Early signs that 2017 Comic-Con is almost here!

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

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

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

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

Terracotta female figures at Heritage Plaza.

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

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

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

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

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

Bayou Brothers rock the House of France!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team of Santas urges kids to eat healthy food!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The mystery of a strange lighthouse in Old Town!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A collection of past Comic-Con cosplay photos!

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

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

Click the links to see everything!

 

From 2016 San Diego Comic-Con:

Photographs of cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

More photos of super creative cosplay at Comic-Con!

Cool cosplay and crazy fun outside Comic-Con!

 

From 2015 San Diego Comic-Con:

Super cool awesome cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

More super awesome Comic-Con cosplay photos!

Cool cosplay and fun outside San Diego Comic-Con.

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

 

From 2014 San Diego Comic-Con:

Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

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

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!