Tag: city life

Creative trashcan art adds fun to Hillcrest streets.

Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.
Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.

In the past couple years, most of the trashcans lining the streets of Hillcrest have been colorfully painted by local artists. During a recent walk, I passed quite a few of these street art trashcans and took some photos. Many of these fun creations were seen along University Avenue, between Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard.

Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego's Hillcrest community.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego’s Hillcrest community.
A purple mask-like face that's difficult to miss!
A purple mask-like face that’s very difficult to miss!
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
Masks and confetti represent the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
Masks and confetti reflect the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
Here's an urban rooster.
Here’s an urban rooster.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds even more life to the city.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds life to the city.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Female face with Pharoah mask was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.
Female face with a Pharoah headdress was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.

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More welcome rain has begun on Cortez Hill!

More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!
More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!

A large storm cell is passing through downtown this morning!

Rain is such a rare and beautiful thing in San Diego I had to jump outside with my camera for a couple quick pics! At the time, a few drops had just begun to fall.

Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on sidewalk in Tweet Street park.
Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on the sidewalk in Tweet Street park.

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Plaza de Panama’s new tables, benches, umbrellas!

Colorful umbrellas, chairs, benches, more tables, planters and even a patch of green have been added to the Plaza de Panama.
Colorful umbrellas, chairs, tables, planters and even a patch of green have been added to the Plaza de Panama.

Improvements were recently unveiled in the heart of Balboa Park, San Diego’s crown jewel and cultural center. The historic Plaza de Panama is now a gathering place containing many tables with colorful chairs and umbrellas, planters brimming with green, and art-splashed benches. A once semi-barren public square has become a truly comfortable gathering place for both locals and visitors to America’s Finest City!

In June 2013, the first wave of improvements set in motion by Mayor Filner removed unsightly parking from the Plaza de Panama. Some tables and chairs were added, but a large area between the beautiful fountain and the San Diego Museum of Art remained empty. Three weeks ago, under Mayor Faulconer, additional amenities appeared. Personally, I love the scattered reds and blues of the umbrellas, a color scheme which I find very tasteful. Plaza de Panama is now a suitably dynamic and welcoming outdoor public space.

A few days ago I got some pics!

People mix with red and blue umbrellas in the big square in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Someone walks between red and blue umbrellas that have sprouted in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Bicyclist and tourists on a rented quadracycle head through the beautified Plaza de Panama.
A bicyclist and tourists on a rented quadracycle head through the beautified Plaza de Panama.
This cool new art bench on the east side of the plaza includes an image from Balboa Park.
This cool new art bench on the east side of the plaza includes an image from Balboa Park.
You can now sit on sunshine!
You can now sit on sunshine!
Many trees, shrubs and succulents have been added to the once semi-barren area.
Many trees, shrubs and succulents have been added to the once semi-barren area.
Photo of House of Hospitality rising behind more colorful umbrellas. I love it!
Photo of House of Hospitality rising behind colorful umbrellas. I love it!
Just walking along with the dog.
Just walking along with the dog.
The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is a place to talk, read, enjoy, eat, relax.
The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is a place to talk, read, enjoy, eat, relax.

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Cool sights from a walk down Seventh Avenue.

Several faces line the bottom of a closed shop window.
Several faces line the bottom of a downtown window.

Yesterday morning I walked south on Seventh Avenue through a thin slice of downtown San Diego. I began at the tippy top of Cortez Hill and ended near Petco Park. Looking about for random cool sights, just swinging my camera right or left, I took a few pics…

Classic figures in a frieze on a building at the corner of Seventh and C Street. The cool Computer Museum of America used to be here.
Classic figures in a frieze on a building at the corner of Seventh and C Street. The cool Computer Museum of America used to be here.
View of the iconic America's Finest City mural from a spot on Seventh Avenue.
View of the iconic America’s Finest City mural from a spot on Seventh Avenue.
Happy reveler painted at the corner of Seventh and E Street.
Happy reveler painted at the corner of Seventh and E Street.
More cool street art on some boxes at Seventh and F Street.
More cool street art on some boxes at Seventh and F Street.
Fun utility box artwork seen during a walk down Seventh Avenue in downtown San Diego.
Fun utility box street art photographed during a morning walk through downtown San Diego.
The images might be weathered, but the playful spirit remains strong.
The images might be weathered, but the playful spirit remains strong.
Gigantic eye stares out window at me as I continue to walk south down Seventh Avenue.
Gigantic eye stares out of one window at me as I continue to walk south down Seventh Avenue.
The Clermont/Coast Hotel, built in 1887, is a Black Historic Site. During the days of racial segregation, is was one of the largest colored hotels in downtown San Diego.
The Clermont/Coast Hotel, built in 1887, is a Black Historic Site. During the days of racial segregation, is was one of the largest “colored” hotels in downtown San Diego.
Seventh Avenue has turned into Tony Gwynn Drive. With the new Padres baseball season, brand new graphics have appeared on the sign behind Petco Park’s big videoboard.
Seventh Avenue has turned into Tony Gwynn Drive. With the new Padres baseball season, brand new graphics have appeared on the sign behind Petco Park’s big videoboard.
Poster inside Omni Hotel window looks forward to San Diego's 2016 All-Star Game.
Poster inside Omni Hotel window looks forward to San Diego’s 2016 All-Star Game.
Sweeping the front of Lucky's Lunch Counter early one weekday morning.
Sweeping the front of Lucky’s Lunch Counter early one weekday morning.

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Photos of Horton Plaza Park construction progress.

View of nearby park construction from an upper level of downtown's Horton Plaza mall.
Photo of park construction from an upper level of downtown’s Horton Plaza shopping mall.

Today at sunrise it was already warm outside, so I began my walk extra early. Because it’s a simple thing to catch a trolley at any station downtown, I had plenty of time to get to work.

For no particular reason my legs pulled me past the Horton Plaza Park construction site. Work there appears to be full steam ahead!

I blogged about the early stages of the renovation and the park’s important place in San Diego history many months ago. Now the envisioned improvements are physically taking form.

Artwork on the construction fence right next to the Horton Plaza shopping mall shows how this enlarged city park will eventually appear. According to Todd Gloria, a San Diego City Councilmember, “When it is completed, it will be the new heart of our city, the central point, and a gathering place for San Diegans to come together to celebrate.”

Conceptual artwork on the construction site fence. This image shows a San Diego Comic-Con event taking place downtown at the future Horton Plaza Park.
Conceptual artwork on the construction site fence. This image shows a San Diego Comic-Con event taking place downtown at the future Horton Plaza Park.
Zooming in, I spot several superheroes!
Zooming in, I spot several superheroes!
Another bit of art on the temporary surrounding fence shows a Fourth of July celebration in the finished park.
Another bit of art on the temporary surrounding fence shows a Fourth of July celebration in the finished park.
A good wide view of construction underway. This public space will be a major addition to downtown San Diego.
A good wide view of construction progress. This functional public space will be a major addition to downtown San Diego.
The corner of a large plaza that will be used for concerts and special events.
The corner of a large plaza that will be used for concerts and special events.
Early morning light touches the Balboa Theatre and a section of the Horton Plaza mall in the background.
Early morning sunlight on the Balboa Theatre and a section of the Horton Plaza mall in the background.
A fantastic area in downtown San Diego is about to become even more amazing!
A fantastic area in downtown San Diego is about to become even more amazing!

UPDATE!

Here’s a pic I took in late June 2015…

Photo of Horton Park construction taken in late June 2015.
Photo of Horton Plaza Park construction taken in late June 2015.

And another two months later…

Photo of Horton Plaza Park construction in late August 2015.
Photo of Horton Plaza Park construction in late August 2015.

And another in early October…

Horton Plaza Park is making great progress by the beginning of October 2015.
Horton Plaza Park is making great progress by the beginning of October 2015.

And two more pics from mid-November…

Construction workers prepare the new, expanded Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego.
Construction workers prepare the new, expanded Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego.
Historic fountain in Horton Plaza Park being renovated in November 2015.
Historic fountain in Horton Plaza Park being renovated in November 2015.

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A few pics of the elegant John D. Spreckels Building.

Looking up through the elegant building entrance at the lobby's ceiling.
Looking up through the elegant building entrance at the lobby’s ceiling.

The John D. Spreckels Building (not to be confused with the Spreckels Theater Building also located on Broadway) is a cool sight that is definitely worth a few photographs. When it was completed in 1924, the stately 14-story building was the tallest in San Diego. Today, according to an article I read, there are plans to convert it into apartments.

Built by sugar heir, entrepreneur and philanthropist John D. Spreckels, the historic building is one of only a few old high-rises that grace San Diego. The building isn’t terribly distinctive or flashy, but it certainly is monumental. Simple lines give it a feeling of grandeur and permanence. The small entrance, to my eye, is uncommonly elegant.

Front of the John D. Spreckels Building as seen from across Broadway.
Front of the John D. Spreckels Building as seen from across Broadway.
Pointing my camera upward for a cool photo.
Pointing my camera upward for a cool photo.
Beautiful ornamental artwork at the door of 625 Broadway in San Diego.
Beautiful ornamental artwork at the door of 625 Broadway in San Diego.
Elegant old clock mounted on corner of the John D. Spreckels Building.
Elegant old clock mounted on corner of the John D. Spreckels Building.
This classy historic high-rise adds unique flavor to a shiny modern city.
This classy historic high-rise adds unique flavor to a shiny modern city.

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A flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail.

A tiny barn in a fun garden between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.
A tiny barn and rabbits in a narrow garden, located between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.

I recently walked through Bankers Hill, a historic neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. During my small adventure I got a few interesting photos on and around Olive Street. Like the sights in any city, they form a mixture. Here’s a flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail!

Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 on Olive Street by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
A few unusual features foretold the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
A few unusual features anticipated the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as some might have seen on KUSI News' Turko Report.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as you might have seen on KUSI News’ Turko Files.
Large medical office building on Fifth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished. I saw a doctor here many years ago!
Huge medical office building between Fifth and Sixth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished.
Cool art on wall of residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.
Cool art hangs on residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.

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Morning birds at the Children’s Park fountain.

Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children's Park fountain.
Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children’s Park fountain.

You might enjoy these fun photos.

Occasionally I walk past the Children’s Park fountain in the early morning, on my way to catch a downtown trolley for work. Even though the fountain is usually off (because of our long drought), birds like to hang out in the fountain’s man-made pond. It’s a sanctuary in the city where birds can easily scavenge human food.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, which runs parallel to Harbor Drive, passes right over the pond, and when I pause on the path camera in hand, I’m usually rewarded.

These shots were taken shortly after sunrise…

The Children's Park was the city of San Diego's gift to kids in 1995.
The Children’s Park was the city of San Diego’s gift to kids in 1995.
The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.
The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.
There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.
There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.
A gull floats over to see if I have food. I'm standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.
A gull floats over to see if I have food. I’m standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.
These three ducks are just cruising around the Children's Park fountain.
These three ducks are just cruising around the Children’s Park fountain.
Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley's electrical wires.
Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley’s electrical wires.
Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.
Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.
A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.
A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.
Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.
Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.

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Chefs flood the streets of downtown San Diego!

Chef carries a frying pan outside on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.
A friendly chef carries a huge frying pan outside on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.

Chefs have taken to the streets of downtown San Diego! They can be seen almost everywhere! Cooks on every corner–but where’s my breakfast?

Chef in restaurant window happily flings some pizza dough into the air.
Chef at restaurant window happily stirs the sauce and flings some pizza dough into the air.
Cook on Sixth Avenue proudly shows his chalkboard menu.
Culinary artist on Sixth Avenue proudly made a chalkboard menu.
Chef tosses a mosaic pizza at base of artistic Little Italy Landmark Sign.
Chef tosses a mosaic pizza at base of the artistic Little Italy Landmark Sign.
This smiling chef has prepared a tasty slice of pizza!
Another smiling chef has prepared a tasty slice of pizza!
This Kansas City Barbeque pig is a Top Gun chef. I bet he likes to ham it up.
This Kansas City Barbeque pig is a Top Gun chef. I bet he likes to ham it up.

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Fun photos of colorful art on Little Italy’s streets.

Colorful tiles around base of Piazza Villaggio fountain in Little Italy.
Colorful tiles around base of Piazza Villaggio fountain in Little Italy.

I frequently walk through Little Italy, a lively neighborhood in the north part of downtown San Diego. Here are some photos of fun, colorful artwork that I’ve taken from the sidewalk during the last few months!

Unusual creation hangs from roof of a building in San Diego's Little Italy.
Unusual creation hangs from roof of a building in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Fun image on wall of The Good Sounds car stereo installation shop.
Fun image on wall of The Good Sounds car stereo installation shop.
Eye-catching clock atop tower on a street corner.
Eye-catching clock atop tower on a street corner.
Lots of whimsical art can be found on Queenstown Public House restaurant.
Lots of whimsical art on the Queenstown Public House restaurant.
Painted tiles add zest to a wall by a sidewalk.
Painted tiles add zest to a wall by a sidewalk.
Base of Little Italy Landmark Sign shows fish netted in the ocean.
Base of Little Italy Landmark Sign shows fish netted in the ocean.
Two cherubs adorn gate pillars on India Street.
Two cherubs adorn gate pillars on India Street.
Just a fun mailbox with hearts, flower and palm tree.
Just a fun mailbox with hearts, flower and palm tree.
Medallion-like artwork on wall above the Italian Cultural Center sign.
Medallion-like artwork on wall above the Italian Cultural Center sign.
Metal fish sculpture seems to leap from Piazza Villaggio fountain.
Metal fish sculpture seems to leap from Piazza Villaggio fountain.

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