A colorful religious procession makes its way through San Diego’s culturally rich Little Italy neighborhood.
Early this afternoon, the historic Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Little Italy celebrated Catholic Mass then held a grand procession. Parishioners marched from State Street in front of their church down to San Diego’s Embarcadero, where a fishing boat representing the local tuna fleet was blessed. I witnessed the procession a few years ago, but took no photos. So today I decided to walk along the sidewalk with my camera.
Forgive me for not knowing the details of the religious procession. I do know a large host of the faithful, in all manner of dress, many of Italian descent, and many carrying images of Jesus and Virgin Mary, marched joyfully north up India Street, then turned west down Hawthorn Street until they reached Harbor Drive. At the Hornblower dock, the fishing boat Patty Jo, which is a common sight out on San Diego Bay, was blessed by the priests of Our Lady of the Rosary. It’s a unique San Diego tradition that dates from the early 50s. At the completion of the religious ceremony, which was not open to the public, fireworks resounded in the overcast October sky!
In the early afternoon few were near the front entrance of the Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy. That would soon change.Plaque on Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Historical monument dedicated December 20, 1925.Banner declares Sunday, October 4 is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church’s much anticipated Festa 2015.Mass was celebrated at noon in a large outside tent in nearby Amici Park.
The procession slowly assembles after Mass in front of the church.An elegant canopy emerges from the Catholic Church.The colorful religious procession, led by a youthful band, is ready to begin.
The procession is now heading north up India Street.
Approaching a banner announcing that next Sunday is Little Italy’s popular neighborhood Festa.Passing under the landmark Little Italy sign on India Street.
I caught an airplane coming over Bankers Hill preparing to land at Lindbergh Field.Now proceeding down Hawthorn. The threatened rain held off for the event!You can see that hundreds participated in this truly grand spectacle.
Finally arriving at San Diego Bay.A Harbor Patrol boat gives a water cannon salute for the occasion.Priests and those instrumental in blessing the tuna boats head onto the Hornblower dock at Grape Street.My camera could just catch a glimpse of the elaborate Catholic ritual beside the Patty Jo fishing boat.Fireworks launched from a nearby pier burst loudly in the air like exultant sparks.Little puffs of smoke hover in the heavens after the fireworks.The Patty Jo now confidently heads off across the gray water, hoping for safe ocean journeys and bountiful catches.
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Amazing 28 foot tall Robot Resurrection stands in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama during 2015 Maker Faire San Diego!
Get ready to see some super cool stuff! Here are a bunch of photos I took at Maker Faire San Diego this morning. The festival, which celebrates human creativity, with an emphasis on engineering and technology, is being held in Balboa Park all weekend long!
2015 Maker Faire in San Diego offers young and old a glimpse of what creators, dreamers and inventors are up to. Here we see some projects of San Diego City Robotics.Checking out a 3D printer at the San Diego Public Library table at Maker Faire. The downtown library is about to expand their Innovation Lab and will have nine 3D printers!Four of these funny cupcakes cars were cruising around Plaza de Panama and up and down El Prado.This guy was showing how he employs magnets in very unique bicycle wheel hubs that he produces.Photo display shows how guitar building–including cutting, drilling, shaping, sanding and dipping–inspires STEM learning.Wow! Maker Faire is about to officially open and Robot Resurrection has begun to shoot flames from its fingers! Let’s check it out!According to Shane Evans, maker of the giant robot, we humans have all become automatons in a highly controlled world.Robot Resurrection has been joined by the famous 17 foot tall mechanical walking Electric Giraffe!Local company Qualcomm had a large exhibit showcasing their electronic chips, some drones, and this little remote control race course which utilizes smart phones.Another fun part of the Qualcomm exhibit at Maker Faire. Robots stack blocks, then cross a finish line.Down by the Balboa Park reflecting pool I discovered something really awesome. It’s a Victorian-era whimsical flying machine!This fantastic, imaginative creation is called the Strato Sculpin. It’s a project of the Starburner Galactic Courier Service, a local steampunk group!Here are some members of the cool group engaged in steampunk cosplay!Smiling members of the Starburner Galactic Courier Service. They are the galaxy’s only bonded courier service operating throughout time and space!This cool guy with the big wheeled penny-farthing bicycle is often seen around Balboa Park. He has appeared in other blog posts. I spoke briefly with him and he’s really nice!But his big wheel can’t compare to this! Coming down El Prado, this awesome personal transportation doohickey looks like it arrived from another world!And here comes another cool rolling steampunkish robot thingamajig. How cool is this? Human imagination on display at Maker Faire!Shortly after 10:30, San Diego Mayor Faulconer welcomed the attendees to the first annual Maker Faire.I couldn’t believe how much press was gathered for the event. If you live in San Diego, I’m sure you’ll see it on the television news!Jorge Astiazaran, the Mayor of Tijuana, Mexico speaks about our two cities collaborating in various areas, including technology.After the brief ceremony and speeches, I headed to the fountain by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Lots more cool stuff was attracting a crowd.Back down El Prado, and now the Electric Giraffe is on the move! This creation has been featured on national media, and even was tickled by President Obama.Not only do the neck and head move, but it talks! The head is equipped with webcam eyes and special touch-sensitive sensors.Russell the Electric Giraffe, also named Rave Raff, heads down El Prado in the heart of Balboa Park!A costume zone near the Japanese Friendship Garden had stuff that looked like a combination of Star Wars and steampunk! Chewbacca is wearing some goggles!The huge Battlepond near the San Diego Air and Space Museum had sea battles taking place! The Western Warship Combat Club makes radio-controlled model ships which engage in real combat!National University’s School of Engineering and Computing had a futuristic vehicle on display.Some artists by the San Diego Automotive Museum were painting a nearby Prius!Compressed air launched rockets high into the sky, to the delight of kids!Holy mackerel! Look at this thing! It’s a gigantic robot spider, or something! Wow!I didn’t get the name of this amazing, jaw-dropping contraption, but a close examination shows that it actually walks on those spider-like legs!Leonardo Da Vinci was the ultimate innovator. The world famous San Diego Air and Space Museum has a special exhibition about the legendary Renaissance inventor.These kids are playing human foosball by the Hall of Champions!The Drones and Outdoor Play zone had lots of material for young, imaginative creators to assemble.A free spirit parked their car nearby. You are more than any mind can or could understand.A delightfully painted car topped with flower pots!San Diego’s first ever Maker Faire is a huge success. There are so many cool things to see, your eyes will pop clean out of your head!
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Robot Resurrection is being assembled for Maker Faire, which takes place in Balboa Park this weekend!
A super gigantic fire-breathing robot is coming! You don’t believe me? I saw it today!
The amazing 28 foot tall mechanical man will be drawing a crowd in Balboa Park during the big Maker Faire event this weekend, but right now it’s lying in the Plaza de Panama being assembled!
Robot Resurrection, the name of the giant robot, is actually an articulating sculpture made from 95% airplane parts, piloted by a human operator in the metal torso. The cool creation is the brainchild of Shane Evans, who is based in Denver, Colorado. Robot Resurrection has thrilled kids and adults alike at Maker festivals all around the country!
Maker Faire kicks off Saturday at 10 am. At this epic celebration of technological and artistic innovation, all sorts of inventions and gizmos will be outside on display, including cupcake cars, a giant 12 foot electric giraffe, drones, and something called a Battlepond! Ten of Balboa Park’s museums will also participate, with related exhibits and cool events of their own! If you like this sort of stuff, you’d better go check it out! I’ll definitely be there!
Maker Faire San Diego will include many cool sights up and down El Prado, including the Imagining Zone!Robot Resurrection will stand 28 feet tall when ready to go. It will move its arms about and shoot fire from its mouth and fingers.Getting a giant robot ready to thrill thousands at Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park.I was told this is one of Robot Resurrection’s feet.And here’s the futuristic-looking head. It kind of appears like a robot from an old sci-fi movie or the cover of a vintage science fiction magazineFlames will be shooting from the mouth of Robot Resurrection! I’ll try to get photos!Working inside the robot’s torso on late Friday.This complicated creation arose from an airplane junkyard and one man’s fantastic, unfettered dreams.
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People who love to eat are always the best people. Julia Child
I spotted these funny pictures and quotes on some windows in the Horton Plaza shopping mall food court, in downtown San Diego. I’m not sure if this particular eatery closed down or is soon to debut. I saw no sign. But I had a good laugh!
If you are what you eat, then you might as well eat something good. RatatouilleLife is grate!Bake the world a better place!Rock and Roll (some dough).
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Historic Decatur Road entrance of Dick Laub NTC Command Center at Liberty Station in Point Loma.
Some time ago I visited the Command Center at NTC Liberty Station in Point Loma. Two interesting exhibits can be found along the main hallway that runs the length of the historic building. The Command Center was once the operational hub of former Naval Training Center San Diego.
The museum-like Stockdale Family Exhibit concerns the life and history of celebrated Navy Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale and his wife Sybil. The Point Loma Legacy Wing contains many displays that provide insights into the fascinating history of San Diego’s Point Loma.
Should you visit, here’s what you’ll see…
Built in 1941, The Command Center (Building 200) was the focal point of the base. These were offices for the highest-ranking officers, including the Admiral in Command of the Center.Looking from inside the Command Center southeast toward Preble Field and a large American flag.Inside the entrance to the Command Center. Various signs and free literature provide information about the converted military base and its many cultural attractions.Naval Training Center, San Diego. The recruit story is one of personal transformation; a recruit’s experience from arrival through graduation is the foundation for memories…In Memory Of Richard “Dick” Laub. Dick gave credit for much of his success to the G.I. Bill. His passion was the sea and fishing.One wing of the NTC Command Center today contains the Stockdale Family Exhibit. James and his wife Sybil are Navy heroes from the Vietnam War era.Vice Admiral James Stockdale, long-time resident of Coronado, obtained and conveyed important tactical information while imprisoned in North VietnamStockdale was candidate for United States Vice President in 1992 on Ross Perot’s independent ticket. During a debate, he famously said: “Who am I? Why am I here?”The exhibit contains photographs and objects from James and Sybil Stockdale’s family life.The Point Loma Legacy Wing at the NTC Command Center contains two walls of fascinating displays concerning this area’s history.The Point Loma lighthouse, erected in 1854, housed a principal keeper and an assistant keeper. In 1933, the lighthouse became part of Cabrillo National Monument and was restored.San Diego yacht clubs offer camaraderie, friendships and sport. The first club, founded in 1852, was the Pacific Pioneer Yacht Club. In 1886, the San Diego Yacht Club was established.Display case contains artifacts from the San Diego Maritime Museum, including model of a tuna boat.The first fish cannery was built in 1909 at La Playa designed for processing sardines. Albacore canning started in 1911.Pole fishing for tuna was a major industry in San Diego from 1930 through the 1940s. Tuna pole fishing boats traveled up and down the Pacific coast for both albacore and yellowfin.Ballast Point is a small peninsula extending from Point Loma into the channel entrance to the harbor of San Diego. Cobblestones on the point were used for ballast by early trade ships.The Point Loma kelp forest is part of one the largest kelp forests in the northern hemisphere. Giant kelp is a species of marine alga, which may grow up to 200 feet in length.Fort Rosecrans. In 1793, British Captain George Vancouver entered San Diego harbor. He noted the port would be better defended from the Point Loma peninsula.Dutch Flats and the Marine Command Recruit Division. Plans were devised by San Diego Congressman William Kettner. A tidal marsh would be dredged and filled.Anchor and Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden next to NTC Command Center. Photo taken from Legacy Plaza near the center of Liberty Station.
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Public art on display in downtown San Diego’s dynamic Horton Plaza shopping mall.
I made a cool discovery today! I was walking through Horton Plaza, downtown’s extremely unique shopping mall and popular tourist destination, when I noticed that some art was being displayed on a lower level. A sign indicated that Horton Plaza is showcasing the work of local San Diego artists. Great idea! Here are some pics!
The San Diego artist Beau Carney was born and raised in Southern California. He works with a variety of mediums.Some very colorful painted work by Beau Carney.Public art and other unexpected discoveries add character to a very unique shopping mall.Westfield Horton Plaza supports local artists. For information on how to showcase your art, contact hortonplaza@westfield.comA few early evening visitors to Horton Plaza mall in downtown San Diego walk past cool artwork created by a local artist!One last photo of eye-catching panels by local San Diego artist Beau Carney!
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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.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.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.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!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 from the lobby to elevators.The beautiful arched ceiling near the hotel’s bank of elevators.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.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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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 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.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!
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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!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.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.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!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.Those are two very cool ukuleles!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.This lively juggler simply had to be photographed.Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.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.A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.Books include Myths and Legends of 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.Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!
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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.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!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 contrasted with shore rocks.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.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. Kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, sailboats, windsurfers and fishing boats can be spotted on any given day.
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Cool San Diego Sights! 