Category: Uncategorized

Beautiful San Diego hiking trail welcomes wheelchairs.

Wheelchairs are welcome on the beautiful Jas Arnold Trail For All People in Black Mountain Open Space Park.
Wheelchairs are welcome on the beautiful Jas Arnold Trail For All People in Black Mountain Open Space Park.

A hiking trail that welcomes wheelchairs recently opened in San Diego’s North County. It’s called the Jas Arnold Trail For All People, and it’s located in the Black Mountain Open Space Park.

This morning I walked the short loop for the first time.

What a wonderful place. Peaceful, a bit meandering, easily accessible, with pleasant views into the sunlit distance, fresh air, the scent of sage, the sound of birds–it’s a fine place that one can explore at a easy pace and just relax–a place to feel energized, spiritually whole and free.

Here are some photographs. To read the signs, click the images and they will enlarge. This morning I spotted a shy rabbit, a curious scrub jay and a cheerful young mockingbird. And a bunch of small flitting birds that I couldn’t identify.

The Trail For All People is a 1076 feet long, nearly level loop. The elevation runs between 777 and 792 feet. The five foot wide hiking trail’s decomposed granite surface is very easily navigated on wheels or by foot. Those in a wheelchair who love nature and the outdoors should definitely check it out!

To reach the Trail For All People’s trailhead, drive up Carmel Valley Road and watch for the Black Mountain Open Space Park sign that mentions Miner’s Ridge Loop. You’ll spot it just south of the Valle Del Sur Court traffic light. Turn in to the narrow entrance and head up a slightly rough and winding paved road for about a half mile until you reach the trailhead parking lot. Once parked, it’s easy to spot the Trail For All People. (You might also see trailheads for the Miner’s Ridge Loop and Lilac Canyon Trail.)

On warm days, make sure to bring water! Enjoy!

To find the trailhead for the Trail For All People, turn off of Carmel Valley Road at this sign, just south of the traffic light at Valle Del Sur Court.
To find the trailhead for the Trail For All People, turn off of Carmel Valley Road at this sign, just south of the traffic light at Valle Del Sur Court.
Early morning walker with dog on the Miner's Ridge Loop Trail, across a parking lot from the Trail For All People.
Early morning walker with dog on the Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail, across a parking lot from the Trail For All People.
The Jas Arnold Trail For All People is an ADA Accessible loop composed of wheelchair-friendly decomposed granite. Four small shelters provide shade for those enjoying the views.
The Jas Arnold Trail For All People is an ADA Accessible loop composed of wheelchair-friendly decomposed granite. Four small shelters provide shade for those enjoying the views.
Native plants along the trail include Black Sage, Coastal Prickly Pear, California Sagebrush, Laurel Sumac, Chamise, Lemonadeberry and Flat-top Buckwheat.
Native plants along the trail include Black Sage, Coastal Prickly Pear, California Sagebrush, Laurel Sumac, Chamise, Lemonadeberry and Flat-top Buckwheat.
Animals one might spot along the trail include rattlesnakes, Red-tailed Hawks, California Quail, Greater Roadrunners, Desert Cottontails, Bobcats and Coyotes.
Animals one might spot along the trail include rattlesnakes, Red-tailed Hawks, California Quail, Greater Roadrunners, Desert Cottontails, Bobcats and Coyotes.
I'm hiking down the easy Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain early one Saturday morning. The sun had just risen and few people were about.
Here I’m hiking down the easy Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain early one Saturday morning. The sun had just risen and very few people were about.
One of the benches and shelters along the Trail For All People. Views to the north include mountains and nearby 4S Ranch.
One of the benches and shelters along the Trail For All People. Views to the north include mountains and nearby 4S Ranch.
Looking southeast toward a chaparral-covered slope of Black Mountain in north San Diego County.
Looking southeast toward the chaparral-covered slopes of Black Mountain in north San Diego County.
A topographical map shows the position of the Trail For All People in relation to its surroundings.
A topographical map shows the position of the Trail For All People in relation to its surroundings.
The Jas Arnold Trail For All People was built on a small plateau in the Black Mountain Ranch Open Space Park.
The Jas Arnold Trail For All People was built on a small plateau in the Black Mountain Ranch Open Space Park.
Another sign along the trail provides detailed information about some of the wildlife one might see.
Another sign along the trail provides detailed information about some of the wildlife one might see.
Another section of the relatively level Trail For All People. The easy loop is ideal for the mobility challenged and families with small children. On warm days, bring water!
Another section of the relatively level Trail For All People. The easy loop is ideal for the mobility challenged and families with very small children. On warm days, bring water!
One of many fascinating signs along the trail. The smell of sage adds a pleasant element to one's invigorating journey through fresh open air.
One of many fascinating signs along the trail. The smell of sage adds a pleasant element to one’s invigorating journey through fresh open air.
A pleasant view from the Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain.
A pleasant view from the Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain.
The natural beauty, open spaces and sunlight make one feel happy and alive.
The natural beauty, open spaces and sunlight make one feel happy and alive.

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

Cool photos of creativity at Maker Faire San Diego!

A huge spider-like working octopod vehicle on display in the Plaza de Panama at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego!
A huge spider-like working octopod vehicle on display in the Plaza de Panama at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego!

Check out some cool photos! I took these this morning at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego which is being held this weekend in Balboa Park!

This now annual event–I believe this is the second year–attracts creative people of every type: engineers, inventors, dreamers, artists, students . . .  If the human imagination can envision it, these folks will build it!

If you are a dreamer and a doer, head down to Balboa Park and be inspired!

Maker Faire San Diego has taken over Balboa Park this weekend. The annual event features creations and creators who like building cool stuff!
Maker Faire San Diego has taken over Balboa Park this weekend. The annual event features fantastic creations and the inspired creators who like building cool stuff!
This super cool octopod moves slowly forward and backward using its spider-like feet. I learned that it doesn't steer very well, however.
This super cool octopod moves slowly forward and backward using its spider-like feet. I’d love to sit inside and drive it! I learned that it doesn’t steer very well, however.
In the morning, before the Maker Faire officially opened, I spotted two cupcake cars heading through Balboa Park!
In the morning, before the Maker Faire officially opened, I spotted two cupcake cars heading through Balboa Park!
This guy was flying what appeared to be a huge model of a Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer down Balboa Park's El Prado!
This guy was flying what appeared to be a huge model of a Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer down Balboa Park’s El Prado!
A bunch of Maker Faire exhibitors set up on Saturday morning in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park.
A bunch of Maker Faire exhibitors set up on Saturday morning in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park.
This human powered submarine was created by a team of students at UCSD. It competed in the International Submarine Race and was propelled by a 3-D printed fin.
This human powered submarine was created by a team of students at UCSD. It competed in the International Submarine Race and was propelled by a 3-D printed fin.
This cool robot was created by high school students, namely High Tech High's Top Hat Technicians. It competed in an event where a ball had to be shot at a goal.
This cool robot was created by high school students, namely High Tech High’s Top Hat Technicians. It competed in an event where a ball had to be shot at a goal.
Make your own molecule using this cardboard Molecube!
Make your own molecule using this cardboard Molecube!
These awesome guitars were made by students in a special STEM Guitar-Building class at San Diego City College.
These awesome guitars were made by students in a special STEM Guitar-Building class at San Diego City College.
The Ghostbusters ECTO-1 vehicle has arrived for Maker Faire San Diego, as well as a Jeep from Jurassic Park.
The Ghostbusters ECTO-1 vehicle has arrived for Maker Faire San Diego, as well as a Jeep from Jurassic Park.
Commissioner Gordon must be nearby. I spotted his Gotham Police Department vehicle.
Commissioner Gordon must be nearby. I spotted his Gotham Police Department vehicle.
A tiny house would be built here during the Maker Faire weekend. When I first walked by, the floor was being laid down.
A tiny house would be built here during the Maker Faire weekend. When I first walked by, the floor was being laid down.
About an hour later, one wall was already up!
About an hour later, one wall was already up!
The Electric Giraffe returned for 2016 Maker Faire San Diego. It walks, talks, and has become quite a phenomenon. It has even appeared at the White House!
The Electric Giraffe returned for 2016 Maker Faire San Diego. It walks, talks, and has become quite a phenomenon. It has even appeared at the White House!
The Electric Giraffe is 17 feet tall when its neck is fully raised. Its horns (actually ossicones) appear to be lava lamps!
The Electric Giraffe is 17 feet tall when its neck is fully raised. Its “horns” (actually ossicones) appear to be lava lamps!
These creators at Maker Faire San Diego were building the Temple for Youtopia. It's an interlocking plywood parabaloid with a single light source at it's focal point.
These creators at Maker Faire San Diego were building the Temple for Youtopia. It’s an interlocking plywood parabaloid with a single light source at it’s focal point. When finished, light shines out everywhere.
A similar Temple is built each year at Burning Man and set on fire.
A similar Temple is built each year at Burning Man and set on fire.
I noticed a lot of cool Star Wars cosplay at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego.
I noticed a lot of cool Star Wars cosplay at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego.
Star Wars cosplay between Balboa Park's House of Hospitality and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
I caught this Star Wars cosplay between Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Back in Balboa Park's central Plaza de Panama, the San Diego Sabers engaged in a fast-paced lightsaber battle!
Back in Balboa Park’s central Plaza de Panama, the San Diego Sabers engaged in a fast-paced lightsaber battle!
Enthusiasts in cool costumes engage in lightsaber combat as a crowd watches during 2016 Maker Faire San Diego!
Enthusiasts in cool protective costumes engage in lightsaber combat as a crowd watches during 2016 Maker Faire San Diego!
Anybody passing by was invited to Paint a Prius near the San Diego Automotive Museum!
Anybody passing by was invited to Paint a Prius near the San Diego Automotive Museum!
Kids have a blast in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Air-propelled rockets were flying all over the place.
Kids have a blast in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Air-propelled rockets were flying all over the place.
Kids at Maker Faire San Diego test a carbon dioxide cannon, made from a garbage can!
Kids at Maker Faire San Diego test a carbon dioxide cannon, made from a garbage can!
This remote control robot batter was swinging wildly at beach balls. A rather amusing scene! (Wish I'd taken a better photo.)
This remote control robot batter was swinging wildly at beach balls. A rather amusing scene! (Wish I’d taken a better photo.)
Here comes AR-Duo, the Caloric Rover, a cool steampunk rolling doohickey which is beyond awesome.
Here comes AR-Duo, the Caloric Rover, a cool steampunk rolling doohickey which is beyond awesome.
There's just too much fun at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego! Head over to Balboa Park this weekend!
There’s just too much fun at 2016 Maker Faire San Diego! Head over to Balboa Park this weekend!

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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 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.

Celebrating Dick Enberg at his final Padres home game.

OH MY! Dick Enberg was congratulated and celebrated at the final 2016 home game of the San Diego Padres.
OH MY! Dick Enberg was congratulated and celebrated at the final 2016 home game of the San Diego Padres.

Dick Enberg, sports broadcasting legend and beloved Padres television broadcaster for the past seven years, was celebrated tonight by his colleagues and thousands of fans. 2016 is Dick Enberg’s final season broadcasting for the San Diego Padres. And tonight was the final home game of the Padres’ season.

I was at the game. I wasn’t able to take good photos of the ceremony at home plate, but I did capture some memorable images from the videoboard.

I remember watching Dick Enberg when I was a child. He has become a part of the American culture. The Olympics, Super Bowls, Wimbledon, the Masters–his voice has been attached to so many sporting events and championships. Like many San Diego Padres fans, I will miss seeing him and hearing his voice.

Remembering a sports broadcasting legend. A photo of a young Dick Enberg is flashed on the Petco Park videoboard, celebrating the Padres broadcaster during the 2016 season's final home game.
Remembering a sports broadcasting legend. A photo of a young Dick Enberg is flashed on the Petco Park videoboard, celebrating the Padres broadcaster during the 2016 season’s final home game.
Dick Enberg addresses the crowd. He loved doing television broadcasts for the Padres, and San Diego fans loved him in return.
Dick Enberg addresses the crowd. He loved doing television broadcasts for the Padres, and San Diego fans loved him in return.
Dick Enberg's famous expression OH MY! was emblazoned on the field during the game.
Dick Enberg’s famous expression OH MY! was emblazoned on the field during the game.
Dick Enberg receives honors during a ceremony on the field before his final home Padres ball game. Here he is seen with his family.
Dick Enberg receives honors during a ceremony on the field before his final Padres home game. Here he is seen with his family.
Dick Enberg sports cool sunglasses during a Padres baseball broadcast alongside Mark Grant.
Dick Enberg sports cool sunglasses during a Padres baseball broadcast alongside Mark Grant.
Having a great time in the broadcast booth, making great memories.
Having a great time in the broadcast booth, making great memories.
Image of Dick Enberg at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, where he was awarded the 2015 Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting.
Image of Dick Enberg at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, where he was awarded the 2015 Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting.
Congratulations Dick Enberg. And thank you!
Congratulations Dick Enberg. And thank you!

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

Just another fine day in San Diego.

Street performer balances a ball at Navy Pier.
Street performer balances a ball at Navy Pier.

Almost any day in San Diego is a fine day. A fine day to open eyes and experience life.

When I walk about, I often take photos of everything and anything. Photography helps one to see the surrounding world: a fascinating world in constant motion.

Here are some photos that I’ve taken on different walks around San Diego. Every walk is a fine walk. There is so much to see.

Saturday morning on the pier near the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
Saturday morning on the pier near the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
A bicyclist with a daring spirit at the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A bicyclist with a daring spirit at the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A standup paddleboarder off Coronado, sailboats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
A standup paddleboarder off Coronado, with sailboats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
Bagpipes and a smile outside Petco Park.
Bagpipes and a smile outside Petco Park.
Early morning produce is ready to deliver in East Village.
Early morning produce is ready to deliver in East Village.
A boy and a kite at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A boy and a kite at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Someone seeks attention in Seaport Village.
Someone seeks attention in Seaport Village.
Pigeons on Broadway.
Pigeons on Broadway.
A smiling face.
A smiling face.
Rolling down the Gaslamp.
Rolling down the Gaslamp.
A big wheel in Balboa Park.
A big wheel in Balboa Park.
A handstand on a bench. Another sunny day in San Diego.
A handstand on a bench. Just another fine day in San Diego.
A scene of ordinary city life near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.
A scene of ordinary city life near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.
Entertainer with horse head at the Little Italy Farmers' Market.
Entertainer wears a horse head at the Little Italy Farmers’ Market.
A slow Sunday in downtown San Diego.
A slow Sunday in downtown San Diego.

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

San Diego says goodbye to popular Civic Organist.

Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist for 15 years, in the middle of her final Sunday afternoon performance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist for 15 years, in the middle of her final Sunday afternoon performance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

Thank you Dr. Carol Williams.

Thank you for 15 years of inspiration, dedication, and–most of all–unparalleled music. Thank you for making the Spreckels Organ come so alive. Thank you for your quirky good humor and your wonderful showmanship. Thank you for being such a great part of San Diego’s history, for being one of a long string of distinguished musicians, Civic Organists who first made the Spreckels Organ’s powerful lungs sing in 1915. Thank you for helping culture in Balboa Park to thrive. Thank you for bringing in some of the finest organists in the world for our  absolutely incredible Summer Organ Festivals. Thanks for being a part of many Sunday afternoons, at two o’clock, when I could simply close my eyes and feel the music move through me. Just music. Each living note. Thank you!

In the years ahead, may you produce many fantastic compositions for the king of instruments!

A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music produced by Carol and the Spreckels Organ one last Sunday.
A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music produced by Carol and the Spreckels Organ one last Sunday afternoon.
Dr. Carol Williams wows the crowd with another amazing performance. She is one of the world's finest concert organists. And her dog Dietrich up on stage seems quite proud!
Dr. Carol Williams wows the crowd with another amazing performance. She is one of the world’s finest concert organists. And her dog Dietrich up on stage seems quite proud!
A special day in Balboa Park as San Diego's first woman Civic Organist plays the king of instruments one last Sunday.
A special day in Balboa Park as our nation’s first woman Civic Organist plays the king of instruments one last Sunday.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was filled with people who have enjoyed Carol's concerts for many years.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was filled with people who have enjoyed Carol’s concerts for many years.
Carol and pal Dietrich between pieces. KUSI videotaped the historic occasion.
Carol and pal Dietrich between pieces. KUSI television videotaped the historic occasion.
Dr. Carol Williams, a premiere concert organist, plays the Spreckels Organ, the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.
Dr. Carol Williams, a premiere concert organist, plays the Spreckels Organ, the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.
An artist at work.
An artist at work.
The beginning of a standing ovation, just as Carol asks everyone to stand for the National Anthem.
The beginning of a standing ovation, just as Carol asks everyone to stand for the National Anthem.
Dr. Carol Williams greets organ lovers in the gift shop after her final Sunday concert in Balboa Park. She has long been a San Diego treasure, and now becomes a part of our city's history.
Dr. Carol Williams greets organ lovers in the gift shop after her final Sunday concert in Balboa Park. She has long been a San Diego treasure, and now becomes a part of our city’s history.
An organ student thanks Dr. Carol Williams. She worked hard to educate youth, to encourage aspiring musicians, and to build the Spreckels Organ Society into a powerful presence in the music world.
An organ student thanks Dr. Carol Williams. She worked hard to educate youth, to encourage aspiring musicians, and to build the Spreckels Organ Society into a powerful presence in the music world.

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

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

Expressive faces painted in Chicano Park.

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This morning I walked through Chicano Park. It had been a while since I last wandered among the park’s many famous murals. My camera was searching for no one thing in particular. But I couldn’t stop admiring the many expressive faces that have been artfully painted: faces from our Hispanic community that contain a whole range of emotions, including pride, hope and resolve. The expressive faces reflect humanity and inner beauty.

I’ve blogged about this amazing collection of outdoor murals (the largest in the country) on several occasions, providing a little more information. Today, I simply present a few photos of painted human expression.

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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 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!

Fun photos of Trolley Dances at Fault Line Park!

A fun performance at Fault Line Park in San Diego's East Village during 2016 Trolley Dances!
An imaginative performance at Fault Line Park in San Diego’s East Village during the 2016 Trolley Dances!

Check out these fun photos! They show the energy audiences will experience when they venture downtown to watch the Trolley Dances this year!

The Trolley Dances is all about contemporary dance in surprising public places. This year the Trolley Dances, a collaboration between the San Diego Dance Theater and our Metropolitan Transit System, begins with a performance in Barrio Logan. Mobile audiences, following guides, then make their way by trolley and foot to a variety of unusual downtown locations, where dancers appear like magic and perform. The unique experience lasts about two and a half hours and comes to a conclusion at the relatively new Fault Line Park in East Village. That’s where I snapped a few pics of the final two dances.

I’ll try not to give away too much. Let your imagination go to town–or better yet, buy a ticket. The 2016 Trolley Dances takes places this weekend and next!

A mobile audience arrives at San Diego's Fault Line Park. The park will be the setting of two energetic dances.
A mobile audience arrives at San Diego’s Fault Line Park. The park will be the setting of two energetic dances.
The audience takes a seat. Is something behind that wall?
The audience takes a seat. Is something behind that wall?
Yes, indeed! These dancers seem to have paddled in to shore!
Yes, indeed! These suddenly rising dancers seem to have paddled in to shore!
Perhaps it is an invasion!
Perhaps it’s an invasion!
Dancing on boulders at Fault Line Park! Flight of the Valkyries plays!
Dancing on boulders at Fault Line Park! Flight of the Valkyries plays!
An imaginative work of modern dance at the 2016 Trolley Dances in San Diego.
A unique work of modern dance at the 2016 Trolley Dances in San Diego.
The dancers approach the audience as if rowing a Viking longship...
The dancers approach the audience as if rowing a Viking longship . . .
They have conquered!
They have conquered!
Meanwhile, out on the nearby grass, not far from some folks practicing football, I spot a circle of baseball players...
Meanwhile, out on the nearby grass, not far from some people practicing football skills, I spot a circle of baseball players . . .
These baseball players are also dancers!
These baseball players also happen to be dancers!
Just like professional baseball players, each dancer is introduced by name to the Trolley Dances audience.
Just like professional baseball players, each performer is introduced by name to the Trolley Dances audience.
And a wonderful dance commences...
And a joyful dance commences . . .
Just a lot of fun.
Just a lot of fun.
Dancers rest for a few minutes and await the next mobile audience to arrive at Fault Line Park during the 2016 Trolley Dances.
Dancers rest for a few minutes. They await the next mobile audience that will arrive at Fault Line Park during the 2016 Trolley Dances.

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

If you’d like to read a few short stories I’ve written, please visit Short Stories by Richard.

One voice in support of saving the Starlight Bowl.

You can help save Balboa Park's beloved Starlight Bowl!
You can help save Balboa Park’s beloved Starlight Bowl!

I’m no expert on this matter. Take whatever I say with a grain of salt. I’m just an ordinary guy who has lived in San Diego for a good chunk of my life.

I would like to raise my voice in support of saving the Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park. I’m not affiliated with Save Starlight. They have no clue who I am. But I’m attached to their cause. A chain of fond memories is my bond.

Years ago I enjoyed watching a variety of theatrical productions with my family in this beloved outdoor amphitheater. Some of those productions I experienced as a child and young adult, and they made a lasting impression. They helped me to develop my particular love for the written (and spoken) word, and for the great outdoors. My small world expanded as I sat beneath a universe of twinkling stars and absorbed great plays–those undying expressions of human longing, emotion and imagination. And it was simply exciting–like going to an outdoor concert!

I’m sure thousands–if not millions–of people have similar memories of the Starlight Bowl: memories of fine drama and pleasure under those twinkling stars, of laughs, tears and smiles, out in the fresh San Diego air, a short walk from the many other wonderful institutions in Balboa Park.

The Starlight Bowl has languished far too long. What a shame. When I walk past it during my strolls around Balboa Park, I can’t help but envision it once again filled with humanity, playing a unique role in our ever-growing city. Save Starlight is working to bring the large, functional amphitheater back to life. According to an email I received, they are now working with the city, and they intend to fill the Starlight Bowl with concerts, musicals, dance recitals, circus acts, magic shows, multicultural festivals, graduations, and much more. A few more ideas have also popped into my head: corporate events, lectures, a meeting place for large community organizations . . .

Many of my blog’s followers either live in or have a personal attachment to San Diego. Would you like to help with this effort? You know, social media sites like Facebook can have a surprisingly big impact if people post and share information and opinions. So why not make your support known? Or perhaps just tell your friends about what’s going on.

Save Starlight is making a presentation to the City of San Diego within a week, and a handwritten letter of support would be extremely powerful. Ideas for a letter might include your personal connection with Starlight, practical reasons why you would like to see the Starlight Bowl reopened, or even how you would like to become involved. Perhaps you’d like to volunteer, donate, use the venue for staging an event, have your product carried in the concessions, etc. If you plan to write, do it soon!

Letters should be sent to:

Stephen Stopper, President
Save Starlight, Inc.
9590 Chesapeake Drive
San Diego, CA 92123

The Starlight Bowl might once again be filled with humanity and magic. Your voice is important.
After languishing for many years, the Starlight Bowl might once again be filled with humanity and life. You can help make it happen.  Your voice is important.

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

Roald Dahl celebrated in San Diego’s Balboa Park!

Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.
Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.

Author Roald Dahl was celebrated today in Balboa Park! Who is Roald Dahl? He was the amazing writer who gave the world Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The Witches . . . and many other extraordinary stories that have been enjoyed by millions of children and adults.

Roald Dahl, who would have been a hundred years old this year, is being honored around the world in September, and Balboa Park had its own very special celebration today. The good people of Write Out Loud put the whole thing together. You might have seen my posts about various other events Write Out Loud has organized, including TwainFest in Old Town and the Moby Dick Reading Marathon on the tall ship Star of India.

I took a few photos while wandering about Balboa Park, but the most colorful ones show the story box reading of The Magic Finger on the patio outside the House of England. By the way, the story box is a form of street theatre in Japan, where it is known as Kamishibai.

Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.
Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.
People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl's fun story The Magic Finger.
People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl’s fun story The Magic Finger.
A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.
A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.
Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl's life, writing and philosophy.
Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl’s life, his writing and philosophy.
...Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl
. . . Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl
...If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl
. . . If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl
While I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park's International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.
While I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park’s International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.
Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.
Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.
Uh, oh! She's about to use her magic finger on a foul, nasty teacher!
Uh, oh! She’s about to use her magic finger on that foul, nasty teacher!  The teacher grows fur and a tail!
A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.
A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl

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

I like to write short fiction, too! To read a few of my stories, please visit my other blog Short Stories by Richard.

Courage, wishes and hope on Bankers Hill.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to conquer it.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to conquer it.

Walk up Fifth Avenue in Bankers Hill and you’re likely to see some inspiring chalk art. Words of wisdom prompt those passing by to think about courage, wishes and hope. Here are some photos.

Two of the life affirming messages adorn a community library box located next to the front entrance of a safe haven for the homeless. A brave lion roars nearby. Uptown Safe Haven features transitional housing, supportive services, and hope. It is the project of Episcopal Community Services. The chalk art speaks of their mission.

If you’d like to learn more, or if you’d like to consider volunteering through this program to serve those in need, please click here.

Never stop making wishes. Life affirming chalk art in San Diego's Bankers Hill community.
Never stop making wishes. Life affirming chalk art in San Diego’s Bankers Hill neighborhood.
The only thing stronger than fear is hope.
The only thing stronger than fear is hope.

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

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