Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere!

Pottery pumpkins smile outside a gift shop in San Diego's festive Old Town.
Pottery pumpkins smile outside a gift shop in San Diego’s festive Old Town.

I see pumpkins! Everywhere! It must be mid-October in San Diego!

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones and little ones! It must be October.
Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones and little ones! Grocery stores are overflowing.  It must be mid-October.
A fun display of pumpkins and Autumn characters on a street corner in Little Italy. Halloween is on the way! Boo!
A fun display of pumpkins and Autumn characters on a street corner in Little Italy. Halloween is on the way! Boo!
A beautiful arrangement of flowers, pumpkins and gourds graces a rustic Old Town boardwalk.
A beautiful arrangement of flowers, pumpkins and gourds graces a rustic Old Town boardwalk.
More golden Autumn colors suggest it's time to harvest the good things in life.
More golden Autumn colors suggest it’s time to harvest the good things in life.
A pumpkin and warm flowers on an antique cart in Old Town San Diego.
A pumpkin and warm flowers on an antique cart in Old Town San Diego.

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Elegantly dressed skeletons discovered in old hotel!

Two elegantly dressed skeletons can be seen seated just inside the front entrance of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town.
Two elegantly dressed skeletons have been discovered seated inside the front entrance of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town.

I was stunned to observe that a large number of skeletons have been discovered in an old San Diego hotel. The Cosmopolitan Hotel, to be exact. The elegantly dressed skeletons, wearing frilly dresses or top hats, were seen standing about the hotel’s entrance, in the saloon, even seated on chairs behind a large wedding cake.

Huh?

I’m just having a bit of fun! The Cosmopolitan Hotel is part of Old Town, and dozens of elegantly dressed skeletons appear in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park every year as Día de los Muertos approaches.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is actually a celebration of ancestors and loved family members who have passed away. In Mexico, the deceased are remembered and prayed for, and certain joyful traditions are observed. One unusual tradition is derived from La Calavera Catrina, a famous etching by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, which depicts a female skeleton dressed in a fancy hat. Even though the image was originally created as satire, the Catrina has become a familiar sight in many places where Día de los Muertos is observed.

I snapped these photos at the historic Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town. The original building dates back to the late 1820s, when the wealthy Californio cattle rancher Juan Bandini built a “mansion” among the simple adobes in Old Town. When Bandini’s fortunes faded, he sold the house to Albert Seeley in 1869, who built a second story and converted the house into a hotel for a new San Diego stagecoach stop, which he also built nearby.

I believe I photographed a couple of the same skeletons a year or two ago, but I simply couldn’t help myself. They’re so much fun!

A covered wagon in front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A covered wagon in front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, two lady skeletons wearing frilly dresses greet visitors to the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Here's one.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, two lady skeletons wearing frilly dresses greet visitors to the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Here’s one!
Here's the other!
Here’s the other!
Inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel's saloon, more extremely elegant but skeletal customers are observed.
Inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s saloon, another lavishly elegant but skeletal customer is observed.
A shy skeleton in quite fancy attire stands silently in the corner of the Old West 1800s saloon.
A shy skeleton in very fancy attire stands silently in the corner of the Old West 1800s saloon.
A bony customer at the bar. That must have been a stiff drink.
A bony customer at the bar. That must have been a stiff drink.
A wedding cake for a skeleton bride and groom! Día de los Muertos is a joyful holiday that celebrates past life.
A wedding cake for a skeleton bride and groom! Día de los Muertos is a joyful holiday that celebrates the past lives of loved ones.

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Balboa Park’s Sustainability Studio promotes conservation.

Gallery 21 in Balboa Park's Spanish Village features a special environmental exhibit called Sustainability Studio!
Gallery 21 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village features a special environmental exhibit called Sustainability Studio!

I discovered a fascinating environmental exhibit in Balboa Park this weekend. The Sustainability Studio is located in Gallery 21 near the center of the Spanish Village Art Center.

This small but information-packed exhibit discusses how various museums and buildings in Balboa Park are engaging in conservation efforts, by using solar panels, low-flow water fixtures, LED lighting, and the intelligent use of resources. The exhibit also encourages kids to think about the environment and pledge to protect it. Fun activities include making leaves for the Tree of Change and a Balboa Park scavenger hunt!

To read the signs, click the images and they will enlarge.

The Sustainability Studio will remain open to the public through December. Bring the kids! They can learn something new, create some fun art, and engage in the easy scavenger hunt and win a cool prize!

Ruby welcomes visitors into the Sustainability Studio, where one can learn about the conservation efforts of various organizations in Balboa Park.
Rubi welcomes visitors into the Sustainability Studio, where one can learn about the conservation efforts of various organizations in Balboa Park.
Signs and posters in the special exhibit raise awareness about various important environmental issues. Kids are provided with fun activities that promote activism and conservation.
Signs and posters in the special exhibit raise awareness about various important environmental issues. Kids are provided with fun activities that promote activism and conservation.
Sustainability refers to the conservation and efficient use of essential resources. Balboa Park's efforts include solar panels, low-flow water fixtures and LED lighting.
Sustainability refers to the conservation and efficient use of essential resources. Balboa Park’s efforts include solar panels, low-flow water fixtures and LED lighting.
Kids visiting the exhibit are encouraged to make a leaf with a hand tracing, then inscribe it with an environmental pledge.
Kids visiting the exhibit are encouraged to make a leaf with a hand tracing, then inscribe it with an environmental pledge.
Leaves on the Tree of Change. Kids pledge to ride bikes, turn off lights, recycle, use less water . . .
Leaves on the Tree of Change. Kids pledge to ride bikes, turn off lights, recycle, use less water . . .
A scavenger hunt is described on this flyer. Upload 5 selfies to Facebook that include a Balboa Park sustainability feature and claim a great prize!
A scavenger hunt is described on this flyer. Upload 5 selfies to Facebook that include a Balboa Park sustainability feature and claim a great prize!
Various museums and buildings in Balboa Park are working to become more environmentally friendly.
Various museums and buildings in Balboa Park are working to become more environmentally friendly.
The San Diego Natural History Museum became the first Balboa Park LEED Certified building in 2009.
The San Diego Natural History Museum became the first Balboa Park LEED Certified building in 2009.
The San Diego Air and Space Museum has increased energy efficiency and achieved significant water savings.
The San Diego Air and Space Museum has increased energy efficiency and achieved significant water savings.
Artwork produced by thoughtful, creative kids hang from the ceiling. I like the ocean!
Fun works of art produced by creative kids hang from the ceiling. I like the ocean!
I love turtles!
I love turtles!

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Photos of art, fun and life at Liberty Station!

A walk through Liberty Station in Point Loma is always pleasurable. A photographer can find scenes of art, fun and life!
A walk through Liberty Station in Point Loma is always pleasurable. A photographer can find scenes of art, fun and life!

My walk yesterday took me to one of my favorite places in San Diego . . . Liberty Station! The historic old Naval Training Center San Diego in Point Loma has been converted into beautiful courtyards, shops, museums, art studios and more. It’s a lively but leisurely place where one can simply sit on a bench in a park and enjoy people, fountains, flowers and sunshine. It’s also a perfect place to walk randomly about to make new discoveries.

Here are a few fun photos my camera captured!

Two people on the North Promenade in the middle of the Arts District at Liberty Station learn how to take great photos from a personal instructor.
Two people on the North Promenade in the middle of the Arts District at Liberty Station learn how to take great photos from a personal instructor.
These Star Wars stormtroopers were caught without their helmets. They appear to be quite human! I believe they would be providing entertainment at a special event in NTC Park.
These Star Wars stormtroopers were caught near a parking lot without their helmets. They appear to be quite human and friendly! I believe they were getting ready to provide entertainment for a special event in the big grassy NTC Park.
Colorful banner outside the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery. Their amazing International Exhibition is underway and will be open to the public through October 31.
Colorful banner outside the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery. Their amazing International Exhibition is underway and will be open to the public through October 31.
A small collection of paintings can be enjoyed inside the entrance to the old Naval Training Center San Diego's command building.
A small collection of paintings can be enjoyed inside the entrance to the old Naval Training Center San Diego’s command building.
Art displayed in the NTC Command Center was created by artists who have studios inside several old barracks at Liberty Station.
Art displayed in the NTC Command Center was created by artists who have studios inside several old barracks at Liberty Station.
Window into one artist's studio. Artists, museums and cultural attractions now occupy many of the historic Navy barracks at Liberty Station.
Window into one artist’s studio. Artists, museums and cultural attractions now occupy many of the historic Navy barracks at Liberty Station.
A fun sculpture graces the North Promenade at Liberty Station.
A fun sculpture graces the North Promenade at Liberty Station.  Flowers, by John Dupree.
Families and kids love the small USS Brave boat bench at Liberty Station.
Families and kids love the small USS Brave boat bench at Liberty Station.  Wood art by Jonathan Allen.
Photo of entrance to the Dorothea Laub Dance Place building in Liberty Station.
Photo of entrance to the Dorothea Laub Dance Place building in Liberty Station.
Lavendar Ballerina by Jori Owens, one of many paintings on display in the main hallway of the Dance Place San Diego at Liberty Station.
Lavendar Ballerina by Jori Owens, one of many paintings on display in the main hallway of the Dance Place San Diego at Liberty Station.
Blue Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
Blue Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
Red Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
Red Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
A busy Saturday inside the new and very popular indoor Liberty Public Market.
A busy Saturday at the new and very popular indoor Liberty Public Market.
Flowers add color and life to Liberty Public Market.
Flowers add color and life to Liberty Public Market, one of many places to visit at Liberty Station.

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New park to open east of boat channel at Liberty Station!

A new esplanade is almost ready to open on the east side of the boat channel at Liberty Station. I took this photo from the Nimitz pedestrian bridge.
A new esplanade is almost ready to open on the east side of the boat channel at Liberty Station. I took this photo from the Nimitz pedestrian bridge.

A new public park will be opening soon at Liberty Station!

I love parks. So a discovery I made yesterday made me very happy. A completely new esplanade is being created at Liberty Station! The narrow park will run along the east shore of the boat channel, allowing visitors to walk, recreate or just relax on either side of the water. The shady trees and green grass appear ready to go! Three new hotels are also being built near the esplanade, at the site of the old Wally Park airport parking lot.

Here are some photos I took during yesterday’s walk. You can see the progress being made and a couple of informative signs.

Sign declares Coming Soon - Public Esplanade and Coastal Access. Sketches show people enjoying the new park.
Sign declares: Coming Soon – Public Esplanade and Coastal Access. Sketches show people enjoying the beautiful new park.
Green grass and trees appear ready on the east side of the boat channel.
Green grass and trees appear ready on the east side of the boat channel.
A dusty sign at Liberty Station shows the narrow new esplanade. I had to alter the photo to make out details. The three dark forms in the upper right corner, I believe, will be new hotels.
A difficult-to-read sign at Liberty Station shows the narrow new esplanade. I had to enhance the photo to make out details. The three dark forms in the upper right corner, I believe, will be new hotels.
Looking eastward from the west side of the boat channel. A new park will soon open across the water!
Looking eastward from the west side of the boat channel. A new park will soon open across the water!

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A sunny walk from the airport to Spanish Landing.

Playing catch with a dog on the small beach at Spanish Landing Park. A sailboat moves through Harbor Island's West Basin, heading out to San Diego Bay.
Playing catch with a dog on the small beach at Spanish Landing Park. A sailboat moves through Harbor Island’s West Basin, heading out to San Diego Bay.

A wide path for walkers and bicyclists runs from San Diego’s Embarcadero to Spanish Landing. While the portion between the Coast Guard station and Harbor Island Drive isn’t terribly scenic (it’s located right next to Harbor Drive and a lot of airport traffic), the section that meanders through Spanish Landing Park provides a peaceful, pleasant stroll. And a chance to learn a bit about San Diego’s history!

Today I took a long walk up the sunny path. Here are some photos. I pulled out my camera near Lindbergh Field and kept snapping pics all the way to the west end of Spanish Landing Park. (And beyond, as you’ll see in coming blog posts!)

As usual, please refer to the captions. You might note that Spanish Landing received its name because the 1769 expedition by Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá anchored in San Diego Bay near this place. The bay was much different back then–in modern times it has been extensively dredged and expanded. Indeed, Harbor Island, which you see in some photos, was originally a sandbank! Harbor Island today is composed of dredge spoils.

A long path along Harbor Drive runs from the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego to Spanish Landing. Bicyclists head up the path on a sunny weekend.
A long path along Harbor Drive runs from the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego to Spanish Landing. Bicyclists head up the path on a sunny weekend.
This mural can be spotted across Harbor Drive as one approaches Lindbergh Field. Painted on the commuter terminal, it spells SAN, the code for San Diego International Airport.
This mural can be spotted across Harbor Drive as one approaches Lindbergh Field. Painted on the commuter terminal by Jari “Werc” Alvarez, it spells SAN, the code for San Diego International Airport.
The path, at the edge of San Diego Bay, is part of the California Coastal Trail. It's ideal for walking or biking from downtown to Spanish Landing Park, and beyond.
The path, near the edge of San Diego Bay, is part of the California Coastal Trail. It’s ideal for walking or biking from downtown to Spanish Landing Park, and beyond.
A photo with my camera lifted toward the sky on a fine Saturday in mid-October.
A photo with my camera lifted toward the sky on a fine Saturday in mid-October.
A quick photo of Cancer Survivors Park, on the east end of Spanish Landing Park. I've blogged about this special place a couple of times.
A quick photo of Cancer Survivors Park, on the east end of Spanish Landing Park. I’ve blogged about this special place a couple of times.
Kayak heads across the water toward boats docked at a Harbor Island marina.
Kayak heads across the water toward boats docked at a Harbor Island marina.  Hotels on Harbor Island are resting on soil dredged up from the bay.
I remember hearing the Callaway Carillon bell tower near the center of Spanish Landing Park when I was a child. I believe it no longer works. I hope I'm wrong.
I remember hearing the Callaway Carillon bell tower near the center of Spanish Landing Park when I was a child. I believe it no longer works. I hope I’m wrong.
Plaque near base of the electronic bell tower. The Callaway Carillon is presented to the Port of San Diego by Thearle Music Company Associates . . . 1973
Plaque near base of the electronic bell tower. The Callaway Carillon is presented to the Port of San Diego by Thearle Music Company Associates . . . 1973
Walkers pause on the path through Spanish Landing to read a California Historical Landmark plaque near the water.
Walkers pause on the path through Spanish Landing to read a California Historical Landmark plaque near the water.
Spanish Landing. Near this point, sea and land parties of the Portola-Serra Expedition met. Two ships, the San Antonio and San Carlos, anchored on May 4-5, 1769.
Spanish Landing. Near this point, sea and land parties of the Portola-Serra Expedition met. Two ships, the San Antonio and San Carlos, anchored on May 4-5, 1769.
A bit further up the path is a playground and a popular spot for parties and celebrations on the nearby grass.
A bit further up the path is a playground and a popular spot for parties and celebrations on the nearby grass.
Bronze artwork near the path through Spanish Landing honors those who lost their lives, during the sea journey by Gaspar de Portolá up the coast.
Bronze artwork near the path through Spanish Landing honors those who lost their lives, during the sea journey by Gaspar de Portolá up the coast, two and a half centuries ago.
Dedicated to the heroic Spaniards who gave their lives and were buried near this site in 1769-70, after accompanying Gaspar de Portolá, the first Governor of California, in the exploration of California from San Diego to San Francisco.
Dedicated to the heroic Spaniards who gave their lives and were buried near this site in 1769-70, after accompanying Gaspar de Portolá, the first Governor of California, in the exploration of California from San Diego to San Francisco.
Many benches along Spanish Landing Park provide views of the peaceful water and Harbor Island.
Many benches along Spanish Landing Park provide views of the peaceful water and nearby Harbor Island.
Bicyclists near the west end of Spanish Landing Park. By crossing the North Harbor Drive Bridge, one can enter Point Loma.
Bicyclists near the west end of Spanish Landing Park. By crossing the North Harbor Drive Bridge, one can enter Point Loma.
The North Harbor Drive Bridge was dedicated in June 1980.
The North Harbor Drive Bridge was dedicated in June 1980.
Paddleboarders float down the boat channel between North Harbor Drive Bridge and the adjacent Nimitz Bridge, which is now used by pedestrians. The grass in the distance is part of the Liberty Station Esplanade.
Paddleboarders float down the boat channel, between North Harbor Drive Bridge and the adjacent Nimitz Bridge, which is now used by pedestrians. The grass in the distance is part of the Liberty Station Esplanade.
Resting on a bench at the west end of Spanish Landing Park, just gazing out at a beautiful scene.
People rest on a bench at the west end of Spanish Landing Park, gazing out at a beautiful scene.
Sailboats, paddleboards and boats of every type out on blue San Diego Bay. The Pacific Ocean lies just beyond the peninsula of Point Loma, in the distance.
Sailboats, paddleboards and boats of every type out on blue San Diego Bay. The Pacific Ocean lies just beyond the peninsula of Point Loma, in the distance.

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History of firefighting at San Diego Firehouse Museum.

"Old La Jolla" hand drawn fire engine dating from 1886, on display at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
“Old La Jolla” hand drawn fire engine dating from 1886, on display at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.

A simple but elegant old firehouse stands in downtown San Diego at the corner of Columbia Street and Cedar Street. Those who step inside are in for a very big surprise.

The San Diego Firehouse Museum today occupies what was once an active fire station–San Diego Fire Station No. 6. Located in Little Italy, this unique museum isn’t large, but it’s crammed with so much cool stuff and so much fascinating history, you could easily spend an hour enjoying the many exhibits. There are shiny red vintage fire engines, a steamer equipped with a huge boiler, antique hand pumpers, firefighting apparatus of every sort, helmets, badges, a big display of model vehicles, historical photographs . . . and just lots and lots of firefighting artifacts, dating as far back as the mid 1800s. Much of what you’ll see represents the history of firefighting in San Diego; other objects in the museum come from fire departments around the United States.

Here are some photos which I took during a recent visit. The volunteer on duty was very friendly and provided some interesting historical information. I learned that private events can be held in the old firehouse, and that kids love having birthday parties among all the fire engines. Museum admission is only 3 dollars for adults and 2 dollars for children and seniors. Quite a bargain!

The San Diego Firehouse Museum is manned by friendly firefighter volunteers. It's located in old Fire Station No. 6 at 1572 Columbia Street in Little Italy.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum is manned by friendly firefighter volunteers. It’s located in old Fire Station No. 6 at 1572 Columbia Street in Little Italy.
A look inside the Firehouse Museum, which is absolutely jam-packed with cool historical exhibits. Kids love this place.
A look inside the Firehouse Museum, which is absolutely jam-packed with cool historical exhibits. Kids love this place.
Two vintage fire engines in the old firehouse. The museum's walls are lined with interesting objects that tell the story of firefighting since the mid-1800s.
Two of the many vintage fire engines in the old firehouse. The museum’s walls are lined with interesting objects that tell the story of firefighting since the mid-1800s.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum was founded in 1962 and is operated by the nonprofit Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum was founded in 1962 and is operated by the nonprofit Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company.
A closer look at a 1914 Seagrave Pumper. During my visit, I learned that fire engines are also called pumpers.
A closer look at a 1914 Seagrave Pumper. During my visit, I learned that fire engines are also called pumpers.
Three additional old fire engines can be seen in a second room inside old Fire Station No. 6.
Even more old fire engines can be seen in a second room inside old Fire Station No. 6.
Water pressure controls on the side of one pumper.
Water pressure controls on the side of one pumper.
This white fire engine was stationed at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. It can be seen in old photographs and postcards.
This white fire engine was stationed at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. It can be seen in old photographs and postcards.
Another look at the historic 1915 Panama-California Exposition fire engine. This section of the Firehouse Museum is a bit dark and close, which makes it hard to take a good wide photo.
Another look at the historic 1915 Panama-California Exposition fire engine. This section of the Firehouse Museum is a bit dark and close, which makes it hard to take a good wide photo.
One glass display case in the museum contains all sorts of old fire fighter helmets and protective headgear.
This glass display case in the museum contains all sorts of old fire fighter helmets and protective headgear.
One corner of the Firehouse Museum showcases many old fire insurance marks which were affixed to buildings. One of these marks dates back to 1714.
One corner of the Firehouse Museum showcases many old fire insurance marks which were affixed to buildings. One of these marks dates back to 1714.
Smokey Bear welcomes visitors to The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
Smokey Bear welcomes visitors to The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
One wall features a collection of old fire extinguishers.
One wall features a collection of old fire extinguishers.
The Ely Adapter was invented by San Diego Fire Department's Assistant Chief Robert Ely.
The Ely Adapter was invented by San Diego Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Robert Ely.
Felt and paper stovepipe hats once worn by firefighters during parades.
Felt and paper stovepipe hats once worn by firefighters during parades.
Model of 1899 Metropolitan Steamer with 1911 Christie tractor.
Model of 1899 Metropolitan Steamer with 1911 Christie tractor.
Another display case at The San Diego Firehouse Museum contains all sorts of interesting old artifacts.
Another display case at The San Diego Firehouse Museum contains all sorts of interesting old artifacts.
A third room in the Firehouse Museum contains this 1903 coal burning steamer. Fire heats the boiler water making steam which activates a piston that pumps water.
A third room in the Firehouse Museum contains this 1903 coal burning steamer. Fire heats the boiler water, making steam, which activates a piston that pumps water.
Stairs once used by scrambling firefighters when old Fire Station No. 6 was operational.
Stairs once used by scrambling firefighters when old Fire Station No. 6 was operational.
An old photo of San Diego Fire Station No. 4 and its personnel.
An old photo of San Diego Fire Station No. 4 and its personnel.
Photos of the San Diego Fire Department testing their new Ahrens Steamer at the courthouse on Broadway and Front Street in 1906.
Photos of the San Diego Fire Department testing their new Ahrens Steamer at the courthouse on Broadway and Front Street in 1906.
A collection of colorful old hand pumpers at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
A collection of colorful antique hand pumpers at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum is fantastic place to learn a bit about San Diego and the history of firefighting.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum is fantastic place to learn a bit about San Diego and the history of firefighting.

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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!

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 interesting photos for you to enjoy!

Sun and moon create magic over San Diego.

As a nearly full moon rises above downtown San Diego, light from the falling sun reflects from windows and two beautiful Maritime Museum of San Diego tall ships.
As a nearly full moon rises above downtown San Diego, light from the falling sun reflects from windows and two beautiful Maritime Museum of San Diego tall ships.

As the sun slowly set, a nearly full moon rose. Both cast their magic this evening over San Diego. I took some photos during a quiet walk along the Embarcadero, which included a visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. I then turned east on Broadway and made my way into downtown as night overtook another day.

The moon rises behind a large American flag at the stern of the Star of India.
The moon rises behind a large American flag at the stern of the Star of India.
Photo of a magical moment as water glows brightly. Red light reflects from the hull of the Star of India just as the sun is about to set.
Photo of a magical moment.  Rippling water glows red. Light reflects from the hull of the Star of India just as the sun is about to set.
The sun is ready to set behind Point Loma. Photo taken through the rigging of HMS Surprise, one of several amazing tall ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
The sun is ready to set behind Point Loma. Photo taken through the rigging of HMS Surprise, one of several amazing tall ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Sunset across San Diego Bay.
Sunset across San Diego Bay.
A helicopter flies over San Diego Bay just moments after the sun has set.
A helicopter flies over San Diego Bay just moments after the sun has set.
A nearly full moon rises slowly above downtown San Diego a few minutes before darkness falls.
A nearly full moon rises slowly above downtown San Diego a few minutes before darkness falls.
Early evening magic touches the San Diego skyline.
Early evening magic touches the San Diego skyline.

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Funny, scary faces in downtown as Halloween nears!

Scary skulls on mannequins in a Gaslamp shop window. Halloween must be approaching!
Scary skulls on mannequins, gazing out from a Gaslamp shop window. Halloween must be approaching!

I was frightened out of my wits (and amused) this morning during my walk through the Gaslamp Quarter. Halloween must be coming to downtown San Diego!

For Halloween, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have become skeletons in this store window. Does anyone need a costume? Trick or treat!
For Halloween, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have become skeletons in this store window. Does anyone need a costume? Trick or treat!
And here we have some happy scarecrows and a pumpkin. Autumn has come to downtown San Diego!
And here we have some happy scarecrows and a pumpkin. Autumn has come to downtown San Diego!

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Culture and history celebrated at Festa in San Diego!

A traditional Sicilian cart on display at 2016 Festa in San Diego's Little Italy.
A traditional Sicilian cart on display at 2016 Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy.

Festa is a celebration of Italian culture and history. Every year it’s held along several blocks of India Street, in the heart of San Diego’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. Thousands turn out to enjoy music, food, and all things Italian.

Here are a few photos I snapped yesterday. They provide a taste of what Festa is all about. Read the captions for explanations, and click the images of signs in the cultural pavilion if you’d like to read them. By the way, the food and music were great. I wish this blog could convey the deliciousness of my slice of Filippi’s pizza!

Thousands turned out along several blocks of India Street for the annual celebration of Festa.
Thousands turned out along several blocks of India Street for the annual celebration of Festa.
A cultural pavilion at Festa attracted people who were interested in Little Italy's rich culture and history.
A cultural pavilion at Festa attracted people who were interested in Little Italy’s rich culture and history.
An exhibit in the cultural pavilion included old photos of life in Little Italy, a neighborhood in San Diego once associated with fishing.
An exhibit in the cultural pavilion included old photos of life in Little Italy, a neighborhood in San Diego once associated with fishing.
The Italian neighborhood remained deeply rooted in social tradition revolving around family, work and church.
The Italian neighborhood remained deeply rooted in social tradition revolving around family, work and church.
The fishing industry defined the residents' lives and included labor in boat building, net mending, and tuna and sardine canning.
The fishing industry defined the residents’ lives and included labor in boat building, net mending, and tuna and sardine canning.
Historical photos of Little Italy fishermen at work off the coast of San Diego.
Historical photos of Little Italy fishermen at work off the coast of San Diego.
Photo of young man on a boat with a very large catch.
Photo of young man on a boat with a very large catch.
Old photos of life in Little Italy include workers at a cannery and fishermen mending nets.
Old photos of life in Little Italy include workers at a cannery and fishermen mending nets.
A display at Festa includes nets and old commercial fishing gear.
A display at Festa includes nets and old commercial fishing gear.
A pillar for San Diego's Italian community, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish as endured for more than 80 years.
A pillar for San Diego’s Italian community, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish has endured for more than 80 years.
Photographs and puppets provide a glimpse of San Diego's past.
Photographs and puppets provide a glimpse of San Diego’s past.
The Columbus Day Queens are presented on stage during 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
The Columbus Day Queens are presented on stage during 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
The Sicilian Band performs during Festa in San Diego.
The Sicilian Band performs during Festa in San Diego.
A crowd admires chalk art, or Gesso Italiano, during Festa. The amazing artwork celebrated Italy's history and culture.
A crowd admires chalk art, or Gesso Italiano, during Festa. The amazing artwork celebrates Italy’s history and culture.
A vendor at Festa sells funny signs and aprons to Italy lovers.
A vendor at Festa sells funny signs and aprons to Italy lovers.
Of course, lots of pizza, pasta and other Italian food could be found up and down India Street.
Of course, lots of pizza, pasta and other Italian food could be found up and down India Street.
Chef Boyardee (Ettore Boiardi) appears on a street lamp banner in Little Italy.
Chef Boyardee (Ettore Boiardi) appears on a street lamp banner in Little Italy.
People at Festa check out some shiny new Vespas.
People at Festa check out some shiny new Vespas.
An exhibition of Italian sports cars included Maseratis and Lamborghinis.
An exhibition of Italian sports cars included Maseratis and Lamborghinis.
A kid and gondoliers at Festa. Anyone can ride elegant gondolas in San Diego at the Coronado Cays.
A kid and gondoliers at Festa. Anyone can ride elegant gondolas in San Diego at the Coronado Cays.

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