Category: Uncategorized

Elegance and history at downtown San Diego hotel.

This astonishing ceiling impressed San Diego Trust and Savings Bank customers back in 1928, when it originally debuted.
This astonishing ceiling impressed San Diego Trust and Savings Bank customers back in 1928, when it originally debuted.

There are many amazing hotels around San Diego, especially downtown. Several of the hotels are located in historic old buildings. For several months, the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building (1928), now occupied by Courtyard by Marriott, has been undergoing outside restoration. A few days ago I noticed that much of the work has been completed, so I decided to go inside the lobby to ask a question or two. And wow!

This was my first time inside the truly eye-popping lobby. Look at the ceiling! The old bank hall, which now welcomes hotel guests, appears almost like the interior of some medieval church, with its arches, vaulted doors, medallions, bronze window grilles and a 32-foot high colorfully painted coffered ceiling. Also reflecting the building’s Italian Romanesque Revival architectural style, the grand interior contains 35 decorative columns with Corinthian capitals, chiseled from 19 different types of marble from around the world. Additionally, the walls, counters, pilasters and floor all feature rich imported marble.

The elegant building, which was constructed with the finest materials available at the time, was designed by notable architect William Templeton Johnson, who is also credited for the San Diego Museum of Art and Natural History Museum buildings in Balboa Park, the Serra Museum in Presidio Park, and the La Jolla Athenaeum. He is also one of the architects responsible for the San Diego County Administration Center.

I was told by a friendly front desk clerk that the restoration involved patching cracks in the building’s exterior. Looks to me like somebody did a good job!

Photo of the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building taken from one block east on Broadway. The 14-story structure is topped with a two-story penthouse and cupola.
Photo of the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building taken from one block east on Broadway. The 14-story structure is topped with a two-story penthouse and cupola.
Flag on stately exterior of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Flag on stately exterior of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Plaque at 530 Broadway. This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Plaque at 530 Broadway. This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Elegant bronze and glass entrance to the eye-popping lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Elegant bronze and glass entrance to the eye-popping lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Stand inside the old bank hall and gaze upward. You'll think your visiting a fantastic cathedral or medieval building in Europe.
Stand inside the old bank hall and gaze upward. You’ll think your visiting a fantastic cathedral or medieval building in Europe.
The welcoming interior of a modern hotel. An historical building smartly preserved and repurposed.
The welcoming interior of a modern hotel. An historical building smartly preserved and repurposed.
I like this cheerful painting of a girl lying on a turtle behind the hotel's front counter!
I like this cheerful painting of a girl lying on a turtle behind the hotel’s front counter!
Yet another cool sight in my neighborhood: downtown San Diego!
Yet another cool sight in my amazing neighborhood: downtown San Diego!

UPDATE!

When I stepped into the hotel during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s OPEN HOUSE 2017, I learned from a friendly event volunteer that I could head down to see the old bank’s vaults, which are now meeting rooms! Here are some photos!

Map near the ceiling where steps descend to the elevators.
Map near the ceiling where steps descend from the lobby to elevators.
The beautiful arched ceiling near the bank of elevators.
The beautiful arched ceiling near the hotel’s bank of elevators.
Elegant area near the entrance to The Safe Deposit Room.
Elegant area near the entrance to The Safe Deposit Room.
Formidable steel doors in a lower level hallway, leading to The Vault, a very unique meeting room. The San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building has unusual historic features that hotel guests can enjoy.
Formidable steel doors in a lower level hallway, leading to The Vault, a very unique meeting room. The San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building has unusual historic features that hotel guests can enjoy.
The Safe Deposit Room in the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown has a rather unusual entrance! The 1928 Mosler safe door weighs 47,000 pounds! Meetings can be held inside.
The Safe Deposit Room in the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown has a rather unusual entrance! The 1928 Mosler safe door weighs 47,000 pounds! Meetings can be held inside.

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Cool new parking garage mural in downtown San Diego!

A human connected to technology in this new public art mural. Park it, charge it! The seven-story parking garage is located at 707 Broadway. This photo was taken from 7th Avenue.
A human connected to technology in this new public art mural. Park it, charge it! The seven-story parking garage is located at 707 Broadway. This photo was taken from 7th Avenue.

During a walk several days ago my eyes lifted with surprise at a very cool new sight. An absolutely gigantic mural has appeared downtown, on the seven-story parking garage located at 707 Broadway!

A quick internet search revealed the identity of the creative person behind this public artwork. Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective is a self-taught spray paint artist whose work can be seen elsewhere in San Diego, including nearby at SILO in Maker’s Quarter. This particular piece, which was finished a couple weeks ago, is said to be the largest mural in San Diego. The wildly imaginative, cartoon-like design is meant to convey the intersection of evolving communication technology with art and personal human experience.

These photos proceed from the west side of the parking garage, to the north, and finally to the east. You can see just how colorful and amazing this art is!

The huge cool mural wraps around the parking garage. I see a hot air balloon, phonograph, radio tower, satellite and various buildings, all interconnected like a circuit.
The huge cool mural wraps around the parking garage. I see a hot air balloon, phonograph, radio tower, satellite and various buildings, all interconnected like a circuit.
The artwork engages the eyes and mind with its detailed composition. Two clusters in the image are connected by the Coronado Bay Bridge.
The artwork engages the eyes and mind with its detailed composition. Two clusters in the image are connected by the Coronado Bay Bridge.
Moving around toward the brightly sunlit east side and 8th Avenue. The high mural is viewed beyond some trees.
Moving around toward the brightly sunlit east side and 8th Avenue. The high mural is viewed beyond some trees.
The parking garage adds its color to the adjacent building's futuristic graphic, at 707 Broadway in downtown San Diego.
The parking garage adds its color to the adjacent building’s futuristic graphic, at 707 Broadway in downtown San Diego.
And finally we are on the east side of the parking garage. Very cool!
And finally we are on the east side of the parking garage. Very cool!

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Smiles, life and culture at Pacific Islander Festival!

Friendly guy at Pacific Islander Festival representing Tokelau shows how skirts are fashioned using natural fibers.
Friendly guy at Pacific Islander Festival representing Tokelau shows how skirts are fashioned using natural fibers.

Today I went to San Diego’s annual Pacific Islander Festival. Wow!

The awesome event was held at Ski Beach Park on Vacation Isle, at the center of Mission Bay–and it was much, much bigger than I had expected. Thousands sitting in lawn chairs or walking among dozens of colorful tents enjoyed music, dance, food, fascinating crafts and a huge variety of cool sights.

Here’s some of what I saw. I’ll let the photo captions tell the story…

Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego greeted me with a warm smile!
Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego greeted me with a warm smile!
The popular annual festival attracts thousands, who enjoy lots of music and dance on a big main stage.
The popular annual festival attracts thousands, who enjoy lots of music and dance on a big main stage.
The theme for 2015 was Heroes of the Pacific, honoring military veterans from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
The theme for 2015 was Heroes of the Pacific, honoring military veterans from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
Youthful dancers on stage were a favorite of the crowd.
Youthful dancers on stage were a favorite of the crowd.
Many tents contained interesting artistic and cultural exhibits from different Pacific islands. Here we see Guam.
Many tents contained interesting artistic and cultural exhibits from different Pacific islands. Here we see Guam.
Native arts and crafts fascinated visitors to the festival.
Native arts and crafts fascinated visitors to the festival.
Lots of super nice people were enjoying the day at Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay, and many wore colorful costumes!
Lots of super nice people were enjoying the day at Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay, and many wore colorful costumes!
Glass floats are incredibly beautiful, like solid bubbles of light.
Glass floats are incredibly beautiful, like solid bubbles of light.
Tivaevae Polynesian quilting from the Cook Islands, finely made fans, and other handcrafted works on display.
Tivaevae Polynesian quilting from the Cook Islands, finely made fans, and other handcrafted works on display.
Those are two very cool ukuleles!
Those are two very cool ukuleles!
Chamorro outrigger canoe (proa) Sakman could be boarded by curious festival visitors at Ski Beach.
Chamorro outrigger canoe (proa) Sakman could be boarded by curious festival visitors at Ski Beach.
An exotic boat in genuine blue Pacific Ocean water on a glorious San Diego day.
An exotic boat in genuine blue Pacific Ocean water on a glorious San Diego day.
This juggler simply had to be photographed.
This lively juggler simply had to be photographed.
Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.
Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.
The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.
The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.
Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.
Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.
A sea turtle is swimming above the grass!
A sea turtle is swimming above the grass!
Artist representing Samoa creates Siapo, also known as tapa, using ink made from native seeds and tree bark.
Artist representing Samoa creates Siapo, also known as tapa, using ink made from native seeds and tree bark.
A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.
A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.
Books include Myths and Legends of Samoa.
Books include Myths and Legends of Samoa.
A beautiful wooden bowl was among many cultural artifacts from American Samoa.
A beautiful wooden bowl was among many cultural artifacts from American Samoa.
Palau's tent had many interesting photos and unique objects for everyone to enjoy.
Palau’s tent had many interesting photos and unique objects for everyone to enjoy.
Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!
Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!

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Sunshine in paradise: a walk about Mission Bay.

The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.
The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.

Late this morning I headed to the Pacific Islander Festival, which took place in the grassy Ski Beach Park near the center of Mission Bay. I’ll get my photos ready and blog about it shortly!

On the way to the festival and afterward, I took a long, leisurely walk. Mission Bay might be the best place in San Diego for an easy saunter through sunshiny paradise.

When I say Mission Bay Park is a paradise, that’s no exaggeration. Grassy parkland, beaches, islands, resorts and marinas are found everywhere you go, whether by foot, bicycle, roller skate, car or boat. Its 4,235 acres make it the largest man-made aquatic park in the nation. Roughly half land and half water, what was originally a lagoon at the mouth of the San Diego River has been transformed into one of our city’s most popular destinations. Especially during the summer.

But summer is over and the crowds have thinned. Perfect for a quiet, thoughtful walk.

Here are a few random pics…

A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Looking down from the bridge. It's a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and few people are about. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Looking down from the bridge. It’s a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and many benches are empty. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Light reflected on water and shore rocks form a contrast.
Light reflected on water contrasted with shore rocks.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
Just fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay. Every type of small boat you can imagine can be spotted on any given day.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay.  Kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, sailboats, windsurfers and fishing boats can be spotted on any given day.

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Orchids in Balboa Park’s amazing Botanical Building!

I believe all these beautiful images are of orchids! I apologize if I'm mistaken. Most photos were taken just inside the left door to the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
I believe all these beautiful images are of orchids! I apologize if I’m mistaken. Most photos were taken just inside the left door to the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.

I believe all these photos are of orchids. Unfortunately, I’m not an expert when it comes to plants or flowers. Heck, I hardly even rank as an amateur. But I do recognize exquisite beauty. And you’ll find it just inside the left door of Balboa Park’s amazing Botanical Building!

I don’t know the types or names of these orchids. I looked for signs, but saw none. If you recognize anything, leave a comment!

Deep velvet beauty for everyone to enjoy.
Velvet beauty for everyone to enjoy.
So much to absorb in the amazing Botanical Building--one's eyes leap from bloom to bloom.
So much to absorb in the amazing Botanical Building–one’s eyes leap from bloom to bloom.
Nature's masterpieces are often small and fragile.
Nature’s masterpieces are often small and fragile.
Should you ever visit Balboa Park in San Diego, don't miss the Botanical Building. The enormous lath building stands behind the reflecting pool near El Prado.
Should you ever visit Balboa Park in San Diego, don’t miss the Botanical Building. The enormous lath building stands behind the reflecting pool near El Prado.
White angel-like flower seems to signal that the world is just fine.
White angel-like flower seems to signal that the world is just fine.
Many orchids in clay pots hanging from a wall trellis.
Many orchids in clay pots hanging from a wall trellis.
A long strand of gems.
A long strand of gems.
Everywhere you turn in the Botanical Building you'll discover lush plants and natural wonders.
Everywhere you turn in the Botanical Building you’ll discover lush plants and natural wonders.
A lady glides into heaven on Earth.
A lady glides into heaven on Earth.

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Small scenes of real life on San Diego Bay.

Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.

Before the Trolley Dances began this morning, I walked for a stretch beside the quiet water, between Grape Street and the Coast Guard Station. It was an ordinary morning on San Diego Bay, in an area where few tourists venture. I photographed some typical scenes of real life.

People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of life on the North Embarcadero.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of city life on the North Embarcadero.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.

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Fun photos of Trolley Dances in water fountain!

Dancers in the fountain at San Diego's Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.
Dancers in the fountain at San Diego’s Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.

This morning I caught the very first performance of the Trolley Dances. The venue for the first stage of the Trolley Dances in 2015 is the County Administration Center Waterfront Park–to be exact, the long fountain on the north side of the County Administration Building.

When I arrived, a group of dancers was rehearsing and a videographer was setting up near the end of the fountain where the audience would watch. After a few minutes, the first mobile audience arrived, and I enjoyed a cool performance. And I mean cool. It was a water dance! On a very warm and muggy morning, I wouldn’t have minded rolling through and leaping about the refreshing water, either! But, alas, nobody who is sane would pay even a nickel to watch me dance.

The Trolley Dances is a unique tradition in San Diego. Put on by the San Diego Dance Theater, the outdoor performances occur in often surprising public places.  Those who watch get started every 45 minutes, traveling from one site to the next on foot and by public transit. This year, groups travel from the Waterfront Park to Balboa Park, taking one of the new MTS Rapid buses from Santa Fe Depot.

Anyone in San Diego who loves dance must check out the Trolley Dances. Performances continue throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays, September 26 – 27 and October 3 – 4. More info can be found on their website.

Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o'clock.
Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o’clock.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
They're rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
They’re rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
Slowly rolling...
Slowly rolling…
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
The young child is intercepted. I'm sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The young child is intercepted. I’m sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
Flying skyward through the fountain!
Flying skyward through the fountain!
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
Another dynamic photo.
Another dynamic photo.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future...
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future…
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.

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Images of Saint Junipero Serra in San Diego.

Molded plaster figure of newly canonized Saint Junipero Serra at top of the California Building’s facade in Balboa Park.
Molded plaster figure of Saint Junipero Serra at top of the California Building’s facade in Balboa Park.  The Museum of Man occupies this landmark building.  The ornate facade contains many sculpted historical figures and busts created by the Piccirilli brothers, famous marble carvers who immigrated from Italy in 1888.

Today, during Pope Francis’ historic first visit to the United States, Junipero Serra was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Father Serra was declared a saint by the Holy See at a ceremony conducted by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Saint Junipero Serra played a large role in San Diego’s early history. The Franciscan friar established the first nine of 21 Roman Catholic Spanish missions in what today is California.  The very first of those nine, founded on July 16, 1769, was located in San Diego. The primary purpose of the missions was to convert the native peoples to Christianity; another purpose was to solidify a claim over this valuable corner of the New World for Spain.

The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is located in Mission Valley and remains to this day an active church. It’s popularity as a destination for tourists and the faithful will likely increase with the canonization of Serra.

Because of Saint Junipero Serra’s historical importance in San Diego, many images of him are found throughout our city. Some of the most prominent and well known representations can be seen in Balboa Park. The park’s Spanish Colonial Revival Style buildings created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition include lavish ornamentation, with many illustrations of people and scenes important to San Diego history.

The following notable bits of art in Balboa Park depict Saint Junipero Serra during his time in San Diego.

Ornamental art on Balboa Park's Casa del Prado depicts Saint Junipero Serra holding a cross among Spanish soldiers and native peoples in what today is California.
Ornamental art on Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado shows Saint Junipero Serra holding a cross among Spanish soldiers and native peoples in what today is California.  In 1769, San Diego was part of Alta California in the Province of Las Californias in New Spain.
More artwork seen from Balboa Park's historic El Prado shows Franciscan friar on a horse near the Roman Catholic Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was founded in 1769.
More artwork seen on Balboa Park’s historic El Prado shows Franciscan friar on a horse near the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was built near the San Diego River, several miles inland from San Diego Bay.
Junipero Serra Memorial, created 1914. Staff plaster original ornamentation from the Food Products Building, of the Panama-California Exposition. Now located in the Sculpture Court.
Junipero Serra Memorial, created in 1914. Staff plaster original ornamentation from the Food Products Building, of the Panama-California Exposition. This elegant work of art was preserved and is now located in the Casa del Prado’s Sculpture Court.

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Get out of jail free at old police headquarters!

People view photos and memorabilia in corridor of the old San Diego Police Headquarters located downtown near Seaport Village.
People view photos and memorabilia in corridor of the old San Diego Police Headquarters located near Seaport Village.

In downtown San Diego, one can enter a highly secure jail cell, then turn around and easily walk right out! How? Simply visit the old police headquarters!

The Headquarters at Seaport is the official name of a relatively new shopping center on Harbor Drive, located right next to Seaport Village. The unique complex features several fine restaurants and specialty shops, housed in a restored building that was originally built in 1939. For almost half a century–until its closure in 1987–the fortress-like building with its large courtyard was home to San Diego’s police headquarters.

Anyone visiting The Headquarters can enjoy a free glimpse of San Diego history by checking out a modest exhibit in a corridor that leads to the old cell block and some restrooms. I took photographs during one walk that you might find interesting.

This beautifully restored building now contains shops and restaurants on San Diego's waterfront. Built in 1939, it served for half a century as the city's central police station.
This beautifully restored building now contains shops and restaurants on San Diego’s waterfront. Built in 1939, it served for half a century as the city’s central police station.
People amble past a doorway which leads into the past. A bit of San Diego history beckons the curious.
People amble past a doorway which leads into the past. A bit of San Diego history beckons the curious.
Old jail cells and an interesting police department exhibit are inside!
Old jail cells and an interesting police department exhibit are inside!
Fascinating photographs on one corridor wall show scenes from the old police headquarters.
Fascinating photographs on one corridor wall show scenes from the old police headquarters.
Many operations were under one roof, including administrative offices, jails, a law library, crime lab, pistol range, and even a police car maintenance facility.
Many operations were under one roof, including administrative offices, jails, a law library, crime lab, pistol range, and even a police car maintenance facility.
This photo shows officers posing in front of the iconic tower. The historic building is a mixture of architectural styles often seen in San Diego and Southern California.
This photo shows officers posing in front of the iconic tower. The historic building is a mixture of architectural styles often seen in San Diego and Southern California.
Display cases in this preserved hallway contain artifacts from local law enforcement decades ago.
Display cases in this preserved hallway contain artifacts from local law enforcement decades ago.
Vintage police shields and badges are among the interesting items in this museum-like display.
Vintage police shields and badges are among the interesting items in this museum-like display.
Handcuffs, documents and law enforcement equipment educate visitors about police history in San Diego.
Handcuffs, documents and law enforcement equipment educate visitors about police history in San Diego.
Some patches that were worn proudly.
Some patches that were worn proudly.
Image shows original construction of the police headquarters in 1939.
Image shows original construction of the police headquarters in 1939.
I believe someone who was arrested is being photographed. I see a clock, calendar, lights and identifying placard.
I believe someone who was arrested is being photographed. I see a clock, calendar, lights and identifying placard.
The door of a holding cell in the old police headquarters corridor.
The door of a holding cell in the old police headquarters corridor.
Cells for prisoners and suspects were securely locked and unlocked using this mechanism.
Cells for prisoners and suspects were securely locked and unlocked using this mechanism.
A look inside the eight cell, two level jail block. If you want to see what life was like behind bars, that last door is wide open!
A look inside the eight cell, two level jail block. If you want to see what life was like behind bars, that last door is wide open!
These jail cells are very simple and primitive. Comfort is not a priority.
These jail cells are very simple and primitive. Comfort is not a priority.
A few bare essentials and a pretty face.
A few bare essentials and a pretty face.
Visitors to The Headquarters old cell block look at mug shots on one wall.
Visitors to The Headquarters old cell block look at mug shots on one wall.
Prisoner Information. Personal property is surrendered, necessities are provided, hours for lights out and visitors, and two telephone calls are granted at the time of booking.
Prisoner Information. Personal property is surrendered, necessities are provided, hours for lights out and visitors, and two telephone calls are granted at the time of booking.
Kids are photographed at the lineup wall. They look slightly suspicious!
Kids are photographed at the lineup wall. They look slightly suspicious!

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Funny eyes, elephants and an owl at Spanish Village.

Ceramic eye atop parking lot post at north end of Balboa Park's art-filled Spanish Village. Various faces and fun eyeballs decorate several nearby posts.
Ceramic eye atop parking lot post at north end of Balboa Park’s art-filled Spanish Village. Various faces and fun eyeballs decorate nearby posts.

Spanish Village is where you’ll find artists at work in San Diego’s incredibly beautiful Balboa Park. On any given day, one can watch artists painting, shaping pottery, blowing glass, or just relaxing beside artwork for sale, out in the colorful courtyard or inside their charming studios. But before you walk into Spanish Village, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by funny eyes, two huge elephants, or a happy owl. And possibly even a spider!

What am I talking about? Take a look at these fun photos! (Can you find the spider?)

A peek through an arch into Spanish Village from the small north parking lot.
A peek through an arch into Spanish Village from the small north parking lot.
The colorful courtyard of Spanish Village contains abundant beauty, both natural and artistic.
The colorful courtyard of Spanish Village contains abundant beauty, both natural and artistic.
One of many small artist studios in this very cool corner of San Diego's Balboa Park.
One of many small artist studios in this very cool corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park.
Here come more photos of funny ceramic eyes and faces decorating those plain steel parking lot posts.
Here come more photos of funny ceramic eyes and faces decorating those plain steel parking lot posts.
This is my favorite face of the bunch. I believe I used it in another blog post.
This is my favorite face of the bunch. I believe I used it in another blog post.
A single artistic eyeball painted pink, yellow, purple and blue. The ceramic post-toppers have forms that are very organic.
A single artistic eyeball painted pink, yellow, purple and blue. The ceramic post-toppers have forms that are very organic.
Check out this crazy, creative face! At least, I think it's a face...
Check out this crazy, creative face! At least, I think it’s a face…
A wonderfully alien weird fantasy eye stares right at you!
A wonderfully alien, weird fantasy eye stares right back at you!
Two huge shrub elephants guard a path at the west edge of Spanish Village. Walk north and you'll arrive at the world famous San Diego Zoo!
Two huge shrub elephants guard a path at the west edge of Spanish Village. Walk north and you’ll arrive at the world famous San Diego Zoo!
And this owl with spread wings is keeping an eye on the main entrance to Spanish Village, which is to the south.
And this owl with spread wings is keeping an eye on the main entrance to Spanish Village, which is to the south.

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