San Diego and Yokohama: friendship, a girl and a bell.

A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.
A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.

At the west end of Shelter Island, which lies near the entrance to San Diego Bay, you’ll find a testament to the enduring friendship that has been established between two sister cities. San Diego and Yokohama are located on opposite sides of the wide Pacific Ocean, yet these two beautiful cities are closely connected.

In 1958 a large bronze traditional Japanese bell was dedicated on Shelter Island with great ceremony.  It’s located in a prominent spot; ships from countries throughout the world pass it every day. The bell, created by Masahiko Katori, one of Japan’s living National Treasures, was presented during a Centennial Celebration which marked a hundred years of formal relations between the United States and Japan. The bell hangs in a pavilion surrounded by a narrow moat of water and a space of green grass.

The Bell of Friendship, which is six feet high and almost two and half tons, is seldom rung; but on New Year’s Eve the ram strikes the heavy bronze, resonating deeply–many say spiritually–welcoming a hopeful future.

The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a Living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of San Diego's park-like Shelter Island.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of Shoreline Park on Shelter Island.

At the front of the simple pavilion stands a three foot tall sculpture of a young girl. “The Girl in Red Shoes” by Japanese artist Munehiro Komeno debuted in 2010 and represents the friendship between the ports of San Diego and Yokohama. The sculpture portrays Kimi, a Japanese orphan who was adopted by a loving American couple in the 1920s. The girl was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and couldn’t leave Japan. The touching story has been told many times, and has become a symbol of the goodwill that exists between our two nations. Kimi holds a rose and carnation. The rose symbolizes Yokohama; the carnation is San Diego.

The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.

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Natural beauty at amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.

Visitors stroll through endless natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
Visitors stroll through endless natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

Please enjoy the following photographs. They were taken today at the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park. As you can plainly see, natural beauty is abundant in this amazing garden. I hope you have a chance to visit.

Gleaming droplets of water descend from a hollow bamboo kakei into the tranquil, cleansing tsukubai basin.
Gleaming droplets of water descend from a hollow bamboo kakei into the tranquil, cleansing tsukubai basin.
Even age and imperfections in this fallen leaf are beautiful beyond description.
Even age and imperfections in this fallen leaf are beautiful beyond description.
A rocky island, seemingly, in the karesansui dry stone garden, with carefully raked gravel encouraging meditation.
A rocky island, seemingly, in the Karesansui Dry Stone Garden, with carefully raked gravel inviting meditation.
Looking upward into the sunlit leafy canopy near the koi pond.
Looking upward into the sunlit leafy canopy near the koi pond.
The day's light makes striking patterns of living green.
The day’s light makes striking patterns of living green.
Flaming red bougainvillea blooms catch the eye of a young person walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego.
Bright red bougainvillea bracts catch the eye of a young person walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego.
Bougainvillea flowers are beautiful sights in the bonsai garden.
Bougainvillea red is an especially beautiful sight in the bonsai garden.
A yellow day-lily which is growing near the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate.
A yellow day-lily which is growing near the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate.
Bamboo leaves flutter in a gentle San Diego breeze.
Bamboo leaves flutter in the gentle San Diego breeze.
This small sculpture of a child is a mystery. One of the groundskeepers told me that. It might be a young Buddha, or an infant who tragically died. No one seems to know its history.
This small sculpture is a mystery according to one of the groundskeepers. It was placed in the garden by someone unseen.  The sculpture might be a young Buddha. It might have been placed here by someone who lost a child.  No one seems to know its history.
Bright green palm fronds produce instant human delight.
Bright green palm fronds produce instant human delight.
Close-up photograph of the amazing seed pod of a sago palm.
Close-up photograph of the amazing, strange seed pod of a sago palm.
Delicate white flowers of the star jasmine seem to have descended into this world from a heavenly place.
Delicate white flowers of the star jasmine seem to have descended into this world from a heavenly place.
Close-up photo of torn wood fibers where a dead tree limb finally separated from the trunk.
Close-up photo of torn wood fibers where a dead tree limb finally separated from the trunk.
Water cascading over stone shines in the sunlight. A small happy river flows through the bottom of the spacious garden canyon.
Water cascading over stone shines in the sunlight. A small gentle river flows through the bottom of the spacious garden canyon.
Looking down through magical, glistening, jewel-like water.
Looking down through magical, jewel-like water.
Jumbled leaves have turned many colors.
Jumbled leaves have turned many colors.
Nature's fantastic patterns are evident everywhere you turn in the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.
Nature’s fantastic patterns are evident everywhere you turn in the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.
I believe this is a white azalea, but I'm not certain.
After being corrected by a great reader, this appears to be a gardenia.  I first thought it might be a white azalea!  That shows you how much I know!
Visitors at the Japanese Friendship Garden stand in the shade of the Inamori Pavilion looking down at a very beautiful waterfall.
Visitors at the Japanese Friendship Garden stand in the shade of the Inamori Pavilion looking down at a pleasant waterfall.
A pink saucer magnolia bloom and buds. In the background you can see the new Inamori Pavilion, which opened this year.
A pink saucer magnolia bloom and buds. In the background you can see the new Inamori Pavilion, which opened this year.
Another photographer was recording the infinite natural beauty that anyone can plainly see at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Another photographer was recording the carefully arranged natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Even dry brown curled leaves can take one's breath away.
Even dry brown curled leaves can take one’s breath away.
Leaves and shadows of leaves.
Leaves and shadows of leaves.
If one small place can contain such abundant wonder, imagine what the vast universe holds.
If one small place can contain such abundant wonder, imagine what the vast universe holds.
Natural beauty at the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden
Natural beauty at the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden

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Photos of good times at Chula Vista’s HarborFest!

Kid enters an inflatable floating cylinder walk-inside thingy on a narrow beach on San Diego Bay.
Kid enters an inflatable floating cylinder walk-inside thingy on a narrow beach on San Diego Bay.

Shame on me. After all these years, I’d never once visited Chula Vista’s Bayside Park, down in San Diego’s South Bay. When I saw that HarborFest would be held there today, I instantly decided to go. I’m glad that I did!

I’ll let the captions of these photographs tell the story of what I saw…

So much was going on at 2015 HarborFest at Chula Vista's Bayside Park, a really big sign was required!
So much was going on at 2015 HarborFest at Chula Vista’s Bayside Park, a really big sign was required!
Thousands turned out to just chill, enjoy the sunshine, devour food, listen to live music and have fun at HarborFest.
Thousands turned out to just chill, enjoy the sunshine, devour food, listen to live music and have fun at HarborFest.
The big annual South Bay event had lots of fun activities on the water, including paddleboarding, kayaking and Seal and Swift Boat tours of the bay.
The big annual South Bay event had lots of fun activities on the water, including paddleboarding, kayaking and Seal and Swift Boat tours of the bay.
These gents in festive old-fashioned costumes were providing music in one corner of the park by the water.
These gents in festive old-fashioned costumes were providing music in one corner of the park by the water.
Colorful canopies with vendors, community organizations and businesses were up and down the Chula Vista public park's walkways.
Colorful canopies with vendors, community organizations and businesses attracted attention up and down the Chula Vista public park’s walkways.
The Birch Aquarium, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography up in La Jolla, had lots of marine exhibits for folks to explore.
The Birch Aquarium, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography up in La Jolla, had lots of marine exhibits for folks to explore.
This tiny but proud Burrowing Owl was greeting humans over at the Living Coast Discovery Center tent. I've yet to go to the nature refuge, which is nearby. One day soon...
This tiny but proud Burrowing Owl was greeting humans over at the Living Coast Discovery Center tent. I’ve yet to go to the nature refuge, which is nearby. One day soon…
A boy helps slice lemons at one food vendor's tent.
A boy helps slice lemons at one food vendor’s tent.
And this kid is flying high courtesy of some bungee cords!
And this kid is flying high courtesy of some bungee cords!
I walked to the extreme north end of Bayside Park, where nobody else was. I took this photo of a massive travelift which hoists ships out of the water at Marine Group Boat Works.
I walked to the extreme north end of Bayside Park, where nobody else was. I took this photo of a massive travelift which hoists ships out of the water at Marine Group Boat Works.
I could glimpse the masts of the San Salvador and HMS Surprise, two ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which are being worked on at this Chula Vista shipyard.
I could glimpse the masts of the San Salvador and HMS Surprise, two ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which are being worked on at this Chula Vista shipyard.
Adults were sampling tacos and spirits in one area of the festival.
Adults were sampling tacos and spirits in one area of the festival.
I didn't know Rockin' Baja had a mascot!
I didn’t know Rockin’ Baja had a mascot!
Live music could be heard from several stages scattered along the length of HarborFest.
Live music could be heard from several stages scattered along the length of HarborFest.
A BMX stunt bike guy with Wheels in Motion went upside down to the delight of many onlookers!
A BMX stunt bike guy with Wheels in Motion went upside down to the delight of many onlookers!
A cool car show had a bunch of hot rods and vintage automobiles out on display.
A cool car show had a bunch of hot rods and vintage automobiles out on display.
Walking happily along, checking out some awesome cars.
Walking happily along, checking out some awesome cars.
Kids could practice casting a fishing rod from the pier at the south end of Bayside Park.
Kids could practice casting a fishing rod from the pier at the south end of Bayside Park.
A little guy lets the line fly!
A little guy lets the line fly!
These young fishermen are enjoying the water and a view of the Chula Vista Marina.
These young fishermen are enjoying the water and a view of the Chula Vista Marina.
This big heron sculpture at Bayside Park is titled The Fisherman by Stephen Fairfield. It was originally part of the Embarcadero's third Urban Trees art exhibition.
This great egret sculpture at Bayside Park is titled The Fisherman, by Stephen Fairfield. It was originally part of the Embarcadero’s third Urban Trees art exhibition.
Youth, grown-ups, or anybody at all were invited to paint on this canvas!
Youth, grown-ups, or anybody at all was invited to paint on this canvas!
On the Community Stage, a bunch of kids competed in a cooking contest hosted by SeaWorld's Executive Chef Axel Dirolf.
On the Community Stage, a bunch of kids competed in a cooking contest hosted by SeaWorld’s Executive Chef Axel Dirolf.
The most fun, in my opinion, was to be had by the water. It's HarborFest, after all!
The most fun, in my opinion, was to be had by the water. It’s HarborFest, after all!
I really am glad I went down to Chula Vista's HarborFest and finally explored the very cool Bayside Park.
I really am glad I went down to Chula Vista’s HarborFest and finally explored the very cool Bayside Park.

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Fishermen unroll a huge net onto Tuna Harbor pier.

Crew of live bait-catching commercial fishing boat Cougar work to unspool immense net onto the G Street Pier at Tuna Harbor.
Crew of live bait catching fishing boat Cougar works to transfer an immense net onto the G Street Pier at Tuna Harbor.

Late this morning I went down to HarborFest in Chula Vista. I’ve got to sort through a couple hundred photos–so I’ll blog about that cool event later. But first, here are some interesting pics which I took during a walk along San Diego’s Embarcadero this afternoon. As I strolled along Tuna Harbor, between Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum, I noticed a lot of activity beside one of the live bait boats which docks at the G Street Pier. So I investigated.

Turns out, fishermen were removing a huge seine net from the Cougar, a commercial fishing boat which catches live bait.  The bait is then distributed to local sportfishing vessels. I don’t claim to be an expert on these matters or to thoroughly understand what I saw, but I believe the captions I wrote are correct. I hope so! If a correction is required, leave a comment!

A crane is utilized to help transfer the heavy net from the boat's big cylinder-like winch drum at its stern to the pier.
A crane is utilized to help transfer the heavy net from the boat’s big cylinder-like winch drum at its stern to the pier.
Lots of seagulls were attracted to this picturesque scene on San Diego Bay. Perhaps they expected to spot some fish.
Lots of seagulls were attracted to this picturesque scene on San Diego Bay. Perhaps they expected to spot some fish.
Wrestling with the huge live bait seine net, which is lined at the edges with yellow and white floats.
Wrestling with the huge live bait encircling seine net, which is lined at the edges with yellow and white floats.
Commercial fishing requires a lot of hard physical work on land, as well as water.
Commercial fishing requires a lot of hard physical work on both land and water.
Winch and crane operators work in tandem to keep the net moving from boat to pier smoothly and neatly.
Winch and crane operators work in tandem to keep the net moving from boat to pier smoothly and neatly.
Working with a smile on a sunny summer Saturday on San Diego's busy Embarcadero.
Working with a smile on a sunny summer Saturday on San Diego’s busy Embarcadero.
Just a great photo of nets, gulls and human activity on a working public pier.
Just a great photo of nets, gulls and human activity on a working public pier.

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Early morning activity in downtown San Diego.

Delivery man with fresh bread awaits morning opening of restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Delivery man with fresh bread awaits morning opening of restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.

I woke up earlier than usual today. During the summer it’s pleasantly cool outside at daybreak, so I decided to take a long walk.

The city, at the six o’clock hour, had just begun to blink open its sleepy eyes. But a few signs of life were already evident downtown.

Here are photographs of early morning activity that I snapped while meandering randomly about, before I finally boarded the trolley for work…

Life in the city stirs into action as another weekday begins in downtown San Diego.
Life in the city stirs into action as another weekday begins in downtown San Diego.
City employee checks parking meters before the streets become much busier.
City employee checks parking meters before the streets become much busier.
Brad Perry, of KUSI News, had finished a segment on Good Morning San Diego when he spied a silly guy with a camera walking by.
Brad Perry of KUSI News had finished a segment on Good Morning San Diego when he spied a silly guy with a camera walking by.
A dog also noticed that same curious guy, who just sauntered on by down the sidewalk.
A dog also noticed that same curious guy, who just sauntered on by down the sidewalk.
Early morning commuters await separately at the Convention Center trolley station.
Early morning commuters wait separately at the Convention Center trolley station.
One guy has most of this quiet patio to himself as he enjoys a morning read and coffee. A hungry dog peers into the doorway.
One guy has most of this quiet patio to himself as he enjoys a morning read and coffee. A hungry dog peers into the doorway.
A lone jogger heads down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade while many San Diegans are still in bed.
A lone jogger heads down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade while many San Diegans are still lying in bed.

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Workers install engraved name pavers at Broadway Pier.

Workers have begun to install the first paver bricks dedicated to people, businesses or organizations at the foot of San Diego's Broadway Pier.
Workers have begun to install the first paver “bricks” dedicated to people, businesses or organizations at the foot of San Diego’s Broadway Pier.

I was walking along San Diego’s waterfront after work today, enjoying what remained of daylight, when I spied some sort of construction underway at the foot of the Broadway Pier. I moseyed over to check it out.

I discovered that the first of the custom pavers are being installed by the Port of San Diego, in the wide new plaza at the pier’s entrance. Anyone can sponsor a paver “brick” and have a name engraved upon it for posterity. Phrases such as “In memory of,” “In celebration of,” “In honor of,” “Sponsored by,” “Established in,” and “Dedicated to” are allowed. Plaques on furniture such as tables, chairs and benches can also be customized with a name of your choosing. A tall stack of pavers was ready to be installed, so it looks to me like the Port of San Diego is off to a good start!

Interested? Check out sdportwalk.org for further details!

San Diego’s North Embarcadero, often referred to as the city’s front porch, has undergone enormous improvements in recent years. I’ve lived downtown for 15 years, and the waterfront is more beautiful, friendly and functional than ever. But additional phases in its revitalization await completion. According to the Port of San Diego website, money that is raised will help fund future improvements and developments on the Embarcadero.

Anyone can place their name on a permanent paver to help support improvements to the North Embarcadero. Custom plaques on furniture, like public benches and tables, are also available.
Anyone can place their name on a permanent paver to help support improvements to the North Embarcadero. Custom plaques on furniture, like public benches and tables, are also available.
Some of the first pavers are engraved with the names of VIPs. Included are the current Mayor, several Port of San Diego officials, and City Council President.
Some of the first pavers are engraved with the names of VIPs. Included are the current Mayor, several Port of San Diego officials, and City Council President.
Smiling Port of San Diego guys explained to me a little about this ongoing project. Ultimately, legacy paving blocks will stretch in a band across the entrance to Broadway Pier.
Smiling Port of San Diego guys explained to me a little about this ongoing project. Ultimately, these legacy “paving blocks” will stretch in a band across the entrance to Broadway Pier.
Looking east down Broadway from the foot of the pier, on San Diego's constantly improving, very beautiful Embarcadero.
Looking east down Broadway from the foot of the pier, on San Diego’s continually improving, very beautiful Embarcadero.

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Ace Hardware loading dock mural enlivens Hillcrest.

The Loading Dock is a large public mural painted by Linda Churchill of Muralizing. It's located on the west side of Ace Hardware, on Tenth Avenue near University in Hillcrest.
The Loading Dock is a large public mural painted by Linda Churchill of Muralizing. It’s located on the west side of the Ace Hardware building in Hillcrest.

Check out this public art!  You can find it a few steps south of University Avenue on 10th Avenue, in Hillcrest. The large mural enlivens the Ace Hardware store building and is a cool sight for those passing by.  It was painted by local artist Linda Churchill, whose work can be seen around San Diego. According to one article I found on the internet, “The Loading Dock” received an Orchid Award from the San Diego Architectural Foundation.

The Loading Dock, dedicated 1998 to the Community of Hillcrest by Joe Jeter, Bruce Reeves, Hillcrest Ace Hardware. Building our community one home at a time. Linda Churchill, muralist.
The Loading Dock, dedicated 1998 to the Community of Hillcrest by Joe Jeter, Bruce Reeves, Hillcrest Ace Hardware. Building our community one home at a time. Linda Churchill, muralist.
The cool, nostalgic trompe l'oeil painting depicts an old-fashioned hardware store loading dock, complete with realistic Ace Stores delivery truck.
The cool, nostalgic trompe l’oeil painting depicts an old-fashioned hardware store loading dock, complete with realistic Ace Stores delivery truck.
This image of yesteryear appears to include some modern hardware store products, including shiny new garbage cans and a nice big barbecue grill.
This image of yesteryear appears to include some modern hardware store products, including shiny new garbage cans and a nice big barbecue grill.
Two helpful Ace Hardware employees seem to have emerged from the past to welcome neighbors and shoppers who walk down the sidewalk in art-filled Hillcrest.
Two helpful Ace Hardware employees seem to have emerged from the past to welcome neighbors and shoppers who walk down the sidewalk in art-filled Hillcrest.

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Fishing, friendship and life on a downtown pier.

Another easy, carefree day of fishing at the Embarcadero Marina Park Pier in downtown San Diego.
Another easy, carefree day of fishing at the Embarcadero Marina Park Pier in downtown San Diego.

I have lots of favorite places. One is the small public fishing pier in downtown San Diego, located at Embarcadero Marina Park South. I walk there quite frequently. When I stand on this short pier, leaning against the rail above the bay’s gently lapping water, I feel my mind and spirit expand.

I walked past the pier last Saturday morning. I’d seen a sign announcing a Kiwanis fishing tournament, and thought it might be fun to take a few photos. But when I arrived, nobody seemed to be there. Perhaps I was too early.

When I got home and reviewed all the photos on my computer, I figured I’d blog about the pier anyway!

I casually know a few of the regulars. Back when JJ’s Sunset Deli by the Bay was open, we’d eat, sit and talk on JJ’s patio at the foot of the pier. Jim had the best ribeye steak sandwiches. I even blogged about it. But I deleted that post when he shut down and retired at the end of last year. It’s a very big shame a new tenant hasn’t taken over the cafe. It’s a small gem that adds unique charm to San Diego and thousands of fond, priceless memories.

The Embarcadero Marina Park Pier extends less than a hundred feet from the shore, but the T-shaped end is about 300 feet long. At times many fish can be caught here. It’s possible to catch mackerel, bass, croaker, halibut, guitarfish, bat rays, leopard sharks and many more local species. Kids love the place. There’s grass nearby and picnic benches, and curving paths for running and riding, and rocks to climb down that are covered at the waterline with tiny, quick crabs.

There are homeless people scattered about the park. But they’re generally just hanging out, talking, sleeping, trying to enjoy the sea breeze, some shade or warm sunshine.

Know what’s really cool? No fishing license on the pier is required! That’s the case with all public pier fishing in San Diego.

Across the bay from the pier (which is located behind the San Diego Convention Center) is beautiful Coronado Island.
Across the bay from the pier (which is located behind the San Diego Convention Center) lies beautiful Coronado Island.
The small pier is a favorite spot for fishermen and families, especially on weekends and during the summer.
The small pier is a favorite spot for fishermen and families.  It’s an affordable way for many locals to enjoy their beautiful (but sometimes expensive) city.  The pier is most popular on weekends and during the summer.
This friendly pier regular drags the bottom of the bay hoping to snag lost fishing poles and other sunken treasure!
This friendly pier regular drags the bottom of the bay hoping to snag lost fishing poles and other sunken treasure!
Someone caught a small mackerel, which flops around on the wooden pier.
Someone caught a small mackerel, which flops around on the wooden pier.
Another beautiful San Diego day on the Big Bay. The pier is located at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Another wonderful San Diego day on the Big Bay. The modest pier is located at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Two brown pelicans perch on a rail hoping for a handout from sympathetic fishermen.
Two brown pelicans perch on a rail hoping for a handout from sympathetic fishermen.
Fishing poles in a line on a hazy day. Across the gentle water to the south stretches the San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
Fishing poles in a line on a hazy day. Across the gentle water to the south stretches the long San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
Joggers, bicyclists, skaters, picnickers, tourists, people attending Summer Pops concerts nearby...almost everyone likes to visit this pier for great peaceful views.
Joggers, bicyclists, skaters, city residents, tourists, people attending Summer Pops concerts nearby…almost everyone likes to visit this pier for great peaceful views.
Just spending some time on the pier, relaxing, talking, enjoying life among friends and fellow fishermen.
Just spending some time on the pier, relaxing, talking, enjoying life among friends and fellow fishermen.
Birds are plentiful on San Diego Bay...
Birds are plentiful on San Diego Bay…
And so are boats, of every kind!
And so are boats, of every kind!
Walking along the path that encircles Embarcadero Marina Park South. The small structure which housed the pier cafe, unfortunately, has been vacant this year.
Walking along the path that encircles Embarcadero Marina Park South. The small structure which housed the pier cafe, unfortunately, has been vacant this year.
Kids look excitedly into the blue water. Maybe the big one is down there just waiting to be caught!
Kids look excitedly into the blue water. Maybe the big one is down there just waiting to be caught!

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Sailboats fly before the wind on blue San Diego Bay.

Sailboats fly before the wind on blue San Diego Bay.
Sailboats fly before the wind on blue San Diego Bay.

I’m getting some photos ready for a blog I’ll post in a couple days. But this image seemed perfect for a sunny blue Sunday. So here it is!

Now it’s time for an afternoon walk…

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Free books for teachers, schools, hospitals and prisons.

San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. They were present at TwainFest in Old Town.
San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. They were present at TwainFest in Old Town.

The San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. It’s an effort I strongly support. So when I happened to see these folks with a table full of books at TwainFest this weekend, I instantly decided to provide a hand with my blog.

The San Diego Book Project has given away nearly a million donated books! They’re sent to teachers, schools, classrooms and students who might not have the resources to buy their own material. Beyond San Diego’s more disadvantaged neighborhoods, schools in South Africa, India, Peru and the Philippines have also received free books. Life-changing books are also sent to hospitals and prisons, and any not-for-profit organization that actively encourages literacy.

Do you need some free books? Would you like to donate or volunteer? Check out their website.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a work of classic literature sure to interest new readers.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a work of classic literature sure to interest new readers.
Good books open minds, promote education. An exciting journey with the written word makes life richer and more meaningful.
Good books open minds, promote education. An exciting journey with the written word makes life richer and more meaningful.

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