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.

A taste of San Diego’s historic Little Portugal.

Design on tiles indicates Portuguese American Social and Civic Club.
Image on tiles indicates Portuguese American Social and Civic Club.

The history of the Portuguese community in Point Loma is fascinating. During a walk along a block of Avenida de Portugal, I got just a small glimpse of it.

Many have heard of Little Italy in San Diego, but I suspect few have heard of a neighborhood that some call Little Portugal. It can be found near the entrance to Shelter Island, an area settled by many families of Portuguese fishermen when the tuna industry flourished in our city. The neighborhood was once called Tunaville. Two landmarks that were built by the Portuguese almost a century ago still exist today: the United Portuguese S.E.S. Hall where the community gathers and a small Catholic chapel beside it.

I spotted some round plaques in the sidewalk and images on tile on the hall’s exterior during my walk beside these two buildings. They provide a small taste of Little Portugal’s history. I thought you might enjoy taking a look at a few of them.

Small Catholic chapel in Point Loma, in a neighborhood sometimes called Little Portugal.
Small Catholic chapel in Point Loma, in a neighborhood sometimes referred to as Little Portugal.
Front of the United Portuguese S.E.S. Hall on a sunny San Diego day.
Front of the United Portuguese S.E.S. Hall on a sunny San Diego day.
Plaque in the sidewalk is a Tribute to our Immigrants. Determination, hard work and strength of character are only a few of the gifts you have given us.
Plaque in the sidewalk is a Tribute to our Immigrants. Determination, hard work and strength of character are only a few of the gifts you have given us.
In admiration of their loyalty and commitment to the Fishing Industry and never ending support of our Portuguese Community.
In admiration of their loyalty and commitment to the Fishing Industry and never ending support of our Portuguese Community.
Age of Exploration. In thoughtful memory of God and our parents who so successfully contributed to our Festas do Espirito Santo, the tuna industry and our lives in America.
Age of Exploration. In thoughtful memory of God and our parents who so successfully contributed to our Festas do Espirito Santo, the tuna industry and our lives in America.
The flag of Portugal flies proudly in San Diego near Shelter Island.
The flag of Portugal flies proudly in San Diego near Shelter Island.
Map of the island of Madeira and image of Santo Amaro.
Map of the island of Madeira and image of Santo Amaro.
Image of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's galleon San Salvador and his statue at Cabrillo National Monument, a gift from the government of Portugal. Exploring on behalf of Spain, Cabrillo was Portuguese.
Image of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s galleon San Salvador and his statue at Cabrillo National Monument, a gift from the government of Portugal. Exploring on behalf of Spain, Cabrillo was Portuguese.

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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!

Street art along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Normal Heights is home to lots of great street art and other cool sights!
Normal Heights is home to lots of creative street art and other cool sights!

Here come lots of photos of street art in Normal Heights. I captured these while walking east along the south side of Adams Avenue, from I-805 to 35th Street. Then I crossed the street and walked back west to the bridge that spans the freeway.

(Please note–I haven’t included some artwork along Adams Avenue that I’ve already blogged. Check the related links at the bottom of this post, or use the search box.)

Here we go!

A smiling face painted on a transformer box along Adams Avenue.
A smiling face painted on a transformer box along Adams Avenue.
Big lips.
Big lips.
A big eyeball.
A big eyeball.
An animated red fire extinguisher chases and douses a flame on the wall of All County Fire.
An animated red fire extinguisher chases and douses a flame on the wall of All County Fire.
A classic car and tire tracks painted on a utility box on the sidewalk in front of Tire Depot.
A classic car and tire tracks painted on a utility box on the sidewalk in front of Tire Depot.
A tropical island scene.
A tropical island scene.
A cool cat.
A cool cat.
A skull above palm trees and flowers.
A skull in sunglasses above palm trees and flowers.
I think I'm quite ready for another adventure. Bilbo Baggins. (A favorite book!)
I think I’m quite ready for another adventure. Bilbo Baggins. (A favorite book!)
Stenciled mandalas line the sidewalk near Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga.
Stenciled mandalas line the sidewalk not far from Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga.
A mosaic of different tiles outline the front of some stores along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.
A mosaic composed of many different tiles graces the front of some shops along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.
Marquee of old Adams Avenue Theater, which is now home to Discount Fabrics.
Marquee of old Adams Avenue Theater, which is now home to Discount Fabrics.
Fabric art in windows of the old theater, where movie posters were once displayed.
Fabric art in windows of the old theater, where movie posters were once displayed.
Colorful terrazzo design at entrance to old theater.
Colorful terrazzo design at entrance to old theater.
Two faces watch people walking down the sidewalk.
Two faces watch people walking down the sidewalk.
Colorful designs attract attention.
Colorful designs attract attention.
A series of fun utility boxes.
A series of fun utility boxes.
A snow-capped mountain peak on the side of a newspaper box.
A snow-capped mountain peak on the side of a newspaper box.
Real wrenches have been affixed to this utility box near an auto repair shop!
Real wrenches have been affixed to this utility box near an auto repair shop!
On the other side is this nostalgic graphic showing some car culture history in Normal Heights.
On the other side is this nostalgic graphic showing some car culture history in Normal Heights.
Colorful plant life painted in the city.
Colorful plant life painted in the city.
One wall has a mural with a couple of surprises flying behind a bush--parrots!
One wall has a mural with a couple of surprises flying behind a bush: parrots!
And behind another bush is this human form, sitting among small flowers!
And behind another bush is this human form, sitting among small flowers!
These smiling flowers want you to have fun at the Adams Avenue Recreation Center!
These smiling flowers want you to have fun at the Adams Avenue Recreation Center!
Now I've crossed Adams Avenue at 35th and am heading back west on the north side. Check out the cool mural near the rooftop of Humphrey Appliance.
Now I’ve crossed Adams Avenue at 35th and am heading back west on the north side. Check out the cool mural near the rooftop of Humphrey Appliance.
This box has some really good artistry.
This box has some really good artistry.
A mysterious face on another side.
A mysterious face on another side.
Butterflies are flitting about the wall of Mariposa Ice Cream.
Butterflies are flitting about the wall of Mariposa Ice Cream.
Two fantastic female faces, by talented muralists Gloria Muriel and Amanda Lynn. You've seen the distinctive work of each artist elsewhere on this blog!
Two fantastic female faces, by talented muralists Gloria Muriel and Amanda Lynn. You’ve seen the distinctive work of each artist elsewhere on this blog!
A beautiful face in a tropical setting.
A beautiful face in a tropical setting.
A bright design has emerged from human imagination.
A bright design has emerged from human imagination.
I love this box! Check out the face that seems to peer from behind bricks.
I love this box! Check out the face that seems to peer from behind bricks.
Eyes peer from one corner of the top.
Eyes peer from one corner of the top.
Another side.
Another side.
Many colorful stick figures around the planet Earth.
Many colorful stick figures around the planet Earth.
Painted scene of a painted scene in Normal Heights.
Painted scene of a painted scene in Normal Heights.

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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!

Photos of America’s best Fourth of July parade!

Many say the best Fourth of July parade in America takes place every year in Coronado. Thousands of spectators line Orange Avenue and watch a glorious two hour parade that stretches from one side of the island to the other.

This year I managed to take a bunch of good photos. You can get a flavor of the patriotism and the appreciation our community has for those who serve in the military. Coronado, of course, is home to many Navy SEALs and a Naval Air Station, including two active aircraft carriers. And San Diego is home to most of the Pacific Fleet and a large number of Marines. Over the years, many veterans have also settled down in our fair city.

I saw many smiling families and much love of country on this Independence Day. These photos (except for the one above) are in chronological sequence. First we see a crowd gathering along the parade route…

The Star-Spangled Banner was sung before the parade commenced. Hats came off, and some saluted.

The kids were drawing poop circles. If a horse makes a deposit inside your circle, you win!

Here we go!

These guys, under the direction of a Drill Instructor, periodically reenacted Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima during the parade.

A wounded warrior received a Thank You and loud cheers.

People crossed Orange Avenue during breaks in the parade.

Those guys in the classic cars are Pearl Harbor survivors.

There were some guys engaged in Star Wars cosplay at this point during the parade. Check my previous blog post to see photos of that!

That’s just a taste of what is arguably the best Fourth of July parade in America!

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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!

Star Wars cosplay at Independence Day parade!

Star Wars stormtroopers on Segways patrol the parade route during the Fourth of July in Coronado.
Star Wars stormtroopers riding Segways patrol the parade route during the Fourth of July in Coronado.

Check out these cool Star Wars cosplay photos! During today’s Independence Day parade in Coronado, a group of Star Wars enthusiasts strutted their stuff to the delight of the huge crowd lining Orange Avenue! It seemed to me the adults were just as excited as the kids! I was able to snap a few quick photographs. Enjoy!

A TIE fighter heads down Orange Avenue! Has the Galactic Empire taken over Coronado? Is there no hope?
A TIE fighter heads down Orange Avenue! Has the Galactic Empire taken over Coronado? Is there no hope?
Uh, oh. Look who I spotted. Darth Vader! Let's hope it's just a guy enjoying Star Wars cosplay.
Uh, oh. Look who I spotted. Darth Vader! Let’s hope it’s just a guy enjoying Star Wars cosplay.
Fear not! Rey is here to fight against the dark side of the Force!
Fear not! Rey is here to fight against the dark side of the Force!
And here comes Princess Leia, too! I don't think that TIE fighter has a chance.
And here comes Princess Leia in some sort of futuristic vehicle! I don’t think that TIE fighter has a chance.
I believe that one of the Rebel Alliance's ace pilots.
I believe that is one of the Rebel Alliance’s ace pilots.
Are those a bunch of clones? No, just young kids who've turned into Star Wars fans!
Are those a bunch of clones? No, just young kids who’ve turned into Star Wars fans!

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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!

Optical magic at the Marriott Marquis.

A bicyclist passes reflections on the glassy two-level ballroom of the Marriott Marquis.
A bicyclist passes reflections on the glassy two-level ballroom of the Marriott Marquis.

Here are two magical photos. Bright reflections of nearby high-rises were captured by my camera as I walked past the new ballroom expansion of the Marriott Marquis. I love San Diego’s beautiful waterfront.

Optical magic on glass windows.
Optical magic on glass windows.

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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!

Beautiful sycamores at Los Peñasquitos Canyon.

Early this morning, while it was still cool outside, I headed up to Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. My intention was to take a brisk hike around some trails near the old Adobe Ranch House. But then my eyes encountered California sycamores along one trail. And my camera came out. And then the sun came out. My hike slowed to a walk. With many long pauses.

Beautiful photos frame and emphasize the infinite beauty that surrounds every one of us. Taking such photographs does make one pause. And love life.

You might also enjoy some photos on one of my other fun blogs, A Small World Full of Beauty.

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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!

To read a few small stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

Comic-Con banners: Get tested for the X-Gene!

A huge banner hung on the San Diego Hilton Bayfront parking structure promotes The Gifted for 2017 Comic-Con. The X-Gene can't be seen. Do your part. Get tested.
A huge banner hung on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront parking structure promotes The Gifted for 2017 Comic-Con. The X-Gene can’t be seen. Do your part. Get tested.

Check it out! Three super huge banners have already been hung on a building for 2017 Comic-Con. They cover much of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront parking structure, and promote the upcoming FOX series The Gifted.

Those attending Comic-Con are urged to get tested by Sentinel Services for the X-Gene. (I wonder–if those who are tested are found to be positive, will they be sent away in an armored Mutant Transport trolley?)

In past years, I don’t recall huge banners like this appearing several weeks before the big event. I imagine tons and tons more cool stuff is on the way! Stay tuned!

Marvel's upcoming series about the mutant X-Men is coming to FOX television.
Marvel’s upcoming series about the mutant X-Men will be on FOX television.
Get tested for the X-Gene. Sentinel Services. A promotional banner on the Hilton during San Diego Comic-Con.
Get tested for the X-Gene. Sentinel Services. This promotional banner will be displayed on the Hilton parking garage during San Diego Comic-Con.
A happy family provides a chilling message. It's not a crime to have the X-Gene. But it is a crime to hide it. Get tested.
A happy family provides a chilling message. It’s not a crime to have the X-Gene. But it is a crime to hide it. Get tested.
Here's an example of what you might become if you have the X-Gene and suddenly mutate. I think this sinister-looking character is called the Toothy Composite Oddity. I spotted this sticker along Harbor Drive. I wonder if the Spiderman web-shooting gets tangled in the Wolverine claws?
Here’s an example of what you might become if you have the X-Gene and suddenly mutate. I think this sinister-looking character is called the Toothy Composite Marvel Oddity. I spotted this sticker along Harbor Drive. (I wonder if the Spiderman web-shooting gets tangled in the Wolverine claws?)
Or worse, you might become Sheldon Cooper. That's Sheldon, isn't it? One outcome, I suppose, would be an intellect that almost matches the brain power of Reed Richards. And an over-sized ego nearly the size of Ego.
Or worse, you might mutate and become Sheldon Cooper. This is Sheldon, isn’t it? One super power, I suppose, would be brain power that almost matches that of Reed Richards. And an over-sized ego nearly the size of Ego.
The first huge banners have appeared on a San Diego building for 2017 Comic-Con, several weeks before the international pop culture event!
The first huge banners have appeared on a San Diego building for 2017 Comic-Con, several weeks before the massive international pop culture event!

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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!

Time, memory, and the history of Old Town.

Photographs of Old Town's history slowly fade with the passage of time.
Photographs of Old Town’s history slowly fade with the passage of time.

I recently walked down a few streets in Old Town that are seldom visited by tourists. After taking photographs of the Old Adobe Chapel, I noticed that across Conde Street there was some sort of structure containing glass display cases.

Upon closer inspection, I saw this was an outdoor exhibit concerning San Diego’s early history. And that its contents were in a sad state of decay.

No one seemed to know who’d created this exhibit until I spoke to a cashier in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s visitor center, inside the Robinson Rose House. She told me the structure had been built decades ago for the Old Town Mexican Cafe and that the displays had been designed by a woman who loved history. But she had gone blind.

Time moves incessantly forward.

You can find this fascinating but faded exhibit on Conde Street, behind Cafe Coyote.

Displays behind glass windows include old photos and historical artifacts. This was created many years ago, I was told, for the nearby Old Town Mexican Cafe.
Displays behind glass windows include old photos and historical artifacts. This was created many years ago, I was told, for the nearby Old Town Mexican Cafe.
It is silks, satin and fancy soaps, blue jackets, denims and bear grease... It is Richard Henry Dana visiting the pulperia...rowdy sailors, soldiers; gambling and vigilantes...
It is silks, satin and fancy soaps, blue jackets, denims and bear grease… It is Richard Henry Dana visiting the pulperia…rowdy sailors, soldiers; gambling and vigilantes…
Early residents of Old Town, slowly fading.
Early residents of Old Town, fading away.
A collection of photos show life as it was in Old Town San Diego.
A collection of photos show life as it was in Old Town San Diego.
It is chocolate cups, gunpowder, Louis Rose's seaweed mattresses... Spinning wool, Juanita's cactus garden...a game of basketball behind Seeley Stable...
It is chocolate cups, gunpowder, Louis Rose’s seaweed mattresses… Spinning wool, Juanita’s cactus garden…a game of basketball behind Seeley Stable…
More old photos. Life remembered here as it once was...
More old photos. Life remembered here as it once was…
A few household objects in one display case. Perhaps life those many years ago wasn't so very different...
A few household objects in one display case. Perhaps life those many years ago wasn’t so very different…
Youthful faces, now fading.
Youthful faces.
Faded by time, now ghostlike.
Faded by time, now ghostlike.
Memories of days gone by can be traced now only by adobe hummocks that the yearly rains are slowly beating down.
Memories of days gone by can be traced now only by adobe hummocks that the yearly rains are slowly beating down.
History captured, for those who might pass down the sidewalk.
History captured, for those who might pass down the sidewalk.
Palms grow. Some words fade.
Palms grow. Some words fade.
Wooden boxes were sunk in the center of Fitch Street from the river bank to the post office for sewage.
Wooden boxes were sunk in the center of Fitch Street from the river bank to the post office for sewage.
Photo of the Old Adobe Chapel. In November when it was complete, the little church could be seen for miles around...
Photo of the Old Adobe Chapel. In November when it was complete, the little church could be seen for miles around…
By 1866, the little adobe chapel was enclosed in clapboard and a new roof was installed. It served the community of Old Town for decades...
By 1866, the little adobe chapel was enclosed in clapboard and a new roof was installed. It served the community of Old Town for decades…
The Old Adobe Chapel has been preserved. Now a historical landmark, it stands across Conde Street.
The Old Adobe Chapel has been preserved. Now a historical landmark, it stands across Conde Street.
Decayed flag and old photos of tall flagpole at center of La Plaza de Las Armas.
Decayed flag, and old photos of flagpole at center of La Plaza de Las Armas.
Old photos of the Campo Santo Cemetery. Words describe: A mingling of men, women, and children from places and lives so different...
Old photos of the Campo Santo Cemetery. Words describe: A mingling of men, women, and children from places and lives so different…
One empty display case, graffiti and a place for the homeless.
One empty display case, graffiti and a hard place for the homeless.
A monument to the human desire to remember.
A monument to the human desire to remember.
Many years, many faces.
Many years, many faces.

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Combat veterans create art to bring hope.

A unique work of urban art on a car wash in Normal Heights speaks to the struggles of combat veterans.
A unique work of urban art on a car wash in Normal Heights. It speaks to the struggles of combat veterans.

Painful. Hopeful.

Those two words might describe some artwork on the side of a car wash in Normal Heights. You can find this thought-provoking mural near the corner of 33rd Street and Adams Avenue.

A nearby plaque invites curious eyes. Thank you for your service, it reads.

The mural is the work of seven post-911 combat veterans. A project of Combat Arts San Diego, it helps to spread awareness about the therapeutic benefit of creating art. And it shows the unconditional love that is provided by service dogs.

Creating art helps us to sort through conflicting thoughts and emotions. Art is an outlet for pent up pain. Art connects people. Art stirs the heart. Art provides meaning. Art offers hope.

This mural was created by seven combat veterans working with Combat Arts San Diego. Art-making benefits those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This mural was created by seven combat veterans working with Combat Arts San Diego. Art-making benefits those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Art over fear.
Art over fear.
A warrior. A jumble of emotions. Isolation. A true best friend. Hope.
A warrior. A jumble of emotions. Isolation. A true best friend. Hope.

UPDATE!

Wow! Shortly after posting this I received additional info concerning this great project and a group photograph of those responsible!

I learned:

“There are hidden things in the art piece. If you look hard enough you can see Army written and Navy and others… If you look at ART in the middle on the left you will see from the A…rmy attached to it. Then on the right towards the bottom you will see the N in friends…you will see Navy… In (the word) Isolation – the A..ir Force is on the A. Just below the O in Isolation you will see some letters D E S P..if you look close at the S you will see a U in the bottom of the S and then the MC on the other side of the S. Look close.”

I also learned that the San Diego Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution raised funds for the project from their National Society.

The following photo includes Elizabeth Washburn, the leader of Combat Arts, two Vets who worked on the mural, and a few smiling local members of the D.A.R.

Group picture with Artists, Elizabeth, and San Diego Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution members.
Group picture with artists, Elizabeth Washburn, and San Diego Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution members. Photo provided by Kathleen Winchester.

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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!

Two murals and one sculpture in Normal Heights.

Dearly Beloved, a purple mural in Normal Heights that remembers Prince.
Dearly Beloved, a purple mural in Normal Heights that remembers Prince and his music.

This afternoon I walked along a good stretch of Adams Avenue in Normal Heights. There were cool sights on almost every block.

A small parking area between El Zarape Restaurant and Dink’s Barbershop has been enlivened with three works of street art that I really like. I’m not sure if the female depicted in the second mural represents someone in particular. The face looks familiar. If you recognize her, please leave a comment!

A small parking area between buildings on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights contains three works of art.
A small parking area between buildings on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights contains three works of art.
This rusty metal sculpture leans like a lazy old fellow against the white fence.
This rusty metal sculpture leans like a lazy old fellow against a white fence.
A beautiful female face and a blown feather. If you know who this mural represents, leave a comment!
A beautiful female face and a blown feather.

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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!