapping and feet stomping.
An accordion starts hands clapping and feet stomping.
A nice crowd enjoyed some great entertainment on a perfect Sunday afternoon.
A nice crowd enjoyed some great entertainment on a perfect Sunday in the park.
People gathered outside the House of France to listen to the music, talk, and look at some cultural displays.
People gathered outside the House of France to listen to the music, talk, and look at some cultural displays.
A poster says Welcome to the House of France. It depicts Mont St. Michel, Château de Versailles, la Tour Eiffel, and other popular national attractions.
A poster says Welcome to the House of France. It depicts Mont St. Michel, Château de Versailles, la Tour Eiffel, and other popular national attractions.
Some visitors inside the House of France sample treats and enjoy more good conversation.
Some visitors inside the House of France sample treats and enjoy more good conversation.
While outside, the music played. Another wonderful event in Balboa Park.
While outside, the music played. Just another wonderful day in Balboa Park.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Team of Santas urges kids to eat healthy food!

Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity pose for the judges in the Uniform Contest at 2017 OTL. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity pose for the judges in the Uniform Contest at 2017 OTL. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)

People playing Over The Line on Fiesta Island today had to be blinking their eyes. They didn’t just see Santa Claus striding across the sand–they saw a whole team of jolly Santas!

Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity is competing this year in the OMBAC World Championship Over The Line Tournament in San Diego! And they’re spreading the important message that kids should eat healthy, nutritious food!

The unique team of Santas is organized by “Sustainable Santa” Richard Eckfield, and its members were observed this morning parading around the island handing out carrots and talking about the dangers of processed, sugary junk food and the rise of childhood obesity. Supported by several sponsors and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, their mission is simply to promote healthy eating habits for children. “Healthy, Happy and Fit for Life!”

Members of Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity can also be seen from time to time at farmers markets across San Diego County. They encourage children to eat real, honest-to-goodness wholesome food.

Will they win the OTL Camummy Division this year? I don’t know. I do know these Santas have a winning message!

You might like to follow the Santa & Mrs Claus for Healthy Children Facebook page!

Unlike most presents unwrapped at Christmas, good health is a gift that will last a long, merry, magical lifetime!

Kristin Francy, Miss Emerson in 2015, and a team of sporty Santas at the Over The Line World Championship tournament in San Diego. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Kristin Francy, Miss Emerson in 2015, and a team of sporty Santas at the Over The Line World Championship tournament in San Diego. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)
Photo of Baseball Santa Bill Swank and Richard “Sustainable Santa” Eckfield at the Linda Vista Farmers Market last December. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Photo of Baseball Santa Bill Swank and Richard “Sustainable Santa” Eckfield at the Linda Vista Farmers Market last December. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)
Front and back of cards that Sustainable Santa hands out at farmers markets throughout San Diego County. (Click to enlarge.) Image courtesy Bill Swank.
Front and back of cards that Sustainable Santa hands out at farmers markets throughout San Diego County. (Image courtesy Bill Swank.)
Baseball Santa Swank holds up carrots which the Real Santas United hand out to kids instead of sugary candy canes. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Baseball Santa Swank holds up carrots which the Real Santas United hand out to kids instead of sugary candy canes. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)

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The mystery of a strange lighthouse in Old Town!

The top section of a historically important lighthouse now stands on a sidewalk in Old Town San Diego!
The top section of a historically important lighthouse now stands on a sidewalk in Old Town San Diego!

A lighthouse that once guided ships into San Diego Bay now stands on an Old Town sidewalk? How strange is that?

Well, not an entire lighthouse–just the lantern room of the 1890 Ballast Point Light Station!

The other day while walking down Congress Street, a few steps southeast of Harney Street, I paused to more carefully examine this mystery. (I’ve driven past the kiosk-like structure often, without really giving it a second thought.)

First, you should note Ballast Point is about 6 miles southwest of Old Town. The spit of land juts down into San Diego Bay from Point Loma; it’s where tall ships used to load ballast stones for their return trip around Cape Horn to the East Coast. Today it is part of Naval Base Point Loma.

So how did this top section of Ballast Point’s historic lighthouse end up on an Old Town sidewalk?

Some interesting photos behind a glass pane provided me with a few clues. The Ballast Point Light Station was built in 1890 and eventually dismantled in 1960. (Click the images and they will expand so you can read much more.)

After doing a little research, I learned the lantern room was found in 1998 by the owner of an Old Town nautical antiques store–West Sea Company–in a classified ad. At the time the Ballast Point lantern room was located at someone’s Bonita residence! Purchased and transported by flatbed truck to Old Town, it was placed on a cement pad near West Sea Company–and here it “mysteriously” remains today!

The 1890 Ballast Point Light Station was an example of Railroad Gothic. Its sixth order lens can be seen today at Cabrillo National Monument, in a museum near the old lighthouse.
The 1890 Ballast Point Light Station was an example of Railroad Gothic. Its sixth order lens can be seen today at Cabrillo National Monument, in a museum beside the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Historical photo and some words explain the light at Ballast Point. It guided sailors past Middle Ground Shoal and into San Diego's harbor.
Historical photo and some words explain the light at Ballast Point. It guided sailors past Middle Ground Shoal and into San Diego’s harbor.
A public domain photo of the Ballast Point Light Station, courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
A public domain photo of the Ballast Point Light Station, courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
The lantern room that housed a light that guided ships into San Diego Bay now can be seen on Congress Street in Old Town!
This lantern room housed a light that guided ships into San Diego Bay. It can now be seen on Congress Street in Old Town!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

A collection of past Comic-Con cosplay photos!

I’m starting to get excited about upcoming 2017 San Diego Comic-Con! It begins in less than two weeks!

Now that I’m beginning to think again about Comic-Con, I’ve been remembering some of the cool cosplay photos I’ve taken the past few years. Just for fun I’ve collected links to old blog posts that contain lots of cosplay photos!

Click the links to see everything!

 

From 2016 San Diego Comic-Con:

Photographs of cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

More photos of super creative cosplay at Comic-Con!

Cool cosplay and crazy fun outside Comic-Con!

 

From 2015 San Diego Comic-Con:

Super cool awesome cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

More super awesome Comic-Con cosplay photos!

Cool cosplay and fun outside San Diego Comic-Con.

Insane Comic-Con: crowds, hype, fun and firemen!

 

From 2014 San Diego Comic-Con:

Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera. This year I’m going to photograph lots more Comic-Con stuff! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!