Tag: art

Fun, artistic birdhouses restored at Tweet Street!

The Birds and The Bees. Birdhouse by artist Joel Sotelo.
The Birds and The Bees, a birdhouse by artist Joel Sotelo.

Looks what I noticed today. Most of the fun, artistic birdhouses that were installed for Tweet Street in 2008 have been restored! With new coats of paint and a little work, they once again appear like new!

You might remember my blog post a couple years ago concerning these fun birdhouses. At the time, weather had gotten the better of them. Well, check them out now!

If you want to see these very creative works of public art in person, Tweet Street is another name for the linear Cortez Hill Park, located on Date Street roughly between Seventh and Ninth Avenue.

Public art restoration in progress. The City of San Diego develops, exhibits, conserves and restores the Civic Art Collection to provide meaningful aesthetic and cultural experiences for San Diego's residents and visitors.
Public art restoration in progress. The City of San Diego develops, exhibits, conserves and restores the Civic Art Collection to provide meaningful aesthetic and cultural experiences for San Diego’s residents and visitors.
Tweet Street sign on Date Street in San Diego's Cortez Hill neighborhood. Many artistic birdhouses line the narrow urban park.
Tweet Street sign on Date Street in San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood. Many artistic birdhouses line the narrow urban park.
Boat House. Birdhouse by artist Kirk Crow.
Boat House, a birdhouse by artist Kirk Crow.
Anil'u. Birdhouse by artist Lilia Peji.
Anil’u, a birdhouse by artist Lilia Peji.
Coexistence. Birdhouse by artist Bob Gromofsky.
Coexistence, a birdhouse by artist Bob Gromofsky.
Cunae. Birdhouse by artist Miguel Salmeron.
Cunae, a birdhouse by artist Miguel Salmeron.
Mas Vale Pajaro en Mano. Birdhouse by artist Joel Sotelo.
Mas Vale Pajaro en Mano, a birdhouse by artist Joel Sotelo.
Bewick's Bunker. Birdhouse by artists Rafael Lopez and Daniel Renner.
Bewick’s Bunker, a birdhouse by artists Rafael Lopez and Daniel Renner.
Air Traffic Control. Birdhouse by artist Amy Ennis Achaibou.
Air Traffic Control, a birdhouse by artist Amy Ennis Achaibou.
Birdinsky, a birdhouse by artist Amy Levine.
Birdinsky, a birdhouse by artist Amy Levine.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Photos of fun street art along Fourth Avenue!

A funny spotted creature of some kind decorates an electrical box on Fourth Avenue near the Quince Street Bridge.
A funny spotted creature of some kind decorates an electrical box on Fourth Avenue near the Quince Street Bridge.

I got off work early and wanted to enjoy the remaining daylight.  So I took the 120 bus to Hillcrest and walked down Fourth Avenue from University Avenue to Elm Street.

I found some fun street art on electrical boxes in both Hillcrest and Bankers Hill!

Spray painted face lit by sunshine early one morning, near Fourth Avenue and Robinson Avenue in Hillcrest.
A spray painted face lit by sunshine early one morning in Hillcrest, near Fourth Avenue and Robinson Avenue.

Okay, you caught me!  The above photo was taken one morning a couple months ago. It was sitting in my computer.  All the others are from late this afternoon.

A guitar and stars decorate a utility box.
A guitar and stars decorate a utility box.
Colorful art shows a street scene! Copies, bread, coffee and outdoor diners come together near Fourth Avenue and Laurel Street.
Colorful art shows a street scene! Copies, bread, coffee and outdoor diners come together under a blue sky near Fourth Avenue and Laurel Street.
Ice cream, barber, eyes, dentist. A happy stick figure walks down an imaginary Bankers Hill sidewalk.
Ice cream, barber, eyes, dentist. A happy stick figure walks down an imaginary Bankers Hill sidewalk.
A contented face on a utility box near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Laurel Street.
A contented face on a utility box near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Laurel Street.
Lots of stars and some hearts.
Lots of stars and some hearts.
According to some writing on this transformer, these are space plants and moon flowers!
According to some writing on this transformer, these are space plants and moon flowers!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Strange, surprising public art at Bayside Park!

Walking past public art in Chula Vista's Bayside Park. The Fisherman is a sculpture of a great egret, created by Stephen Fairfield, 2006.
Walking past public art in Chula Vista’s Bayside Park. The Fisherman is a sculpture of a great egret, created by Stephen Fairfield, 2006.

Look at these cool examples of public art! I spotted them Saturday during my visit to Chula Vista’s Bayside Park.

Some of the artwork, as you can see, is rather strange and surprising! Read the photo captions to learn more!

The Fisherman, by Stephen Fairfield, was a part of a past Urban Trees exhibition along San Diego's Embarcadero.
The Fisherman, by Stephen Fairfield, was a part of a past Urban Trees exhibition along San Diego’s Embarcadero. It’s now part of the Port of San Diego Tidelands Collection.
Dark shadow of what appears to be a gigantic egret on a walkway in Bayside Park.
Dark shadow of what appears to be a gigantic egret on a walkway in Bayside Park.
One of several tables by San Diego Bay containing a tile chess board.
One of several tables by San Diego Bay containing a tile chess board.
Walking north along the beach area. Downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bay Bridge can be seen in the distance.
Walking north along the beach area. Downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bay Bridge can be seen in the distance.
Still walking north, toward more public art at Chula Vista's Bayside Park. This is Wind Oars by George Peters and Melanie Walker, 2004.
Still walking north, toward more interesting public art at Chula Vista’s Bayside Park. This is Wind Oars by George Peters and Melanie Walker, 2004.
Oars in the blue sky change position in the shifting wind. A kinetic artwork landmark in San Diego's South Bay.
Oars in the blue sky change position in the shifting wind. A kinetic artwork landmark in San Diego’s South Bay.
Like rowing through blue water above.
Like rowing through blue water above.
At the north end of Bayside Park, we now approach some unusual temporary art. Bench Party, by artists Jose Parral and Tasia Paulson, will be on display through May 20, 2017.
At the north end of Bayside Park, we now approach some unusual temporary art. Bench Party, by artists Jose Parral and Tasia Paulson, will be on display through May 20, 2017.
Visitors to the Bayside Park might sit here and talk, or take in views of San Diego Bay.
Visitors to the Bayside Park might sit here and talk, or take in views of San Diego Bay.
A large group of people could sit here and have a bench party!
A large group of people could sit here and have a bench party!
The huge travelift at Marine Group Boat Works in Chula Vista is seen beyond the benches. Super yachts and large boats can be lifted out of the water there.
The huge travelift at Marine Group Boat Works in Chula Vista is seen beyond the benches. Super yachts and large boats can be lifted out of the water there.
A breakwater by Marine Group Boat Works looks like art on the water. In the distance we can see Point Loma.
A breakwater by Marine Group Boat Works looks like strange art on the water. Rising in the distance we can see Point Loma.
A bird swims past stacked rocks.
A bird swims past stacked rocks.
Feeding birds at a park picnic bench.
Feeding birds at a park picnic bench.
A second sculpture from an Urban Trees exhibition is also located at Bayside Park. This is San Diego Synergy, by Kent Kraber, 2007.
A second sculpture from an Urban Trees exhibition is also located at Bayside Park. This is San Diego Synergy, by Kent Kraber, 2007.
Seabirds soar above fish, their food.
Seabirds soar above fish, their food.
A school of fish in the ocean kelp.
A school of fish in the ocean kelp.
A silvery tuna between a fishing boat and sailboat, at the base of the San Diego Synergy sculpture in Chula Vista.
A silvery tuna between a fishing boat and sailboat, at the base of the San Diego Synergy sculpture in Chula Vista.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Happy street art in Mira Mesa!

A lady with flowers in her long flowing purple hair.
A lady with flowers in her long flowing purple hair.

Late this morning I went to the San Diego Tet Festival at Mira Mesa Community Park. (I’ll blog about that shortly.) Hoping to avoid crowds, I parked a distance from the park before the festival opened, then spent a half hour or so walking around the area.

I was happy to spy a whole bunch of cool street art in the vicinity of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Camino Ruiz! Naturally, I had to take some photos!

Lovely street art painted on a transformer box in Mira Mesa.
Lovely street art painted on a transformer box in Mira Mesa.
A tree behind a white fence seems to bear pencils.
A tree behind a white fence seems to bear pencils.
Are mushrooms sprouting from the nearby grass?
Are mushrooms sprouting from the nearby grass?
A happy dream takes the form of mazy images. This street art is on a utility box near the intersection of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Camino Ruiz.
A seeming dream takes the form of mazy images. This street art is on a utility box near the intersection of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Camino Ruiz.
Just a big heart and bright colors.
Just a big heart and simple blocks of bright color.
Looks like a Chargers bolt. Unfortunately, San Diego's football team bolted.
Looks like a Chargers bolt. Unfortunately, San Diego’s NFL football team bolted.
One Love and many symbols atop a utility box in Mira Mesa.
One Love and many symbols atop a utility box in Mira Mesa.
A painted Asian landscape of mountains rising from water.
A painted Asian landscape.  Mountains rise from turbulent water.
Another side of the same dramatic box.
Another side of the same dramatic box.
A happy mug of coffee gives a wink near muffins, beneath musical notes.
A happy mug of coffee gives a wink near muffins, beneath musical notes.
Happy food and drink!
Happy food and drink!
A happy face on a teacup!
A happy face on a blue teacup!
Kid with phonograph sits at base of a pagoda in this unique street art.
Kid with phonograph sits at base of a pagoda in this unique street art.
A bunch of colored circles.
A bunch of colored circles.
A red, geometric, minimalist bit of street art.
A red, geometric, minimalist bit of street art.
Colors like stained glass and a rising koi on this utility box.
Colors pieced together like stained glass, and a rising koi on this utility box.
Koi, sun and clouds.
Koi, water, sun and clouds.
I can't quite make out the beginning of what is written. Mira Mesa remain Strong, Brave and Proud!
I can’t quite make out the beginning of what is written. I can read: Mira Mesa remain Strong, Brave and Proud!
Two colorful electrical boxes along Mira Mesa Boulevard.
Two colorful electrical boxes along Mira Mesa Boulevard.
Looks like a hip hop kid with a big cap.
Looks like a hip hop kid with a big funky cap.
An old school phonograph!
An old school phonograph!
Looks like one of those trick squirting flowers.
Looks like one of those trick squirting flowers.
Two beautiful flowers.
Two beautiful flowers.
This puzzle-like street art looks both ancient and alien.
This puzzle-like street art looks both ancient and alien.
A touching image of a young girl. She seems to sit alone on the sidewalk.
A touching image of a young girl. She seems to sit alone on the sidewalk.
Abstract hills, trees and blue beams of sunshine.
Abstract hills, trees and blue beams of sunshine.
More cool street art in Mira Mesa.
More cool street art in Mira Mesa.
A flying saucer cat and an orange tabby that doesn't appear amused.
A flying saucer cat and an orange tabby that doesn’t appear amused.
A smiling girl astronaut among happy colorful stars.
A smiling girl astronaut among happy colorful stars.
A dog in a space helmet joyfully rockets above a ringed planet.
A dog in a space helmet joyfully rockets above a ringed planet.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Cool street art discoveries in National City!

Some happy street art in National City. A high five, pink rabbit and heart.
Some happy street art in National City. A high five, pink rabbit and heart.

I found even more cool street art while walking around National City! Check out these photos! Colorful utility boxes and transformers seemed to pop up wherever I turned!

Transinfinite Gems. Love Your Soul. Blessings and Love.
Transinfinite Gems. Love Your Soul. Blessings and Love.
A creatively painted utility box near a National City street corner.
A creatively painted utility box near a National City street corner. Is that a can of soda?
Someone just let loose with many strokes of color on this transformer box!
Someone just let loose with many strokes of color on this transformer box!
This cool street art definitely attracts the attention of people walking down the sidewalk!
This cool street art definitely attracts the attention of people walking down the sidewalk!
An abstract human figure that drips ink into a river. This fantastic image appears to be full of symbolism.
An abstract human figure that drips ink into a river. This fantastic image appears to be full of symbolism.
More cool designs on a series of electrical boxes. National City, in San Diego's South Bay, has lots of great street art.
More cool designs on a series of electrical boxes. National City, in San Diego’s South Bay, has lots of great street art!
A contrast of real leaves and painted leaves.
A contrast of real leaves and painted leaves.
Barren trees in a purple-blue sky.
Barren trees in a purple-blue sky.
Another side of the same box.
Another side of the same box.
Branches from sky and ground, like grasping, skeletal fingers.
Branches from sky and ground, like grasping, skeletal fingers.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

The arches of National City’s Morgan Square Plaza.

These arches in National City’s Morgan Square Plaza delight the eye with their colorful tiles and designs
These arches in National City’s Morgan Square Plaza delight the eye with their colorful tiles and designs.

Check out this cool public art in San Diego’s South Bay! These colorfully tiled arches can be found in Morgan Square Plaza right next to the National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. As you can see in one photo, the plaza isn’t far from Heritage Square and historic Brick Row, which I recently covered on this blog.

It appears these mosaic arches debuted along with the plaza itself in October 2007. I searched the small pocket park for a plaque, and later for information on the internet, but can find almost nothing about this unique public art. I did see that the bust of former National City mayor Kile Morgan was created by the talented San Diego sculptor Richard Becker. According to Becker’s website, he created the POW Monument at the US National Cemetery, busts for The Emmys in Hollywood, and a bronze sculpture of Homer Simpson for Fox Studios.

Cool art in the public square next to the National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Cool art in the public square next to the National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Visible beyond the brick arch is one end of Brick Row, one of several historic buildings in Heritage Square.
Visible beyond the brick arch is one end of Brick Row, one of several historic buildings in Heritage Square.
Across Morgan Square Plaza is a monument to a former National City mayor.
Across Morgan Square Plaza is a monument to a former National City mayor.
The bust of Honorable Kile Morgan, mayor of National City 1966-1986. He established the Mile of Cars and Plaza Bonita. Sculpture created by San Diego artist Richard Becker.
The bust of Honorable Kile Morgan, mayor of National City from 1966 to 1986. He established the Mile of Cars and Plaza Bonita. Sculpture created by San Diego artist Richard Becker.
Another photo through the arches. The Southwestern College Higher Education Center stands across National City Boulevard.
Another photo through the arches. The Southwestern College Higher Education Center stands across National City Boulevard.
The beautiful patterns on this wall-like artwork are composed of many brightly colored tiles.
The beautiful patterns on this wall-like artwork are composed of many brightly colored tiles.
The National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located near the public art arches.
The National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located near the public art arches.
Fun photo of one arch within another.
Fun photo of one arch within another.
Cool public artwork in National City at Morgan Square Plaza!
Cool public artwork in National City at Morgan Square Plaza!

UPDATE!

During a walk in 2019 I discovered a plaque describing this Streetscape Project, titled Portals in Time. The different arches are called Brick Row, Hispanic Portal, Filipino Water Wall, Kumeyaay Water Wall, Agriculture and Ship Building, and The Bay.

Click the following two photos and they will enlarge for easier reading:

IMG_8776zz

IMG_8780zz

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Cool–and funny–Star Wars street art!

Join me, says Darth Vader. Never, replies Luke Skywalker. An epic lightsaber battle commences.
Join me, says Darth Vader. Never, replies Luke Skywalker. An epic lightsaber battle commences.

Here’s more super cool street art!  A classic battle between the dark and the light, and iconic movie characters recognized around the world are painted on two utility boxes in National City!  You can spot them near the intersection of 8th Street and National City Boulevard.

This bold street art is an homage to the original Star Wars trilogy.  The final four images might make you laugh!

The right side of this utility box is painted with two more panels of cool Star Wars street art. I see good old R2-D2 and the white helmet of a Stormtrooper.
Like a comic book or graphic novel, the right side of this utility box is painted with two more panels of Star Wars street art. I see good old R2-D2 and the white helmet of an Imperial Stormtrooper.
Bounty hunter Boba Fett, a popular Star Wars character, makes for some very cool street art! I photographed this on the left side of the utility box.
Bounty hunter Boba Fett, a popular Star Wars character, makes for some super cool street art! I photographed this image on the left side of the same utility box.
Pop culture icon C-3PO from Star Wars movies, television and other media has been painted on the left side of a National City utility box.
Pop culture icon C-3PO from Star Wars movies, television and other media has also been painted on the side of this utility box.
Wannabe Stormtrooper on a second utility box seems to idolize Darth Vader and his mastery of the Dark Force.
Wannabe Stormtrooper on a second National City utility box seems to idolize Darth Vader and his mastery of the Dark Force.
Live Set Stormtrooper likes listening to tunes while battling the Rebel Alliance. Perhaps that's why those lasers never seem to hit anything.
Live Set Stormtrooper likes listening to tunes while battling the Rebel Alliance. Perhaps that’s why those lasers never seem to hit anything.
Poker Face Stormtrooper has beer hoses entering his helmet and a hand of cards.
Poker Face Stormtrooper has beer hoses entering his helmet and a hand of cards.
Selfie Stormtrooper thinks he looks good. Funny street art in National City!
Selfie Stormtrooper thinks he looks good. Some funny Star Wars street art in National City!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Japanese video game characters in fun street art!

Blanka of Capcom's Street Fighter video games. Fun street art in National City.
Blanka of Capcom’s Street Fighter video games. Fun street art in National City.

A bunch of fun, colorful Japanese video game characters have been painted on several utility boxes near the center of National City. I spotted them while walking near the intersection of National City Boulevard and East 8th Street.

A whole universe of video game characters created over the years in Japan have contributed in a very big way to our popular culture. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario to the magical creatures of Pokémon, they populate video games, television shows, movies, comic books, toys . . and, as you can see, even some really fun street art!

Painted utility boxes near the corner of National CIty Boulevard and East 8th Street feature a variety of colorful Japanese video game characters.
Painted utility and transformer boxes near the corner of National CIty Boulevard and East 8th Street feature a variety of colorful Japanese video game characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog of Sega Games has been painted on a utility box in National City.
Sonic the Hedgehog of Sega Games has been painted on a utility box in National City.
Bub and Bob originally from the 1980s Taito video game Bubble Bobble.
Bub and Bob originally from the 1980s Taito video game Bubble Bobble.
Street art depicts Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series.
Street art depicts Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series.
A cute street art rendition of Princess Peach from the Mario video games.
A cute street art rendition of Princess Peach from the Mario video games.
Pikachu sits atop a Pokémon Poké Ball. Fun street art in National City.
Pikachu sits atop a Pokémon Poké Ball. Fun street art in National City.
Okay, the character beneath the Poké Ball looks somehow familiar, but I can't figure this one out. If you know who that is, please leave a comment!
The character beneath the Poké Ball looks somehow familiar, but I can’t figure this one out… Okay, a coworker identified him!  It’s Finn the Human from the animated television show Adventure Time.  Not of Japanese origin, apparently, but he has appeared in video games!
Chocobo from the Final Fantasy video games. Happy street art painted on a utility box.
Chocobo from the Final Fantasy video games. Happy street art painted on a utility box.
Luna from the popular Japanese manga series Sailor Moon. I'm not sure if Luna appeared in any video games.
Luna from the popular Japanese manga series Sailor Moon. I’m not sure if Luna appeared in any video games.
Nintendo's pop culture icon Mario fights Gooper Blooper in this fun, nostalgic street art.
Nintendo’s pop culture icon Mario fights Gooper Blooper in this fun, nostalgic street art.
A green Super Mario Koopa Paratroopa flies over a castle while our leaping hero steps on a Goomba!
A green Super Mario Koopa Paratroopa flies over a castle while our leaping hero steps on a Goomba!
A villainous Rocky Wrench pops out of a hole to attack Mario in this video game street art!
A villainous Rocky Wrench pops out of a hole to attack Mario in this video game street art!
I believe these are various images of enemies from the Mario video game franchise on top of the transformer.
I believe these are various images of enemies from the Mario video game franchise on top of the transformer.
Super Mario Galaxy has our hero capturing Power Stars in Outer Space! More street art in National City!
Super Mario Galaxy has our hero capturing Power Stars in Outer Space! More street art in National City!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Lumberjacks, bicycles and a mysterious tombstone!

Mural depicting three lumberjacks and one enormous tree on the wall of Made Lumber Supply in San Diego.
Mural depicting three lumberjacks and one enormous tree on the wall of Made Lumber Supply in San Diego.

After snapping some photos of this morning’s San Diego River Estuary cleanup (which I’ll blog about tonight), I decided to take a short stroll through a small part of the city that I’ve never thoroughly explored: the few blocks around Sherman Street, near Morena Boulevard.

When I ride to work on the trolley’s Green Line, I often gaze out at a mural of lumberjacks near the old location of the San Diego Humane Society. This morning, as I investigated the mural and surrounding area, look what else I discovered!

Underneath the trolley bridge over Friars Road. Images of animals used to be on the side of this building, Perhaps they were removed when the San Diego Humane Society moved to Gaines Street.
Underneath the trolley bridge over Friars Road. Images of animals used to be on the side of this building, Perhaps they were removed when the San Diego Humane Society moved to nearby Gaines Street.
Another photo of the lumberjack mural, just beyond some real lumber!
Another photo of the lumberjack mural, just beyond some real lumber!
A fourth lumberjack holds a long saw on the side of Made Lumber Supply.
A fourth lumberjack holds a long saw on the side of Made Lumber Supply.
Gigantic ants crawl in a line along the wall of Lloyd Pest Control.
Gigantic ants crawl in a line along the wall of Lloyd Pest Control.
A cool decorative bicycle suspended from a wall. I spotted this at the Reusable Finds resale and repurpose store , near their entrance.
A cool decorative bicycle suspended from a wall. I spotted this at the Reusable Finds resale and repurpose store, near their entrance.
Another rusty bike hanging above a trunk full of flowers.
Another old bike hanging above a trunk full of flowers.
Mural of a fashionable lady on the wall behind the Leatherock leather goods store.
Mural of a fashionable lady on the wall behind the Leatherock leather goods store.
Mysterious wooden tombstone with name of Juan Mendoza, who was shot by Cave Couts in the back with a double-barreled shotgun in Old Town San Diego, February 6, 1865.
Mysterious wooden tombstone with name of Juan Mendoza, who was shot by Cave Couts in the back with a double-barreled shotgun in Old Town San Diego, February 6, 1865.

Look what I stumbled upon at the west end of the old San Diego Humane Society’s parking lot! What appears to be a historic wooden grave marker! Is it real? Why is it here?

You might remember my recent blog post about the Wells Fargo Museum in Old Town. Cave Couts built the wood-frame hotel called the Colorado House in 1851 and became an influential resident of early San Diego. But by some accounts he was a sketchy character. On February 6, 1865 he shot a disgruntled former employee (who worked on one of Cave Couts’ ranches) in the back with a shotgun. This violated the unspoken “Code of the West”. The unfortunate victim who died was Juan Mendoza.

A couple years ago I photographed a cross with Juan Mendoza’s name on it at the El Campo Santo cemetery located in Old Town, and I blogged about that here.

So why is there a mysterious wooden tombstone at this location? This marker doesn’t appear a century and a half old. Was it a prop? Is it a prank? Is Mendoza actually buried here? The spot isn’t far from Old Town.  Perhaps someone knows the full story about this completely unexpected discovery. If you do, leave a comment!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Morning sculpture by Donal Hord near Seaport Village.

The sleepy face of Morning, a black diorite sculpture by internationally renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord.
The sleepy face of Morning, a sculpture by renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord.

Many who walk along the waterfront pause to enjoy a beautiful sculpture near Seaport Village. Morning, sculpted from black diorite by internationally renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord, stands atop a low grassy hill at the edge of Embarcadero Marina Park North. Should curious eyes watching the colorful, sunlit kites flying high above the park descend to Earth, they will fall upon Morning.

Donal Hord sculpted Morning between 1951 and 1956. His works around San Diego include Woman of Tehuantepec, at Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality; Aztec, at San Diego State University; Guardian of Water, in front of the San Diego County Administration Center; and Literature West and Literature East, at the old, now vacant San Diego Central Library on E Street.

As a young man Hord was influenced by what he saw at Balboa Park’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition, particularly the architecture of Bertram Goodhue and the sculptural work of the Piccirilli Brothers. Later in life he was influenced by Scottish sculptor, Archibald Dawson, and Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera.

Morning. Donal Hord, 1902-1966. Presented to the citizens of the State of California by the San Diego Unified Port District. August 1983.
Morning. Donal Hord, 1902-1966. Presented to the citizens of the State of California by the San Diego Unified Port District. August 1983.
The Morning sculpture by Donal Hord stands on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Thousands of people pass it every day as they walk near Seaport Village.
The Morning sculpture by Donal Hord stands on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Thousands of people pass it every day as they walk near Seaport Village.
Morning, sometimes referred to as Morning Statue, shows a man waking, stretching, preparing for another day. At the base are various symbols, including representations of the sun and the moon.
Morning, sometimes referred to as Morning Statue, shows a man waking, stretching, preparing for another day. At the base are various symbols, including representations of the sun and the moon.
Morning was acquired by the Port of San Diego in 1983 and installed on the waterfront. Until then, the sculpture was located at Donal Hord's residence.
Morning was acquired by the Port of San Diego in 1983 and installed on the waterfront. Until then, the sculpture was located at Donal Hord’s residence.
A gull and its sculpted human perch together greet a sunny morning beside San Diego Bay.
A gull and its sculpted human perch together greet a sunny morning beside San Diego Bay.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.