Tag: activism

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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Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!
The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!

I wasn’t expecting to write this blog. But I have to.

During this morning’s Ocean Beach Street Fair, I took a few photos of a smiling lady in a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hat. My senses were so dazzled by all the cool sights and activity round about me that I didn’t really notice the important purpose of her booth.

As I left the festival, I popped into the local library to use the restroom. And there, standing behind the front counter, was the Cat in the Hat hat lady!  She greeted me–she was a librarian! She had noticed me taking photos.

They’re for a blog, I said. Help us raise a million dollars, she said. I laughed, promised I’d try!

It wasn’t until this afternoon, as I looked closely at my photographs, that I realized she wasn’t kidding! The Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego Public Library really does need to raise money! Check out the poster which I enlarged!

So now I have to keep a promise.

Please help the Ocean Beach public library raise funds for much needed improvements!

Here is their Facebook page. It contains contact info.

Is this a cause you’d like to support? You might like to help them out! The OB Library is overdue for expansion. Spread the word! Let’s get it done!

Why expand the library? The children's area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
Why expand the library? The children’s area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach.
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach!

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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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Art, smiles and activism at 2015 EarthFair!

EarthFair was held in San Diego's Balboa Park to celebrate Earth Day.
EarthFair was held in San Diego’s Balboa Park to celebrate Earth Day.

Late this morning I took a walk through this year’s EarthFair. You might have seen my blog last year, when I posted photographs from the gigantic event. Every year EarthFair attracts tens of thousands of enthusiastic San Diegans to Balboa Park to celebrate Earth Day. It’s billed as the largest free annual environmental fair in the world, and that sounds true to me! It’s huge!

Many of the over 300 exhibitors throughout Balboa Park can be seen at the event every year, and last year I featured many in photos. So I figured this year I’d focus slightly more on close up images. Super colorful art on signs, shirts, gifts and canvases provided many opportunities for my camera. I also saw a lot of smiles!

Cool graphic on EarthFair shirt. Balboa Park attracted a huge crowd as usual!
Cool graphic on official EarthFair shirt. The annual Balboa Park event attracted a huge crowd as usual!
One many signs with environmental messages... love the Earth. Plant a tree.
One of many handmade signs with environmental messages… love the Earth. Plant a tree.
Bright sunflowers on table of urban farming advocates.
Bright sunflowers on table of urban farming advocates.
Super smile advertising the Cacaofest, celebrating the cultures behind the chocolate! I'm there!
Super smile promoting the Cacaofest, which celebrates the cultures behind the chocolate! I’m there!
Solar-powered rotating globe held in a human hand.
Solar-powered rotating globe held in a sculpted human hand.
Creating art out of perfectly good food saved from dumpsters. I blogged about these guys last year!
Creating art out of perfectly good food saved from dumpsters. I blogged about these guys last year!

Donate Don’t Dump is a project undertaken by Rob Greenfield. Check out my blog from last year, if you’d like!

A powerful smile from the artist behind Nuts and Beans are Powerful Proteins!
A powerful smile from the artist behind Nuts and Beans are Powerful Proteins!
Protecting animals was one major theme at EarthFair.
Protecting animals was one major theme at EarthFair.
This guy is Dr. Wilderness. He had a family magic show. Great outfit!
This cool guy is Dr. Wilderness. He had a family magic show. Great outfit!
This smiling Dad and daughter musical duo was raising money to help build school gardens.
This cheerful Dad and daughter musical duo was raising money to help build school gardens.
A flower and smile, and I learned how copper gives slimy snails an electrical shock!
A flower and a smile.  I learned how copper gives slimy snails an electrical shock!
A happy blue whale out of water.
A happy blue whale out of water.
Lots of tie-dye could be seen throughout Balboa Park.
Lots of tie-dye could be seen throughout Balboa Park.
Many crafts, clothes and goods for sale featured lush color and spiritual imagery from Eastern religious traditions.
Many crafts, clothes and goods for sale featured lush color and spiritual imagery from Eastern religious traditions.
A super cool painting of Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, created by artist Michael Rosenblatt.
A super cool painting of Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, created by artist Michael Rosenblatt.

Is this painting of local baseball legend Tony Gwynn awesome, or what? It has a Facebook page!

Lots of hand-crafted musical instruments were for sale.
Lots of hand-crafted musical instruments were for sale.
Some guys carry flags in preparation for a small Earth Day parade through Balboa Park.
Some guys carry flags in preparation for a small Earth Day parade through Balboa Park.
Sam Garcia, Jr. works at a canvas. Several talented artists were at work for all to see.
Sam Garcia, Jr. paints a canvas. Several talented artists were at work for all to see.
Creative kids (or adults) could color these huge panels however they pleased!
Creative kids (or adults) could color these huge panels however they pleased!
Large panels on display featured fantastic artwork, many images with a 1960s feel.
Large panels on display featured fantastic artwork, many images with a 1960s feel.
This human skull really caught my attention!
This human skull really caught my attention!
Beautiful wild animals in an exotic nature scene.
Beautiful wild animals in an exotic nature scene.
What's your sign. This panel showed activist signs photographed during 25 years of EarthFair.
What’s your sign? This panel showed activist signs photographed during the 25 years of EarthFair.
This very nice Quaker lady advocates vegetarianism.
This very nice Quaker lady advocates vegetarianism.
Kids' art shown at The Project Lennon table. The organization promotes peace and positive outlets for urban youth.
Kids’ art shown at The Project Lennon table. This organization promotes peace and positive outlets for urban youth.
Local vegan and vegetarian groups had different booths and some humorous signs.
Various vegan and vegetarian groups had different booths and some humorous signs.
I wonder what the animal rights folks would think of this. Animals used to fight poverty.
I wonder what the animal rights folks would think of this? Animals used to fight poverty and hunger!
Which one of these is the real animal. That happy parrot on top.
Which one of these is the real animal? That happy parrot on top!
Sign states that every year 30,000 species go extinct.
Sign states that every year 30,000 species go extinct.
I saw lots of banners with peace signs and rainbow colors.
I saw lots of banners with peace signs and rainbow colors.
This butterfly was flitting about in the San Diego spring breeze.
This butterfly was flitting about in the San Diego spring breeze.
Food was also a major topic, and appeared in unusual works of art.
Food was also a major topic, and appeared in unusual works of art.
This totem pole was made of recycled materials!
This totem pole was made of recycled materials!
A table in the kids activity area promoted imagination and creativity.
A table in the kids activity area promoted imagination and creativity.
Harry Eubanks of Rivers Eden paints cool art on old bits of wooden fencing.
Harry Eubanks of Rivers Eden paints cool art on old bits of wooden fencing.
Fun art from recycled everyday items in the Repair and Reuse tent.
Fun art from recycled everyday items in the Repair and Reuse tent.
The art of peace by Da Vinci, Warhol, Picasso and other famous artists.
The art of peace by Da Vinci, Warhol, Picasso, Van Gogh and other famous artists.
Arts and crafts were for sale in a large area of grass near Park Boulevard.
Arts and crafts were for sale in a large vendor area on the grass near Park Boulevard.
Lion dances would take place later in the day!
Lion dances would take place later in the day!
Volunteer today! Plant a butterfly garden in Balboa Park!
Volunteer today! Plant a butterfly garden in Balboa Park!  Do it!
Art was encouraged everywhere I turned. I enjoyed taking a walk through the 2015 EarthFair!
Art was encouraged everywhere I turned. I enjoyed taking a walk through the 2015 EarthFair!

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Bold, colorful street art in Sherman Heights.

Sun shines on dynamic mural at Golden Hill Market and Liquor in Sherman Heights.
Sun shines on dynamic mural at Golden Hill Market and Liquor in Sherman Heights.

Here are two boldly painted murals in Sherman Heights, a neighborhood just east of downtown San Diego. I photographed the first mural at 21st Street and Market Street several few days ago. I took my first picture of the second mural last May as I watched the local All-American Soap Box Derby on hilly 25th Street. Since then, the painted boards seem to have been removed from the market wall, and shifted a bit to the left behind a tree. You can see shadows in the two more recent photos.

According to my research, both of these distinctive works of street art were created under the direction of local artist Mario Torero. His passionate artwork, often depicting political themes and civil rights activists, can also be seen at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park, and elsewhere around San Diego.

Sherman Heights residents painted this wall in 1980, with help from local artist Mario Torero.
Young residents of Sherman Heights painted this wall in 1980, with help from local artist Mario Torero.
Aztec imagery is a colorful part of the artwork.
Aztec imagery is a colorful part of the artwork.
The 35 year old mural remains vivid, having been restored several times due to graffiti.
The 35 year old mural is vivid, having been restored several times due to graffiti.
Words above people read Barrio Sherman Mural Unidos.
Words above people read Barrio Sherman Mural Unidos.
Lively images cover pipes, meter box and a door.
Lively images cover pipes, meter box and a door.
Latino-themed mural shows respect for education.
Latino-themed mural shows respect for education.
K St. Market on 25th Street with mural designed by local artist Mario Torero.
K St. Market on 25th Street with mural designed by local artist Mario Torero.
Face enveloped by color shows confident character.
Face enveloped by color shows confident character.
The Barrio is a Garden was painted on wood in 2010 in Sherman Heights.
The Barrio is a Garden was painted on wood in 2010 in Sherman Heights.
Brightly painted street bench on 25th Avenue in Sherman Heights.
Brightly painted street bench on 25th Avenue in Sherman Heights.

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Wasted grocery food turns to art in Balboa Park.

A little diving in San Diego grocery store dumpsters yielded lots of good food.
A little diving in San Diego grocery store dumpsters yielded lots of good food.

A unique event took place today. It was extremely unusual, fun and enlightening.

Rob Greenfield is an activist working to persuade grocery stores to donate expired foods to local food banks and hunger relief charities like Feeding America. His effort is called Donate Don’t Dump. To raise awareness, he has created unusual, colorful works of art in various cities, using perfectly good food he’s found while dumpster diving.

As part of my walk today, I took a few pics of Rob and his friends creating a fantastic bit of artwork on the grass in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

He told me that some grocery chains are better than others at donating their expired foods. He explained food retailers have nothing to fear from lawsuits should someone sicken from food poisoning, because of the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.  $165 billion dollars of food is wasted each year, enough to fill two Rose Bowl stadiums every single day, according to Rob!

Once the art had been admired, bystanders were invited to eat! The food was great!

Wasted food includes vegetables, baked goods and expired packaged items.
Wasted food includes vegetables, baked goods and expired packaged items.
Rob Greenfield checks salvaged food to be assembled into activist art in Balboa Park.
Rob Greenfield checks salvaged food to be assembled into activist art in Balboa Park.
Rob Greenfield explains his goals on a bench, with Casa del Prado arches in the background.
Rob Greenfield explains his goals on a bench, with Casa del Prado arches in the background.
Laying out the food articles into an elaborate, very colorful design has begun!
Laying out the food articles into an elaborate, very colorful design has begun!
A crowd watches near the Botanical Building as the food creation nears completion.
A crowd watches near the Botanical Building as the artistic food creation nears completion.
Rob Greenfield explains that more needs to be done to save perfectly good food.
Rob Greenfield explains that more needs to be done to save perfectly good food.

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Cool mechanical shark street mural in East Village!

Cool mechanical shark on parking lot wall behind Undisputed Fitness Center in East Village.
Cool mechanical shark on parking lot wall behind Undisputed Fitness Center in East Village.

A super cool street mural was recently painted in downtown San Diego’s East Village. I checked it out this morning!

Located on a parking lot wall behind Undisputed Fitness, at the corner of 16th Street and K Street, this large work of art really catches your attention and draws you in for a closer examination!

The image of a mechanical shark, operated from the inside by some sinister-looking people, was painted by Sheffield-based muralist Phlegm. I’ve never seen his work before, but apparently he often depicts similarly weird scenes, described as half-childlike, half-menacing. This particular mural was created as an act of “artivism” for PangeaSeed, an international environmental organization whose mission is to help preserve sharks and other marine species, through art and education. Sharks are being maimed and killed in large numbers for their fins, which are cut off the still-living animals and used to make shark fin soup and traditional medical cures in China.

Street artist Phlegm painted this for PangeaSeed’s Sea Walls Murals for Oceans.
Street artist Phlegm painted this unusual shark  for PangeaSeed’s Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans.
Shadowy, mysterious people secretly operate the black and white mechanical shark.
Shadowy, mysterious people secretly operate the black and white mechanical shark.
Phlegm often paints masked figures controlling odd contraptions in this illustrative style.
Phlegm often paints masked figures controlling odd contraptions in this illustrative style.

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Colorful scenes from San Diego’s MLK parade.

Here come some San Diego firefighters.
Here come some San Diego firefighters.

This afternoon I enjoyed watching a good portion of San Diego’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.  Every January, MLK’s dream of racial equality is celebrated downtown in one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States.  The parade route runs down Harbor Drive on San Diego’s waterfront.

I got a whole lot of photos.  Please feel free to share and enjoy them!

Crowd gathers for annual San Diego MLK parade.
Crowd gathers for annual San Diego MLK parade.
MLK Parade kicks off with many local politicians.
MLK Parade kicks off with many local politicians.
A cool police car fitted with hydraulics.
A cool police car fitted with hydraulics.
A vintage fire truck rolls down Harbor Drive.
A vintage fire truck rolls down Harbor Drive.
This cute little dog is a member of law enforcement.
This cute little dog is a member of law enforcement.
Watching the parade from the announcer platform.
Watching the parade from the announcer platform.
Goodies are handed out by an MLK Parade participant.
Goodies are handed out by an MLK Parade participant.
Candidate for San Diego Mayor, David Alvarez.
Candidate for San Diego Mayor, David Alvarez.
A huge Homeland Security armored vehicle.
A huge Homeland Security armored vehicle.
Border Patrol agents on all-terrain vehicles.
Border Patrol agents on all-terrain vehicles.
Coast Guard patrol boat towed along parade route.
Coast Guard patrol boat towed along parade route.
Patriotic colors precede bagpipes.
Patriotic colors precede bagpipes.
Attending to sound board beside the announcers.
Attending to sound board beside the announcers.
People watch parade from hotel balconies across the street.
People watch parade from hotel balconies across the street.
Here comes the Gadsden Elementary School marching band.
Here comes the Gadsden Elementary School marching band.
Tuba players march in the San Diego MLK parade.
Tuba players march in the San Diego MLK parade.
Gecko celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. birthday.
Gecko celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. birthday.
Crowd enthused by a great parade performance.
Crowd enthused by a great parade performance.
A dance routine on Harbor Drive.
A dance routine on Harbor Drive.
Kids perform a fun routine for MLK Parade onlookers.
Kids perform a fun routine for MLK Parade onlookers.
Looking very elegant.
Looking very elegant.
The UCSD band passes by.
The UCSD band passes by.
Young kids have difficulty with SDSU letters.
Young kids have difficulty with SDSU letters.
SDSU Aztec Warrior at MLK Parade in San Diego.
SDSU Aztec Warrior at MLK Parade in San Diego.
Veterans for Peace parade a drone.
Veterans for Peace parade a drone.
Members of a lodge parade on by to loud cheers.
Members of a lodge parade on by to loud cheers.
Marchers honor the Martin Luther King Jr. dream.
Marchers honor the Martin Luther King Jr. dream.
Colorful dancers from the House of Panama.
Colorful dancers from the House of Panama.
Drummers perform with pride on parade route.
Drummers perform with pride on parade route.
Poster on side of truck shows historic MLK speech.
Poster on side of truck shows historic MLK speech.
Some guys having fun in yellow mini cars.
Some guys having fun in yellow mini cars.
Inflatable float from USS Midway Museum.
Inflatable float from USS Midway Museum.
Children determined to achieve great things.
Children determined to achieve great things.
Another fun performance by kids for the parade announcers.
Another fun performance by kids for the parade announcers.
Banner holders stand up for human dignity.
Banner holders stand up for human dignity.
Music and youthful energy on parade.
Music and youthful energy on parade.
Folks in back of a truck celebrate MLK and his dream.
Folks in back of a truck celebrate MLK and his dream.
King and Queen of San Diego MLK Parade.
King and Queen of San Diego MLK Parade.
A beautiful parade queen waves to the large crowd.
A beautiful parade queen waves to the large crowd.
Pooches with American flag bandanas.
Pooches with American flag bandanas.
Mr. Black San Diego greets the crowd.
Mr. Black San Diego greets the crowd.
Inspirational messages head down the Embarcadero.
Inspirational messages head down the Embarcadero.
Students from City College are agents of change.
Students from City College are agents of change.
A smiling beauty perched high atop a parade float.
A smiling beauty perched high atop a parade float.
MLK impersonator relives speech at Lincoln Memorial.
MLK impersonator recreates famous speech at Lincoln Memorial.

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Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior visits San Diego.

greenpeace rainbow warrior with free the arctic banner

This afternoon, during my Sunday walk, I was surprised to see the Rainbow Warrior, the well-known ship of the activist group Greenpeace, docked down on the Embarcadero.  It seems they were visiting San Diego, and loads of people were streaming onto the ship for tours.  I had my camera with me so I snapped some pics.

This first photo shows the bow of the ship.  A banner proclaims Free The Arctic.

visitors board the greenpeace rainbow warrior ship

Look at all the folks in line!  I saw lots of young idealists with clipboards and older hipsters in line.  Several signs and displays were set up on the walkway promoting the Greenpeace mission.

ocean safe tuna now banner between masts of rainbow warrior

Strung between the masts was a transparent banner reading OCEAN SAFE TUNA NOW.  It was so large that it was visible several blocks away.