Faces of victory at Rock ‘n Roll run in San Diego.

Mickey hands greet runners at the 2015 San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon.
Mickey hands greet runners at the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.

This morning I headed down through East Village to view the finish of the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon. I was rooting for our local running legend Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi, who many years ago went to San Diego High School about a mile from where I live. At 40 years old he’s one of the greatest long distance runners on planet Earth! He was running the half marathon this time. For 2015, United States Track & Field chose this popular San Diego race to be the home of its Masters Half Marathon National Championships.

As I headed over to Park Boulevard and then wound my way south, I saw that the marathoners were well underway. At about the 4 mile mark, their course curled through downtown before heading back up north. Both the full and half marathons ended near Petco Park, and I eventually planted myself one block short of the finish line, at the corner of 13th and J Street. Would Meb win?

Please enjoy some cool photos!

Marathon participants at the mile 4 marker, racing through downtown San Diego.
Marathon participants at the mile 4 marker, racing through downtown San Diego.
Someone is holding up a big Meb face!
Someone is holding up a big Meb face!
Many flags, signs and costumes were seen all along the race course.
Many flags, signs and costumes were seen all along the race course.
Less than a mile from the finish line, no runners have arrived yet.
Less than a mile from the finish line, no runners have arrived yet.
The runners will be crossing this cool Rock 'n Roll Marathon graphic on 13th Avenue.
The runners will be crossing this cool Rock ‘n Roll Marathon graphic on 13th Avenue.
Some photographers sit idle, waiting for the race to come their way.
Some photographers sit idle, waiting for the race to come their way.
LUCK is created in the mind. A crowd has begun to gather not far from the finish line.
LUCK is created in the mind. A crowd has begun to gather not far from the finish line.
One block from the finish, and the half marathon runners should be here in a couple minutes!
One block from the finish, and the half marathon runners should be here in a couple minutes!
Here come Meb Keflezighi and Jordan Chipangama side-by-side! Who will win.
Here come Meb Keflezighi and Jordan Chipangama side-by-side! Who will win?
The top half marathon runners are now arriving on this cloudy San Diego morning.
The top half marathon runners are now arriving on this cloudy San Diego morning.
Faces contain strain, determination and elation as the finish line nears.
Faces contain strain, determination and elation as the finish line nears.
Meanwhile, flowers are being sold to onlookers beside the race route.
Meanwhile, flowers are being sold to onlookers beside the race route.
Here come more runners. Is it the top women's finisher.
Here come more runners. Is it the top women’s finisher?
It's the women's half marathon winner, Eri Hayakawa!
It’s the women’s half marathon winner, Eri Hayakawa!
Triumphant faces at the 2015 San Diego Rock 'n Roll runs.
Many triumphant faces at the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘n Roll runs!

The winner of the men’s half marathon, with a final burst of speed, was Jordan Chipangama at 01:02:24. Meb Keflezighi came in second at 01:02:26, just two seconds behind!

The women’s half marathon winner was Eri Hayakawa at 01:10:47.

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The Salvation Army celebrates service in San Diego.

The Salvation Army marching band parades around County of San Diego Waterfront Park.
The Salvation Army marching band parades around County of San Diego Waterfront Park.

Almost everyone recognizes their red shield. Most have walked past their holiday season bell ringers. Many have been helped by their programs and services. The Salvation Army, an important part of our community, is 150 years old.

The local branch of the worldwide organization celebrated that history today in the County of San Diego Waterfront Park. I walked there this morning to see what was going on.

What does the Salvation Army do? In San Diego, their Sierra Del Mar Division provides transitional living for homeless mothers and children. They help the unemployed homeless return to a normal, stable, working life. They have disaster response programs, providing emergency food and help. They provide seniors with nutritional assistance. They help people recover from drug and alcohol addiction. They operate the expansive Ray and Joan Kroc Community Corps Center, which features education, recreation and family support programs. They do a whole lot of good. While The Salvation Army is a Christian organization, everybody is welcome. None are turned away.

As I approached the park, I was surprised and pleased to see a dignified parade coming down the sidewalk…

150 years of community service is being celebrated by The Salvation Army.
150 years of community service is being celebrated by The Salvation Army.
Drums, banners, uniforms and kids stepping proudly down the San Diego sidewalk.
Drums, banners, uniforms and kids stepping proudly down the San Diego sidewalk.
The modest parade ends at the waterfront park, where music, fun and fellowship begin.
The modest parade ends in the waterfront park, where music, fun and fellowship begin.
A speech kicks off the event. The Salvation Army helps the homeless, the poor, the suffering around the world.
A speech kicks off the event. The Salvation Army helps the homeless, the poor, the suffering around the world.
Coffee is served from rear of an emergency disaster services vehicle.
Coffee is served from rear of an emergency disaster services vehicle.
This friendly lady provided some info about the popular Christian charitable organization.
This friendly lady provided some info about the popular Christian charitable organization.
A gathering in the park celebrates 150 years of doing the most good.
A gathering in the park celebrates 150 years of doing the most good.

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San Diego walking superheroes fight brain tumors!

Team Love of Ben at the San Diego Brain Tumor Walk. We walk for you. We walk for love.
Team Love of Ben at the San Diego Brain Tumor Walk. We walk for you. We walk for love.

This morning I stumbled across a deeply touching event. As I was taking photos of something completely different, I noticed hundreds of people walking through the County of San Diego Waterfront Park holding signs. I had to check it out.

The San Diego Brain Tumor Walk had just begun! The event, hosted by the National Brain Tumor Society, was created to raise awareness and desperately needed funds for various important brain tumor programs, including medical research. Many brain cancers are super aggressive and deadly. 69,000 Americans will be diagnosed with brain tumors this year. No cure exists.

As you can see by the signs, this disease is personal, devastating, heart-wrenching. Can you help? Here’s the event page, where you can make a donation. Please do.

Laugh 'n with Jen. Miss UR laugh Jen.
Laugh ‘n with Jen. Miss UR laugh Jen.
Team Alex walks to fight brain tumors. Today funds were raised to help those affected by this devastating disease.
Team Alex walks to fight brain tumors. Today funds were raised to help those affected by this devastating disease.
Team Bri. Walking for my cousin. Fight on.
Team Bri. Walking for my cousin. Fight on.
Susie has a very rare form of brain tumor. But nothing can hold back Wonder Woman.
Susie has a very rare form of brain tumor. But nothing can hold back Wonder Woman.
I walk for my mom!
I walk for my mom!
Susie's Superheroes are on the march! Join them!
Susie’s Superheroes are on the march! Join them!

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San Diego school students do amazing things!

This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.

While wandering about San Diego taking photos for my blog, I’ve often been privileged to see school students doing really amazing things. From the very young to the college-aged, youth in San Diego are accomplishing more than just learning. They’re creating public art, publishing amazing work, beautifying the community, becoming champions, serving neighbors and people around the world, and working to build a brighter future.

Here are some past blog posts that provide inspiration.

To read click:

Students interview veterans for USS Midway exhibit.

High School students create cool graphic novel!

San Diego museum honors Little League Champs!

School students create amazing chalk art at Festa!

Urban Corps mural shows an optimistic future.

Help Westview High School Music Outreach succeed!

Kids explore science, engineering at STEM event.

Murals of San Diego history in an Old Town alley.

San Diego kids paint beautiful tile benches.

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Quotes on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.

Walking past a plaque which is engraved with one of many important quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.
Walking past a plaque which is engraved with one of many important quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.

I frequently walk along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in downtown San Diego. Whenever I do, I like to randomly read some of the historic MLK quotes that are engraved in plaques along the long pathway. I’ve never counted the number of quotes. There are easily dozens. Every quote on every plaque is important and powerful, and reflects the intelligence, energy, optimism and wisdom of America’s great civil rights leader.

Here are photos taken at different times of a few of Dr. King’s quotes…

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor. It must be demanded by the oppressed.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor. It must be demanded by the oppressed.
The deep rumbling of discontent that we hear today is the thunder of disinherited masses, rising from dungeons of oppression to the bright hills of freedom in one majestic chorus.
The deep rumbling of discontent that we hear today is the thunder of disinherited masses, rising from dungeons of oppression to the bright hills of freedom in one majestic chorus.
Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethic of love to the center of our lives.
Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethic of love to the center of our lives.
We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the Earth like brothers.
We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the Earth like brothers.
Two people walk side-by-side down the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in downtown San Diego.
Two people walk side-by-side down the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in downtown San Diego.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
The democratic ideal of freedom and equality will be fulfilled for all--or all human beings will share in the resulting social and spiritual doom...
The democratic ideal of freedom and equality will be fulfilled for all–or all human beings will share in the resulting social and spiritual doom…
The greatest victory of the civil rights period was something internal...We armed ourselves with dignity and self-respect...We straightened our backs up...
The greatest victory of the civil rights period was something internal…We armed ourselves with dignity and self-respect…We straightened our backs up…
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Any law that uplifts human personality is just, any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
Any law that uplifts human personality is just, any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
Breaking the Chains sculpture, by Melvin Edwards, reminds people on MLK Promenade of the positive legacy of a great civil rights leader.
Breaking the Chains sculpture, by Melvin Edwards, reminds people on MLK Promenade of the positive legacy of a great civil rights leader.

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Photos of cool sculptures at Liberty Station.

Mother by Robert Michael Jones appears complex and incomplete. According to the artist, his unusual sculptures represent ongoing life stories.
Mother by Robert Michael Jones appears complex and incomplete. According to the artist, his unusual sculptures represent ongoing life stories.

I still have a bunch of photos to share from my long walk around Liberty Station several weeks ago!

Check out these cool sculptures! I stumbled upon them while wandering about the North Promenade area of the old Naval Training Center San Diego. NTC Liberty Station, with its rich history, unique architecture, many museums and fun public art, is a great place to absorb a whole lot of culture and beauty.

Runner by Robert Michael Jones with strange muscle, bone and energy. Three pieces by this artist stand in front of NTC Liberty Station's Barracks 14.
Runner by Robert Michael Jones with strange muscle, bone and energy. Three pieces by this artist stand in front of NTC Liberty Station’s Barracks 14.
Close up photo of Ascend by Robert Michael Jones. His works seem like frayed, ancient images of human struggle from mythology.
Close up photo of Ascend by Robert Michael Jones. His works seem like frayed, ancient images of human struggle from mythology.
Archimage by Jeffery Laudenslager, whose sculptures often use odd geometry to boggle the mind. This piece, near the Dance Place, won an Orchid award in 1999.
Fuji San by Jeffery Laudenslager, whose sculptures often use odd geometry to boggle the mind.
Sol Searching by Alber De Matteis was part of an Urban Tree exhibition on San Diego's Embarcadero. It's now situated on Truxton Road south of the Dance Place building.
Sol Searching by Alber De Matteis was part of an Urban Trees exhibition on San Diego’s Embarcadero. It’s now situated on Truxton Road south of the Dance Place building.
Archangel by famed Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles. It's located between two converted barracks at the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Archangel by famed Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles. It’s located by Barracks 16 at the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Sisterhood by Ashley Gardner stands next to the Women's Museum of California.
Sisterhood sculpture by Mary Buckman stands next to the Women’s Museum of California.
Two life-size sisters greet visitors who wander about Point Loma's art-filled Liberty Station.
Two life-size sisters greet visitors who wander about Point Loma’s art-filled Liberty Station.

UPDATE!  Here are two more photos that I took on a sunnier day:

Archangel, kinetic artwork by Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles.
Archangel, kinetic artwork by Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles.
Light shines on Sisterhood terracotta sculpture, by artist Mary Buckman.
Light shines on Sisterhood terracotta sculpture, by artist Mary Buckman.

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Spreading cheer and good deeds in San Diego.

Birds take flight above palm trees in downtown San Diego.
Birds take flight above palm trees in downtown San Diego.

The astonishing success of this modest blog is hard to believe. Thank you.

This blog’s purpose is simple. It is to enjoy San Diego, to spread a little sunshine, and to help people who are doing good deeds or undertaking worthy causes.

Here are a few charities and positive organizations that would be grateful for your assistance.

Please click to learn more:

Please help Stuff the Bus to fight hunger!

Foster homes needed for loving San Diego cats!

Free books for teachers, schools, hospitals and prisons.

Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

Big red shoes help families heal in San Diego!

San Diego walking superheroes fight brain tumors!

The Salvation Army celebrates service in San Diego.

Spreckels Organ raises funds for Operation Rebound.

Cool Corvette car show benefits San Diego USO.

Art made of coins helps Rady Children’s Hospital!

Glean Queens of San Diego need your help!

Help Westview High School Music Outreach succeed!

Fill the Boot in San Diego to help burn victims!

San Diego breast cancer walkers: the final mile!

Wasted grocery food turns to art in Balboa Park.

20 Ways To Help the Homeless in San Diego.

Kids’ NewsDay benefits Rady Children’s Hospital!

Photos of cool pancake fundraiser on the OB Pier!

Photos of Coastal Cleanup Day in Ocean Beach!

Habitat for Humanity builds a house downtown!

San Diegans donate used textiles for charity.

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Here are a few more thoughts about why I blog:

Writing a blog opens up an amazing world.

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Spreckels Organ raises funds for Operation Rebound.

Jeff, a challenged athlete who benefits from Operation Rebound, at a special marathon Spreckels Organ concert.
Jeff, a challenged athlete who benefits from Operation Rebound, at a special marathon Spreckels Organ concert.

Right now I’m sitting at my computer on Cortez Hill, not far from Balboa Park. Sometimes I imagine–for a brief moment–that I can hear music drifting in through the window. Whether my ears are deceiving me or not, I do know that the huge Spreckels Organ is booming across the beloved urban park at this very exact moment.

How do I know this? Because San Diego’s own Civic Organist, Dr. Carol Williams, is playing the king of musical instruments today for twelve and a half hours straight! In addition to setting a new official Guinness World Record for organ playing, she’s raising money for Operation Rebound!

Operation Rebound is a division of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. They help American military personnel, veterans and first responders who face permanent disability, but who have a passion to compete in sports.  An active lifestyle can help greatly when it comes to both mental and physical health.  Here is their website.

The unique event today at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion helps to raise money, so that wounded warriors can obtain expensive prosthetics, specialized equipment, and funds for travel as they compete in sporting tournaments.

It is a most worthy cause.

You can donate right now!  Even a few bucks helps!  To do so, click here!

Operation Rebound table had images of wounded warriors who have turned or returned to sport. This organization helps challenged athletes with their expenses.
Operation Rebound table had images of wounded warriors who have turned or returned to sport. This organization helps challenged athletes with their expenses.
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego's Civic Organist, is playing for over 12 hours to help raise money, plus set a new world record!
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s Civic Organist, is playing for over 12 hours to help raise money, plus to set a new world record!
The beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park was the scene of an important Memorial Day weekend event.
The beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is the scene of an important Memorial Day weekend event.
Jeff talks movingly about how Operation Rebound has helped him. Wounded warriors who engage in sports often need funds for prosthetics, travel to tournaments and special equipment.
Jeff talks movingly about how Operation Rebound has helped him. Wounded warriors who engage in sports often need funds for prosthetics, travel to tournaments, and special equipment.
At a table nearby, people were creating greeting cards that thank our troops for sacrificing for our freedom.
At a table nearby, people were creating greeting cards that thank our troops for sacrificing for our freedom.
One handmade heartfelt card reads--You Rock! Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and amazing strength.
One handmade heartfelt card reads: You Rock! Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and amazing strength.

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Students interview veterans for USS Midway exhibit.

Visitor to USS Midway Museum on Memorial Day weekend absorbs Portraits of Resilience exhibit, created by students of High Tech High Charter School.
Visitor to USS Midway Museum on Memorial Day weekend absorbs Portraits of Resilience exhibit, created by students of High Tech High Charter School.

This morning I walked a little around the USS Midway. The historic aircraft carrier is now a popular museum docked on San Diego Bay. I was there because it’s Memorial Day weekend, and I have personal experiences that make me grateful for America and our brave servicepeople. But I won’t blog about that here.

I was surprised to see a thought-provoking exhibit being set up in the hangar deck of the Midway. I learned it was a project of students at High Tech High, which is a charter school in Point Loma. 50 students interviewed 50 veterans, to learn about war, and peace, and human resiliency.

I took some photos in less-than-optimal lighting, and my flash wasn’t entirely helpful, so I had to apply a good deal of contrast.

Portraits of Resilience. 50 students. 50 veterans. 50 powerful portraits.
Portraits of Resilience. 50 students. 50 veterans. 50 powerful portraits.
The whole point of the Armed Forces is to protect freedoms so that people can agree or disagree with what's going on.
The whole point of the Armed Forces is to protect freedoms so that people can agree or disagree with what’s going on.
Greatness isn't achieved randomly. You need to set goals.
Greatness isn’t achieved randomly. You need to set goals.
It's people. It was always people. I didn't want to let anyone down.
It’s people. It was always people. I didn’t want to let anyone down.
A veteran reads words of memory and wisdom spoken by others who've served in the military.
A veteran reads words of pain, joy, memory and wisdom spoken by others who’ve served in the military.
Everything is written in pencil. As soon as you have a plan, thirty minutes later it changes.
Everything is written in pencil. As soon as you have a plan, thirty minutes later it changes.
Don't waste your time worrying, worrying, worrying! You're only going to get wrinkles!
Don’t waste your time worrying, worrying, worrying! You’re only going to get wrinkles!
My best decision was marrying my wife. My number two was being a pilot and getting my wings.
My best decision was marrying my wife. My number two was being a pilot and getting my wings.
No matter how your grades are what people thank about you, do what you want to do and you can accomplish it.
No matter how your grades are or what people think about you, do what you want to do and you can accomplish it.
We didn't have names of battles. We had excursions, and we had firefights, but we didn't have names of them.
We didn’t have names of battles. We had excursions, and we had firefights, but we didn’t have names of them.
When you return, things are physically and emotionally different. It's like moving from one world to another.
When you return, things are physically and emotionally different. It’s like moving from one world to another.
They had tears of joy, they couldn't believe that someone had documented what they had done; they were proud, they were happy.
They had tears of joy, they couldn’t believe that someone had documented what they had done; they were proud, they were happy.
You're watching his back, he's watching your back.
You’re watching his back, he’s watching your back.
Now when somebody says,
Now when somebody says, “Thank you for your service”, I look them directly in the eye and say, “It was my privilege”.

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World War II vets honored on USS Midway.

Grossmont High School NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard waits for this morning's program to begin.
Grossmont High School NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard waits for an important event to begin.

This morning I attended a moving ceremony. Americans who fought in World War II, members of The Greatest Generation, were honored in a special Veterans Wreath Ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. It’s one of several events taking place on the USS Midway this Memorial Day weekend. San Diego’s popular aircraft carrier museum promises to be a very busy hub of activity.

I took a few photographs of the ceremony. It was short, but very meaningful.

People cross flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier museum to attend a special Memorial Day weekend event. Chairs are for a Wynonna Judd Judd performance later this evening.
People cross flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier museum to attend a special Memorial Day weekend event. (Chairs are for a Wynonna Judd concert later this evening.)
Looking south over San Diego Bay from upper deck of USS Midway Museum.
Looking south over San Diego Bay from upper deck of USS Midway Museum. Unconditional Surrender statue can be seen below.
Pomerado Community Band plays music before start of short ceremony that honors World War II veterans.
Pomerado Community Band plays music before start of short ceremony that honors World War II veterans.
God Bless America sung with a deep, resonant voice. Many in the crowd listen with emotion.
God Bless America sung with a deep, resonant voice. Many in the crowd listen with emotion.
Guests are ready for the special Memorial Day weekend Veterans Wreath Ceremony to begin.
Guests are ready for the special Memorial Day weekend Veterans Wreath Ceremony to begin.
There are two wreaths. One commemorates those who fought in World War II's Pacific Ocean theater. The second wreath is dedicated to those who served in Europe.
There are two wreaths. One commemorates those who fought in the World War II Pacific theater. The second wreath is dedicated to those who served in Europe.
This honored vet performed his duty in the Pacific during the Second World War. With him are two other generations.
This honored vet performed his duty in the Pacific during the Second World War. With him are two other generations.
This energetic vet helped bring peace to Europe, defeating Nazis and fascists who threatened human liberty.
Also honored was energetic Stu Hedley, who is a Pearl Harbor survivor.
Vintage World War II P-35 fighter aircraft from Air Group One (San Diego Wing of the Commemorative Air Force) flies over during the ceremony.
Vintage World War II P-35 fighter aircraft from Air Group One (San Diego Wing of the Commemorative Air Force) flies over during the ceremony.
The wreaths are presented to the two representative veterans, who will toss them into the water.
The wreaths are presented to the two representative veterans, who will toss them into the water.
In a time-honored ritual and tribute, the first wreath takes flight as many watch.
In a time-honored ritual and tribute, the first wreath takes flight as many watch and The Remembrance Bell is rung.
Flowers and memories float on San Diego Bay on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend.
Flowers and memories float on San Diego Bay on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend.
A photo from the flight deck of the USS Midway. The historic aircraft carrier is used for many military ceremonies in San Diego.
A photo from the flight deck of the USS Midway. The historic aircraft carrier is used for many military ceremonies in San Diego.

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