The very first trolley wrap for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con has appeared! The Orville is a funny new science fiction show coming to FOX!
The very first trolley wrap for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con has appeared! Here are a bunch of photos!
Characters from the upcoming FOX television show The Orville appear on this cool wrap. The humorous science fiction series is created by and stars Seth MacFarlane, so chances are it’s going to be really good.
I spoke to various people who work for MTS–a couple of trolley drivers and others–and learned the wraps are being applied to many cars right now. I can’t wait to see what else materializes!
I’m going to blog about downtown San Diego during Comic-Con like crazy this year. So follow along if you’d like! It should be a lot of fun!
400 years in the future, technology has changed. Relationships? Not so much.Seth MacFarlane, as Ed Mercer, captain of the Orville.Adrianne Lee Palicki, as Kelly Grayson, first officer and the captain’s ex-wife.With a cranium like that, sure you guys don’t exist in the Star Trek universe? Should Kirk or Picard be worried?Orville looks like it will probably be a great new television comedy. From the trolley wrap, it does kind of look like a spoof of Star Trek.Of course you have to have an artificial lifeform. It’s 400 years in the future, right?The human and non-human relationships are already scrambled on the trolley when its doors open. 2017 San Diego Comic-Con will soon have these trolleys bursting with all sorts of unusual, surprising sights!The first new trolley wrap has appeared for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
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Late this afternoon I walked along the Embarcadero. People were out and about, strolling, lingering by the water. My camera found magic, wonder and warmth.
Doing a bit of work on a boat in Marriott Marina.Strolling along San Diego’s waterfront on a warm late Friday afternoon.A pedicab driver relaxes while awaiting some business.Something interesting must be down in the water.Three friends walk along the Embarcadero.Two friends share a moment.On green grass, under a green tree.Silver light and a dreamlike sailboat.
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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!
We pull away from the Embarcadero aboard the Admiral Hornblower, on a special harbor tour provided by the Port of San Diego.
Last Saturday I enjoyed a special boat tour of San Diego’s harbor. The free tour was created by the Port of San Diego for Maritime Month, which was actually May. (The earlier tours were so popular, an additional June date was added.) The main intention of these tours was to educate the public about the importance of San Diego Bay, and the waterfront’s many contribution’s to our local economy.
We set out on the Admiral Hornblower and checked out a number of fascinating facilities that are overseen by the Port of San Diego. The Port of San Diego manages San Diego Bay and a strip of surrounding waterfront land. Its five member cities are San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and Coronado.
According to their website “The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 20 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of hundreds of tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.”
Well, what exactly did we see and what did we learn?
I took a few notes, which I’ve placed in my photo captions. Let’s head out onto the water on an overcast day and see some fascinating sights!
Looking back toward the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. This facility can host special events or welcome cruise ships. Every visiting cruise ship adds 2 million dollars to the San Diego economy.Someone enjoys recreating on San Diego Bay as we pass Tuna Harbor. Tourism and commercial fishing rely on San Diego’s versatile harbor.It’s Saturday morning, so the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is open on Fish Harbor Pier near Seaport Village. It’s the place to go if you like fresh seafood.Now we are approaching the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. Most people associate it with those big yellow Dole ships that bring in about 185 million bananas and other fruit each month!The Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal is to undergo modernization. Some transit sheds will be removed, to create more flexible laydown space.These are windmill tower components.This part of the facility is used for transferring cement between ship and shore.This 1,800-ton-per-hour bulk loader handles soda ash, bauxite and fertilizer exports.Docked south of the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, beside the Cesar Chavez Park pier, are the vessels of Pacific Tugboat Service.Near the east end of the San Diego–Coronado Bridge is the first of three big shipyards–Continental Maritime of San Diego.Navy ships are undergoing repairs and modernization. The white plastic wrap prevents paint particles from entering the environment.The next shipyard as we head south is BAE Systems. They also provide repair and modernization services. This huge ship in one of two dry docks is completely concealed!This is a new type of stealth Navy ship–a guided missile Zumwalt-class destroyer. DDG-1000 is the first of its class. Its radar image is similar to that of a fishing boat.Another vessel is being worked on at the BAE Systems San Diego shipyard. You can see floating oil spill containment booms in many of these photos.Finally we are nearing the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. New ships are built here. It is the largest full service shipyard on the West Coast.It’s an overcast “June Gloom” late morning on San Diego Bay.As we continue into the South Bay, we see a large ship is being moved away from the shore by tugboat.It’s the Palmetto State, a fuel-efficient ECO Class tanker that was built at the NASSCO shipyard.Now we are beginning to pass Naval Base San Diego–what some refer to as 32nd Street Naval Station. It is the principal homeport of the U. S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet.This is the USS Essex (LHD-2), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.San Diego is home to these three Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships.The unusual white vessel is a barracks barge–where a crew lives while their Navy ship is undergoing major repairs.The USS Makin Island (LHD 8) returned from deployment recently. The gold anchors indicate this ship has earned the Navy’s Retention Excellence Award.Now we are past the Naval base and approaching the National City Marine Terminal.I see lots of cars. If you own an automobile imported from Japan or South Korea, there a good chance it arrived here.Vehicles of all type arrive here by huge roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships, including trucks and tractors.Longshoremen drive hundreds of new vehicles off the ships. Warehouses nearby are used to install accessories. White wraps on cars protect them from dirty stuff like seagull poop! Some ospreys have nests atop those high lampposts.These totaled cars arrived from Hawaii! They’re headed to San Diego salvage yards.Half of the new cars are sent to their final destination by train, the other half by truck. This facility accommodates super long freight trains–120 cars long!We’ve turned about and have headed back to the North Embarcadero. Before we dock, we check out a superyacht temporarily moored in the middle of San Diego Bay.This is the Attessa IV, owned by Dennis R. Washington, 76th wealthiest person in the United States! The Port of San Diego accommodates all sorts of ships!
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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!
The Kennedy family is working hard to prevent suicide and brighten the world.
I was deeply moved yesterday. I met a family who is working for suicide prevention with beautiful art, walking and love. Their collective efforts were on display at the House of the Philippines lawn program in Balboa Park. (I posted photos of folk dancing at the event here.)
Elie Kennedy paints smooth rocks that she finds on a beach that her son Anthony loved. She paints those rocks on behalf of her son, who she lost to suicide in 2015. Her healing rocks radiate love. Money that she raises goes to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She sometimes uses the hashtag #healingrocksforanthony.
The Kennedy family also raises funds for the foundation by participating in the San Diego Out of the Darkness Community Walk. You can walk, too. Such walks take place all around the United States. If you’d like, you can learn more or register for a walk here.
Positive energy flows from each member of this family. It all comes from the heart. Sin Kennedy presses leaves and creates a range of colorful artwork. Check out her Instagram page here.
Please learn more by clicking the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. With treatment and knowledge many lives can be saved. The organization also helps those afflicted with a loss, advocates for suicide prevention, and funds scientific research to prevent future suicides.
Every single life is precious.
A story about Elie’s son. Painful energy is now used to create something beautiful and positive.A sample of the beauty that is created.Sin Kennedy is also an artist.Art reminds us that much in life is good.
Here are some amazing photos that I captured today at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. During my slow walk into the Lower Garden, I halted beneath a tree and looked up at the leaves. Sunshine was beaming through, illuminating the many layers of green.
The complex patterns of leaves appear to me like swirling three-dimensional fractals. The patterns are strangely magical. They are beautiful.
Later in the afternoon, I ventured over to the International Cottages and enjoyed some colorful Philippine folk dancing. You can see those joyful photos on my special Beautiful Balboa Park blog by clicking here!
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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!
A blacksmith shapes red hot iron at a forge in San Diego’s historic Old Town.
Yesterday I lingered for a few minutes at the Blacksmith Shop in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Two forges were operating. I watched as hammers swung, making sparks fly. It was fascinating to learn about blacksmithing and its vital role in San Diego’s history.
I chatted for a bit with one of the friendly gentlemen working in the Blacksmith Shop. These days the shop is used by a handful of skilled smiths to make all sorts of ornamental and useful metal items. They’ve made objects used for display elsewhere in the State Park. They make everything but horseshoes–and that’s because none of them know how to shoe a horse!
I was told that in 19th century San Diego there were several blacksmiths; this shop now in Old Town was probably located a bit to the east, on the outskirts of town (near today’s Presidio Hills Golf Course) because of the fire danger it presented to other buildings. No blacksmith shop back then would have been as large as the one visitors see today. A blacksmith would most likely do their work in the corner of a livery stable, using one modest forge.
Please read the photo captions to learn more!
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s Blacksmith Shop and Wood Shop at the site of the Blackhawk Livery Stables, circa 1850-1871.Visitors to Old Town learn a little about life in San Diego during the mid 1800s. Blacksmiths created assorted metal objects, made repairs and shoed horses.This friendly blacksmith provided lots of fascinating information. Visitors watch with interest as he works to create a pot holder.I learned that in early San Diego blacksmiths typically burned charcoal in their forge, as coal was usually of poor quality and difficult to obtain in Southern California.A huge bellows provides oxygen for this brick furnace. A good working temperature is about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.Products that were fashioned include iron grills, traps, candle holders, fish roasters, knives, shovels, chains, hinges, nails, cooking ladles and horseshoes.Hammers, bars, wrenches and various blacksmithing tools hang from the rear wall, in addition to harnesses and other items one might find in a livery stable.The gentleman showed me some devices used to suspend pots over a fire. Everything on this wall was made by local smiths in this shop.A shiny anvil.This wide grassy area behind nearby Seeley Stable was once used for anvil shoots. Gunpowder was placed in a hollow indentation between two anvils and ignited, sending one anvil high into the air with a loud bang! Anvils that did not shatter were considered sound.Old Town visitor tries on a Spanish conquistador helmet made in the Blacksmith Shop.A heavy anchor chain is shown. The welds must be as strong as the iron links themselves.A photo of living history. Skilled artisans used muscle, fire, metal and sweat to make everyday life easier for the early residents of San Diego.
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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!
Mormon Battalion flag flies during a special event in Old Town San Diego.
I was invited to a unique event that took place yesterday. A special Flag Day Ceremony was held at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site in San Diego’s Old Town. The event remembered World War I and saluted all American veterans.
During the ceremony five veterans from different military services were made honorary members of the Mormon Battalion. A cake was cut with a military saber and an American flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capital and over Fort Leavenworth (where the historic Mormon Battalion originated) was raised.
The patriotic ceremony was organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members composed the Mormon Battalion, the only religiously based unit in United States military history. Commanded by regular U.S. Army officers, members of the battalion marched almost 2,000 miles from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to San Diego, California to help secure the region during the Mexican–American War. Much of the difficult march was over mountains and through desert. They saw no fighting.
I have noticed that Mormons treasure liberty–religious freedom in particular. I’m not a Mormon–very far from it–but I do happen to be a strong believer in personal liberty. That’s because I’m a writer. Also, as a child I traveled with my family behind the Iron Curtain twice. I have briefly seen how dark life is without liberty.
A friendly Mormon lady in pioneer dress welcomes guests to the Flag Day Celebration.This 2017 celebration of Flag Day honored veterans who served with distinction.Guests are welcomed by Director of the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site, Elder Michael Hemingway.The United States flag is posted after the National Anthem.Folding of the flag. Each of the thirteen folds is invested with a special meaning.Four American veterans on stage are applauded and made honorary members of the Mormon Battalion.Keynote speaker General Bruce Carlson, USAF, Ret. talks about liberty. He is also made an honorary member of the Mormon Battalion.Many voices sing God Bless America.Young members of Marine Band San Diego after the ceremony.The United States Marine Corps bus contains an image of the flag being raised during the Battle of Iwo Jima.Pageantry and remembrance at a Flag Day Ceremony in Old Town San Diego.
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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!
I happened upon a few notable names during a walk through Mount Hope Cemetery. I had over an hour before the Memorial Day ceremony would begin, so I just wandered down winding roads through fields of headstones.
Many early residents of San Diego are buried at Mount Hope. Among the jumble of names engraved in stone, one can find some of the city’s most influential citizens. Like Alonzo Horton, Kate Sessions, George Marston, Thomas Whaley, Ah Quin, E. S. Babcock, and Robert Waterman. (Not to mention the famous author Raymond Chandler!) But I didn’t have a map. So I just meandered through the hilly cemetery and gazed.
Thousands of gravestones.
Every life different. Every life important in its own way.
Some of the dates indicate long lives, others short. But isn’t it true that all of our lives are short?
Someone asked about my visit–if the cemetery felt spooky. No. The best word that comes to mind is bittersweet. A feeling of both joy and sadness.
Every single name has become a part of San Diego history.
(I did a bit of research for this blog post. Hopefully I got the following information right. If not, leave a comment!)
George James Keating
George James Keating was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1840. He and his wife Fannie, owners of a farming company, eventually moved to San Diego in 1886. Keating made large investments in the city’s booming real estate market. After his death, Fannie oversaw the construction of the five-story Keating Building, which I blogged about several years ago here.
Graves of the Marston family.George White Marston
George W. Marston was often referred to as “San Diego’s First Citizen.”
A successful department store owner, he founded the San Diego Historical Society and was a prominent advocate for and planner of Balboa Park. He was a critical force in the establishment of the San Diego Public Library System and Presidio Park.
You can see a sculpture of George Marston on my blog here, and the garden of his beautiful, historic house, which is located in the northwest corner of Balboa Park, here.
George F. Stockton
Lt. George F. Stockton’s tragic drowning on August 21, 1921 prompted the creation of the City of Oceanside Lifeguard Service. He was pulled out to sea by a rip current. He had served on the World War I ship USS San Diego.
Edward McGurck
Col. Edward McGurck was born in Ireland. He purchased property on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street in 1876 for $50. In 1887 he developed the McGurck Block Building at that location.
Monument to the Kurtz family.Daniel Brower Kurtz
Daniel Brower Kurtz has an important San Diego street named after him. He arrived in San Diego in 1850 and was elected second city mayor in 1851. He also served as a state senator, county judge, and assemblyman.
James Edward Friend
James Edward Friend was an enterprising reporter and newspaper publisher in the early days of San Diego.
Seeing his name brought a smile to my face. He was a good friend of Bum, San Diego’s Town Dog, and figured prominently in the wonderful book titled The Dog That Belonged to No One. Any young person living in San Diego should read this short book. It’s quite enjoyable, full of history and good humor.
Captain James Friend was also known as a friend and benefactor to San Diego’s newsboys.
You can read about Bum, San Diego’s lovable Town Dog, and see his sculpture in my blog post here.
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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 photos for you to share and enjoy!
The facade of the Casa del Prado is just one of many wonders in Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is one of the most magical places in the world. Spells are cast, revealing life and wonder.
Please enjoy a few photos.
Another magical day in the park. The California Tower rises in the distance.Spirits are lifted by the Woman of Tehuantepec in the courtyard of the House of Hospitality.Ranger Kim relates the history of Balboa Park to a tour group. They stand by the original Administration Building, which was the first building erected for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.Ranger Kim talks about the historic Botanical Building and its rich collection of beautiful flowers and plants.A wicker Electriquette slowly moves through the wonderful park.Daisy Girl Scouts plant living flowers by the reflecting pool.Photo from the Alcazar Garden of the House of Charm’s tower.Learning to tap dance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Three life friends together at Nate’s Point Dog Park.A short but magical excursion on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad.A view across El Prado of the San Diego Natural History Museum.The splashing Bea Evenson Fountain in the Plaza de Balboa attracts young and old.Gazing from a balcony of the House of Hospitality down at the life-filled Plaza de Panama and the San Diego Museum of Art.Bicycles and sunshine along El Prado.Big Slim plays guitar by the Casa del Prado.A musician strums in Spanish Village.A magic trick produces many smiles.
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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!
Town and Country Hotel sign reads: CUIT 5TEALING O R LETT3RS
I was heading home from work today when I spied something funny through the bus window. The big Town and Country Hotel sign now reads: CUIT 5TEALING O R LETT3RS. Either a crook has stolen the missing letters, or somebody is providing us with a good laugh!
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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!
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