Aircraft Carrier Memorial on San Diego Bay.

Man points out a recent fleet carrier name on the Aircraft Carrier Memorial.
Man points out a recent fleet carrier name on the Aircraft Carrier Memorial.

Take a stroll down the Greatest Generation Walk on San Diego’s Embarcadero and you’re likely to see people standing beside the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, just gazing at the long list of historic Navy ships. Many will run their hand along the black marble obelisk as they search for the ship on which they or a loved one served.

The listed names include every fleet carrier, training carrier, light carrier, escort carrier, and amphibious assault ship from American history. Well, almost. I’ve noticed the fleet carrier section has run out of space, and the last ship named is the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). No room remains to engrave the more recent USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).

Sculpture of a sailor who served aboard a flattop.
Sculpture of a sailor who served aboard a flattop.
Obelisk of Aircraft Carrier Memorial remembers past ships from history.
Obelisk of Aircraft Carrier Memorial remembers past ships from naval history.

The memorial, whose bronze figures were sculpted by artists T.J. Dixon and James Nelson, contains the following words:

The advent of the aircraft carrier revolutionized modern naval warfare. This memorial was conceived by aircraft carrier veterans to honor this nation’s carriers and the personnel who proudly served aboard them. Powered by the human soul, these ships changed the course of history.

This site is known as the old navy “fleet landing”…where countless thousands of servicemen boarded boats that transported them to their ships.

The names of all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and their hull numbers are inscribed hereon…from the smallest to the largest. Every “flattop” is of equal distinction…none above the other. The personnel who manned, fought and in some cases perished aboard these ships were and are a part of the finest Navy and Marine Corps in the world.

Sculpture of a naval aviator who flew from a carrier.
Sculpture of a naval aviator who flew from a carrier.
The Aircraft Carrier Memorial can be found on San Diego's Greatest Generation Walk.
The Aircraft Carrier Memorial can be found on San Diego’s Greatest Generation Walk.

The Greatest Generation Walk is located on San Diego Bay, just south of the USS Midway Museum.

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Kids’ NewsDay benefits Rady Children’s Hospital!

Selling special edition Union-Tribune newspapers during Kids' NewsDay!
Selling very special edition Union-Tribune newspapers during Kids’ NewsDay!

Smiling volunteers could be seen throughout San Diego this morning selling special edition newspapers! Today was the 25th anniversary of Kids’ NewsDay, a much-anticipated yearly event whose purpose is to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital.

Over the years, thousands of children and families have been helped by the money raised by generous people who purchase this inspiring edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Since the first Kids’ NewsDay in 1990, about 30,000 volunteers have sold over a million papers, raising nearly 3 million dollars! That’s amazing! The featured section of the newspaper is filled with stories of kids overcoming extremely difficult situations, many with rare or life-threatening diseases. The stories are filled with optimism, and the most inspiring stories are written by children themselves!

If you would like to make a donation to Rady Children’s Hospital, please click this link!

Kid's NewsDay helps raise funds for Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.
Kid’s NewsDay helps raise funds for Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

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Signs of Halloween in downtown San Diego.

Scarecrow and hay bales at pumpkin patch in San Diego's new waterfront park.
Scarecrow and hay bales at pumpkin patch in San Diego’s new waterfront park.

During my mid-afternoon walk around downtown San Diego today, I was watching for fun Halloween photo opportunities. It’s less than two weeks away!  I had a little bit of luck…

(The above pic was taken after all the pumpkins were snatched up, but lots of families were still about enjoying the pleasant day!)

Spiders on side of Little Italy building wrap a skeleton.
Spiders on side of Little Italy building wrap a skeleton.
Spooky shredded sails of haunted Star of India on Embarcadero.
Spooky shredded sails of haunted Star of India flutter in wind on the Embarcadero.
Gaslamp parties celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead.
Gaslamp parties celebrate Halloween and Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
Alamo Flags at Seaport Village has a smelly witch foot!
Trick or treat?  Alamo Flags at Seaport Village has a smelly witch foot!
Just relaxing on a nice Autumn Sunday by the Seaport Village carousel.
Just relaxing on a nice cool Autumn Sunday by the Seaport Village carousel.
Kid checks out pumpkins and colorful display at Seaport Village.
Kid checks out pumpkins and colorful leafy display at Seaport Village.
Gaslamp banners advertise a monster bash block party.
Gaslamp banners advertise a monster bash block party.
Donut Bar window contains a scary skull-headed server!
Donut Bar window downtown contains a scary skull-headed server!

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Mermaid, binoculars, and a rainbow-making kite.

Mermaid with a megaphone on the bay side of the narrow Canyon Path.
Mermaid with a megaphone on the bay side of the narrow Canyon Path.

A mermaid emerges near the edge of beautiful San Diego Bay. She summons people from the bustling city with her megaphone…

Man with binoculars peers into dark alley between convention center and Marriott.
Man with binoculars peers into dark alley between convention center and Marriott.

A man with binoculars peers between the San Diego Convention Center and the Marriott Marquis hotel. He heard the mermaid’s siren call, and is trying to catch a glimpse.  She seems to be waiting at the end of a long, mysterious passageway…

Unique entrance to hidden walkway that provides bay access.
Unique entrance to partially hidden walkway that provides easy bay access.

Will these people walking along succeed in finding the elusive mermaid?  Turn left!  Turn left!

Walking through narrow Canyon Path between buildings.
Walking through narrow Canyon Path between buildings.

The mermaid seems to be somewhere ahead. The narrow Canyon Path between buildings is shadowy and filled with dark trees and bushes. It’s a bit scary. Where are we going? Are we lost?

Prismatic kite in blue sky above the Canyon Path.
Prismatic kite in blue sky above the Canyon Path.

Look up! It’s a shining kite in the blue sky!

Colorful light like a rainbow cast by prism kite onto building side.
Colorful light like a rainbow is cast by prism kite onto building side.

As we approach the mermaid on the opposite side, a beautiful rainbow-like splash of color appears on the Canyon Path’s vertical side! This secret place seems to be filled with magic!

The mermaid, man with binoculars and prismatic kite are all part of public art called The Benefit of Mr. Kite. This fun artwork was created to draw attention to an easily overlooked 925-foot long  pedestrian accessway between the convention center and Marriott Marquis hotel, leading from Harbor Drive to the Marriott Marina on San Diego Bay. The artists responsible for our magical journey are Mags Harries and Lajos Héder!

UPDATE!

Look what I saw during a later walk through the passageway!

IMG_7205z

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Little Italy’s tasty art, a Recipe For Friendship.

Four sculptures depict tables of tasty food in Amici Park.
Four sculptures depict tables of tasty food in Amici Park.

People love to congregate in Little Italy’s Amici Park, just north of downtown San Diego. There’s a big grassy area for dogs, a couple bocce ball courts, and some tables and chairs where neighbors can just sit and relax. Or eat.

Honestly, who wouldn’t be hungry in this park? There’s food all over the place! Metal sculptures in the shape of food, to be exact!

The red and white checkered tablecloths you see are actually glass mosaics. The recipes beside the plates are designed so that inquisitive gourmets can take a rubbing, and bring the recipe home. The various round plaques are sprinkled about the park, set in concrete where people might walk. The entire installation is called “A Recipe For Friendship” and was created by Nina Karavasiles in 2001. The public art was commissioned by the City of San Diego Commission For Arts and Culture.

Now, what’s for dinner?

Metal sculpture of blackened fish taco plate in Little Italy's unique Amici Park.
Metal sculpture of blackened fish taco plate in Little Italy’s unique Amici Park.
Blackened fish taco recipe from Debra Scott.
Blackened fish taco recipe from Debra Scott.
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. --Walt Kelly
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. –Walt Kelly
You'd need some powerful teeth to eat these stuffed artichokes!
You’d need some powerful teeth to eat these stuffed artichokes!
Stuffed artichokes recipe from Rose Cresci.
Stuffed artichokes recipe from Rose Cresci.
Round plaque at Amici Park shows many popular spices.
Round plaque at Amici Park shows many popular spices.
Marinara sauce on plate of tasty pasta makes fun public art!
Marinara sauce on plate of tasty pasta makes fun public art!
Marinara sauce recipe from restaurateurs Lisa and Joe Busalacchi.
Marinara sauce recipe from local restaurateurs Lisa and Joe Busalacchi.
Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. --Beethoven.
Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. –Beethoven.
A plate of fava beans served up on a checkered tablecloth makes for cool artwork.
A plate of fava beans served up on a checkered tablecloth makes for cool artwork.
Fava bean spread recipe from Nina Karavasiles.
Fava bean spread recipe from Nina Karavasiles.
A Recipe For Friendship celebrates food, created by Nina Karvasiles in 2001.
A Recipe For Friendship celebrates food, created by Nina Karvasiles in 2001.

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Bocce Ball Tournament at Little Italy’s Festa.

Participants in Little Italy's Festa Bocce Ball Tournament at practice.
Participants in Little Italy’s Festa Bocce Ball Tournament at practice.

During last Sunday’s Festa event in San Diego’s Little Italy, an exciting bocce tournament was held at Amici Park, right next to all the glorious Gesso Italiano chalk art.

Bocce is similar to lawn bowling and dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. According to a plaque set in the concrete near one of Amici Park’s bocce courts, it’s the world’s oldest sport!

I captured a few pics of the action!

Two bocce courts are open to the public in Amici Park near sculptures of Italian food!
Two bocce courts are open to the public in Amici Park near sculptures of Italian food!
Man prepares to strategically send bocce ball down the long court.
Man prepares to strategically send bocce ball down the long court.
Watching the action on a lazy, perfect San Diego weekend.
Watching the action on a lazy, perfect San Diego weekend.
I saw a lot of stylish hats and calculating, cunning players.
I saw a lot of stylish hats and calculating, cunning players.
Gentleman leans against checkered tablecloth set with a plate of metal artichokes.
Gentleman leans against checkered tablecloth set with a plate of metal artichokes.
Rules of bocce on a plaque. The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays!
Rules of bocce on a plaque. The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays!

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Incredible chalk art at 2014 Festa in Little Italy.

Shaina Joel chalk art shows Italian actress Sophia Loren.
Shaina Joel chalk art shows Italian actress Sophia Loren.

This morning, about an hour before the 2014 Festa opened in Little Italy, I walked up and down Date Street taking photographs of the incredible chalk art being created for the annual Italian-themed event. Numerous artists were already busy, their works at various stages of completion. Italian chalk art is also called Gesso Italiano. It’s bold, bright and colorful–a pure delight for the eyes. Over a hundred thousand people will converge on downtown San Diego to admire the amazing art once the festival opens.

I have included the entrant names in the captions of each image. Enjoy!

Looking east along Date Street in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood during 2014 Festa.
Looking east along Date Street in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood during 2014 Festa.
Bijan Masoumpanah chalk art shows face of classic Roman statue.
Bijan Masoumpanah chalk art shows face of classic Roman statue.
Shawnet Sweets chalk art depicts a colorful, whiskered person.
Shawnet Sweets chalk art depicts a colorful, whiskered person.
Squid In My Tea chalk art being created during 2014 Festa event.
Squid In My Tea chalk art being created during 2014 Festa event.
Jennifer Ripassa chalk masterpiece is a fantastic female warrior.
Jennifer Ripassa chalk masterpiece is a fantastic female warrior.
Salgado chalk art shows Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of Rome.
Salgado chalk art shows Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of Rome.
Team Parada chalk art eyes appear on a downtown San Diego street.
Team Parada chalk art eyes appear on a downtown San Diego street.
Squadra Terun depicts a wonderful face with Gesso Italiano.
Squadra Terun depicts a wonderful face with Gesso Italiano.
Gary Simpson unfinished chalk artwork of Madonna and child.
Gary Simpson unfinished chalk artwork of Madonna and child.
Aaron Hernandez uses bright colors in this distinctive chalk art.
Aaron Hernandez uses bright colors in this distinctive chalk art.
Here comes a cool sight! Some interactive 3D street art!
Here comes a cool sight! Some interactive 3D street art!
Lilianai Mai created three dimensional chalk art for Festa visitors to enjoy!
Lilianai Mai created three dimensional chalk art for Festa visitors to enjoy!
Brianna Cunha chats with a young person about her fun dog chalk art.
Brianna Cunha chats with a young person about her fun dog chalk art.
Sumart chalk art is very colorful in the Sunday morning light.
Sumart chalk art is very colorful in the Sunday morning light.
Lauren Minadeo is working on a chalk art portrait.
Lauren Minadeo is working on a chalk art portrait.
Valerie Michelle awesome chalk art contains grapes and a dog chef!
Valerie Michelle awesome chalk art contains grapes and a dog chef!
Team Arcala creating some chalk art that includes the Fiat logo.
Team Arcala creating some chalk art that includes the Fiat logo.
Killer Queens chalk art of Mario Kart!
Killer Queens chalk art of Mario Kart!
Moe Notsu was having fun creating this beautiful chalk art masterpiece!
Moe Notsu was having fun creating this beautiful chalk art masterpiece!
Cecelia Ramos Linayao has created many large scale solo works.
Cecelia Ramos Linayao has created many large scale solo works.
Stained glass Madonna from Milan Cathedral will be reproduced.
Stained glass Madonna from Milan Cathedral will be reproduced.
Cecelia is well underway creating the amazing 20 by 30 foot chalk image.
Cecelia is well underway creating the amazing 20 by 30 foot chalk image.
John Vaughn chalk art seems a bit misty and mysterious.
John Vaughn chalk art seems a bit misty and mysterious.
Art Within Reach is creating a landscape of trees using chalk.
Art Within Reach is creating a landscape of trees using chalk.
Lisa Pierre-Davis uses a long stick with chalk tip to outline her work in progress.
Lisa Pierre-Davis uses a long stick with chalk tip to outline her work in progress.
Holly Lynn Schineller chalk art is an homage to the future.
Holly Lynn Schineller chalk art is an homage to the future.
Tonie Garza chalk art of several tender, beautiful faces.
Tonie Garza chalk art of several tender, beautiful faces.
Tiffany Garza is the daughter of Tonie! Her chalk art is really fun!
Tiffany Garza is the daughter of Tonie! Her chalk art is really fun!
Mercedes Molloy shows Disney's Lady and the Tramp with Gesso Italiano.
Mercedes Molloy shows Disney’s Lady and the Tramp with Gesso Italiano.
Chalkolate is creating another awesome Mario using colorful chalk.
Chalkolate is creating another awesome Mario using colorful chalk.
John Vilotti chalk art of a stylish face.
John Vilotti chalk art of a stylish face.
Team Arancio reproduces a classic Cinzano label using carefully applied chalk.
Team Arancio reproduces a classic Cinzano advertisement using carefully applied chalk.
East Meets West and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Italian!
East Meets West and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Italian!
Byron Houston weaves a windblown flag of Italy with a small stick of chalk.
Byron Houston weaves a windblown flag of Italy with a small stick of chalk.
Kira Lewis-Martinez chalk art of a classic Nativity scene.
Kira Lewis-Martinez chalk art of a classic Nativity scene.
Lisa Bernal Brethour chalk art reproduces sketches of a famous botanist.
Lisa Bernal Brethour chalk art reproduces sketches of a famous botanist.
Lisa Bryson chalk artwork is brimming with yummy pasta!
Lisa Bryson chalk artwork is brimming with yummy pasta!
Team Noni produces unusual abstract chalk art showing biplanes over a cityscape.
Team Noni produces unusual abstract chalk art showing biplanes over a cityscape.
Unknown artist has drawn Dracula using chalk a few weeks before Halloween!
Unknown artist has drawn Dracula using chalk a few weeks before Halloween!
After bending over a lot, I stretch and look down Date Street at the talented artists.
After bending over a lot, I stretch and look down Date Street at the talented artists.
Movingarte is floating a chalk gondola on the dry asphalt canvas.
Movingarte is floating a chalk gondola on the dry asphalt canvas.
Ciao! masquerade chalk art is suitable for the Festa festivities in Little Italy.
Ciao! masquerade chalk art is suitable for the Festa festivities in Little Italy.
Michael Zamora puts the finishing touches on a chalk urn.
Michael Zamora puts the finishing touches on a chalk urn.
United Souls is creating a colorful chalk mosaic that looks like stained glass.
United Souls is creating a colorful chalk mosaic that looks like stained glass.
Jason D Slagle chalk art Vespa is definitely very cool!
Jason D Slagle chalk art Vespa is definitely very cool!
Team Tini-Monster is creating The Muppets including Kermit the Frog!
Team Tini-Monster is creating The Muppets including Kermit the Frog!
Megnificent is bringing a bold face into existence using chalk.
Megnificent is bringing a bold face into existence using chalk.
Team Pinoy chalk art shows face of Jesus on a bible.
Team Pinoy chalk art shows face of Jesus on a bible.
Another look down the street at the absolutely amazing, inspiring art event.
Another look down the street at the absolutely amazing, inspiring art event.

Here comes chalk art created by school kids, which I blogged about yesterday.

Platt College San Diego has made progress since yesterday.
Platt College San Diego has made progress since yesterday.
Canyon Crest Academy creating a classical image with chalk.
Canyon Crest Academy creating a classical image with chalk.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society made a character out of Italian food!
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society made a character out of Italian food!
Cathedral Catholic High School team still working hard on the chalk masterpiece.
Cathedral Catholic High School team still working hard on the chalk masterpiece.
Santa Fe Christian High School seems finished with scene on a Venice canal.
Santa Fe Christian High School seems finished with scene on a Venice canal.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School created a fantastic Venetian scene with chalk.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School created a fantastic Venetian scene with chalk.
Joan MacQueen Middle School is getting started on their Festa chalk art entry.
Joan MacQueen Middle School is getting started on their Festa chalk art entry.
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet School is half finished an hour before Festa opens.
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet School is half finished an hour before Festa opens.
Torrey Hills Elementary kids created some really amazing chalk artwork!
Torrey Hills Elementary kids created some really amazing chalk artwork!
Lincoln Acres Art Program chalk art is actually an optical illusion of Mona Lisa!
Lincoln Acres Art Program chalk art is actually an optical illusion of Mona Lisa!
San Pasqual High School chalk art promises to look fantastic.
San Pasqual High School chalk art promises to look fantastic.
Just a flower someone drew on the asphalt for no reason other than pure joy.
Just a flower someone drew on the asphalt for no reason other than pure joy.
Mount Miguel High School students work on a window that seems to open into heaven.
Mount Miguel High School students work on a window that seems to open into heaven.
Lidia F. Vasquez has made great progress on her latest eye-popping masterpiece!
Lidia F. Vasquez has made great progress on her latest eye-popping masterpiece!
Teresa Elliott abstract eyes and face rendered with Gesso Italiano.
Teresa Elliott abstract eyes and face rendered with Gesso Italiano.
This happy sun and moon are just there on the street for no apparent reason!
This happy sun and moon are just there on the street for no apparent reason!

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World’s largest single-masted yacht in San Diego!

Mirabella V is the largest single-masted yacht in the world! It's gigantic!
Mirabella V is the largest single-masted yacht in the world! It’s gigantic!

I had to blink my eyes a couple times during my walk today. I was behind the San Diego Convention Center, where lots of visiting super yachts are docked, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

That huge ship in front of me looked like the largest sailboat on planet Earth!

As it turned out, my first impression wasn’t far from the truth!

A little searching on the internet proved that I had spotted the Mirabella V (today more commonly called M5), a sloop-rigged super yacht launched in 2003. Registered in the Isle of Man, it’s the largest single-masted yacht ever built. It’s 292 feet high! That’s almost the height of a 30-story skyscraper! It’s so tall, it won’t fit under any bridge accessible from the ocean. Not even the Golden Gate Bridge!

It’s hard to appreciate the mind-boggling immensity of this amazing vessel with these quick pics, but I thought they were worth sharing anyway.

You never know what extraordinary thing you’ll encounter during an ordinary stroll!

People walk past huge boat docked behind convention center.
People walk past huge boat docked behind convention center.
A cool, unexpected sight. Mirabella V is visiting San Diego on this sunny October day.
An unexpected sight. Mirabella V is visiting San Diego on a sunny October day.

Here are a couple more pics I snapped on October 19…

People walk toward Hilton hotel and giant mast of a world-record super yacht.
People walk toward Hilton hotel and giant mast of a world-record super yacht.
Mirabella V has a mast that is higher than nearby San Diego buildings!
Mirabella V has a mast that is higher than nearby San Diego buildings!

Here’s another pic I took in March 2015…

People enjoying a day on San Diego Bay return to sailing super-yacht M5.
People enjoying a day on San Diego Bay return to sailing super-yacht M5.

Check out what I saw on April 12, as I was walking along!

During another walk I noticed an airplane in the water beside M5.
During another walk I noticed an airplane in the water beside M5.
The super-yacht's crane lifts the small seaplane from San Diego Bay into the air!
The super-yacht’s crane lifts the small seaplane from San Diego Bay into the air!
Crew members pull on ropes to swing the airplane toward the ship's deck.
Crew members pull on ropes to swing the airplane toward the ship’s deck.
This tiny seaplane is about to be set on a super gigantic sailing ship!
This tiny seaplane is about to be set on a super gigantic single-masted sailing yacht!
The plane is secured to the rear deck of the amazing M5 yacht.
The plane is secured to the rear deck of the amazing M5 yacht.

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School students create amazing chalk art at Festa!

School kids create fantastic chalk art on Little Italy street for 2014 Festa event.
School students create amazing chalk art on a Little Italy street for the 2014 Festa event.

2014 Festa takes place tomorrow! The extremely popular event, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held as usual on the streets of Little Italy, a neighborhood on the north side of downtown San Diego. I’m excited!

Why?

The Gesso Italiano chalk art! Several city blocks will be overflowing with absolutely fantastic artistic creations! Perhaps you remember my blogs posts about the astounding chalk art at 2013 Festa. You’ll find them here, here and here.

Today a small army of artists began to work on a several block stretch of bare asphalt in San Diego. Tomorrow over a hundred thousand people will crowd Date Street and admire the finished masterpieces.

One block of Date Street has been reserved just for school kids! They were hard at work when I walked past today mid-afternoon!

Stand by for loads more photos tomorrow! I’m heading out to Festa in the early morning wearing comfortable walking shoes!

Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
The chalk artists usually use existing artwork as a guide.
The many chalk artists usually use existing images as a guide.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating amazing chalk art for 4 years!
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating stunning chalk art for 4 years!
Here's what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
Here’s what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
And this is the cool masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
And this is the super cool, mind-blowing masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can't wait to see it finished!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can’t wait to see it finished!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
One block of Cedar Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!
One block of Date Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!

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Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters.

Forgive me for telling the following very silly story.  I suppose I like this short story because it happens to be true.

As always, please follow the captions…

A beautiful day on Shelter Island and kayakers approach the boat ramp area.
A beautiful day on Shelter Island and kayakers approach the boat ramp area.
A fisherman has arrived on a boat and he's tossing leftover bait to pelicans and gulls.
A fisherman has arrived on a boat and he’s tossing leftover bait to pelicans and gulls.
And look who else is tagging along--it's Wally the sea lion!
And look who else is tagging along–it’s Wally the sea lion!
Wally is looking for a free meal, himself. A large fish would be very nice!
Wally is looking for a free meal, himself. A large fish would be very nice!
Wally spots some new arrivals coming into the little boat ramp area.
Wally spots some new arrivals coming into the little boat ramp area.
It's the kayakers! Wally comes on by to look things over and say hello.
It’s the kayakers! Wally greets everyone and quickly looks things over.
Some curious, sociable mammals (and a few birds) enjoy a moment together.
Some curious, sociable mammals (and a few birds) enjoy a moment together.

The fisherman told me the California sea lion’s name is Wally. He told the kayakers the same thing. So it seems his name must be Wally!

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