Time flies. Hard to believe, but it’s been over five years since I last walked in Chollas Creekside Park. Today I returned and made these discoveries!
At the south end of the main walkway, electrical boxes have been painted with positive messages about nature, life, love and compassion. I also noticed that along the dirt trails on either side of the creek, boulders have been painted with more fun, inspirational art!
I happened to notice this change from across the street, so I hopped on over to investigate. Enjoy my photos.
(To learn more about the Chollas Creekside Park, and see additional photos, check out my past blog post by clicking here.)
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RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust, an exhibit previously shown at the Chula Vista and La Jolla libraries, recently moved into a space on the second floor of San Diego’s downtown Central Library. I visited it yesterday.
The exhibit seeks to teach about the horrors of the Holocaust, how its survivors have persevered, and how we must not forget or allow such unspeakable evil to happen ever again.
RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust has the goal of establishing a permanent museum in San Diego, possibly at Liberty Station. I support this goal whole-heartedly. Visit their website by clicking here.
I noticed during my visit to the Central Library that one display case, near the center of the exhibit, contains emotionally powerful works of ceramic sculpture. I took photos and learned about them.
The artist, Maria Jutasi Coleman, is a San Diegan who survived the Holocaust. For decades she kept painful memories of the genocide she witnessed private. She finally came to a time in her life when she could allow the silenced memories to surface through her art.
That’s her in the next photo.
RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust tells the stories of many Holocaust survivors who’ve lived in San Diego.
Here are some of the ceramic sculptures created by Maria. She states that they are made of dust of the earth, as my beloveds, along with six million other Jews, have since become.
When people, young and old, look at what has emerged from my unconscious, I hope a flag of warning arises that says, “Don’t let this happen again anywhere.”
Sandy Scheller, caretaker of the exhibit, showed me one haunting sculpture with streaks of red in its base. She explained the color comes from a crushed brick taken from Auschwitz.
I urge anyone with a beating heart to visit the exhibit and spread the word about it. Perhaps consider sharing this post, which is much more important than most.
Thank you.
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You can become a real life superhero! Join other superheroes fighting hunger by educating kids with a fun comic book!
I saw the Hunger Action Heroes Unite comic book today on sale in the gift shop of the Comic-Con Museum. The comic book was created by Feeding San Diego to educate young readers about the impacts of hunger and food waste…and to inspire them to be part of the solution!
By purchasing just one comic book (at the museum gift shop or online), you can help provide 14 nutritious meals to people facing hunger. You can also download teacher and parent resources by visiting this website.
People who love the Comic-Con Museum might remember the origin of these Hunger Action Hero characters: Hunger Halter and Demeter were created by students through the Hunger Action Heroes Art Contest. The contest, hosted by Feeding San Diego in collaboration with the Comic-Con Museum, invited students from across San Diego in kindergarten through 12th grade, to submit their vision of a hunger action hero, who helps to end hunger through food rescue. Nearly 300 students submitted their vision of a Hunger Action Hero.
How awesome that a cool idea and contest has grown to become something that truly assists those in need!
As the hunger heroes say, The World Needs You!
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While strolling through the North County Health and Wellness Fair in Oceanside yesterday, I came upon an organization that helps underprivileged kids in North San Diego County. Two nice ladies introduced me to the Assistance League of North Coast!
As their fact sheet explains, the Assistance League of North Coast (ALNC) is one of 95 chapters of the National Assistance League, a nonprofit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through school-based philanthropic programs.
The many volunteers of ALNC serve the youth of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista by providing scholarships, teacher grants and more under the umbrella of Operation School Bell. In the past year they’ve provided elementary students with new shoes and socks, health kits, new clothing, new books, new jackets and blankets, and much more! Last year, 174 volunteers spent 24,266 hours helping kids!
Would you like to help them out? Here’s their website.
Should you find yourself in Oceanside, visit the Assistance League of North Coast’s thrift store, located at 1830 Oceanside Boulevard, Suite A. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm.
Thank you!
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I noticed this poster at the San Diego Central Library today. It announces a very special event coming up on the evening of August 18, 2026. Painting the Town: A Night of Art and Community will take place on the Central Library’s main floor exhibit space.
According to the event website, the evening will be the special opening night celebrating artwork created through the Wellness Program at Father Joe’s Villages, which empowers clients experiencing homelessness through creativity and self-expression. Enjoy inspiring artwork accompanied by live music from the San Diego Symphony.
I encourage you to check out the above link!
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Look who I spotted today picking up trash outside San Diego Comic-Con. Lila and Corey Cleary-Stoner, also known as CleanUp Kitsune!
CleanUp Kitsune combines picking up litter with performance art while wearing full Japanese costume. You’ve quite possibly seen them leading clean ups in Balboa Park. For example, here.
Hello you two! Thank you for all you do! Great to see you again!
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If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!
A mural proclaiming “love joy peace patience kindness” brightens a block in North Park. You can find the painted words on Iowa Street, just north of University Avenue.
The world would be such a better place if we all strived for these positive ideals. A beautiful work of art like this is a perfect reminder.
According to the artist signature I found, the mural was created by @beccakaybeal and Jenna Marie.
Inspiring!
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Everyone was smiling at Goldenpalooza in Golden Hill today, especially those at tables stocked with free healthy food, courtesy of Feeding San Diego!
The cost of living seems higher than ever in San Diego, so keeping food on the table is a struggle for too many residents. Feeding San Diego is there to fill in the gaps (and hungry stomachs).
At the Goldenpalooza community festival, people could fill a bag with potatoes, melons, tuna, low fat milk, and other nutritious essentials.
On behalf of so many in San Diego, thank you!
If you’d like to help Feeding San Diego fulfill their mission, or receive help putting food on your own table, visit their website here.
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Star Wars Book Night was held this evening at the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego!
An epic group of Star Wars cosplayers gathered for this “May the Fourth” event, and it all was for an extremely good cause. Children at the Ronald McDonald House got to take photos with favorite Star Wars characters, grab a bunch of books, and even enjoy stories read aloud by assorted Mandalorians and friends! Grogu was there, too!
The Ronald McDonald House San Diego operates as a home away from home for families of seriously ill children who are being treated at nearby Rady Children’s Hospital.
This super fun charitable event was brought to life by costumed members of the Legacy Cosplay Society, and by the good people of Char Car.
You might remember I blogged about Char Car back during the Holiday Bowl Parade. Dr. Elizabeth and Ron Valles have dedicated themselves to promoting literacy and spreading happiness by distributing and reading books to kids.
Char Car, to acquire books, engages in special fundraisers–for example with the San Diego Gulls hockey team. Here’s their Instagram page if you’d like to learn more and follow them!
Okay! This is what I saw as I arrived at Ronald McDonald House…
Star Wars cosplayers gathered for a very good cause. They stood behind a long table full of books and toys that kids at Ronald McDonald House could take and enjoy!
Lots of super cool Star Wars cosplay by young and old alike!
Dr. Elizabeth Valles (the Grammylorian) and Ron Valles with Char Car helpers. Thank you for being on the compassionate Light Side of The Force and making the world a better place!
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I met Brian Forristal today. (That’s him on the right.) He is the founder of Veteran Sailing, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering and supporting veterans and service members by hosting no-cost sailing events that facilitate mindfulness and connection to nature, strengthen camaraderie and teamwork, and ignite a lifelong passion for the sea and sailing where adventure awaits.
Where did I meet Brian and his smiling sailing comrades? On the tall ship Bill of Rights during today’s America’s Schooner Cup Race off the coast of San Diego! (Photos of the fantastic race coming up tomorrow!)
The Veteran Sailing website is full of information. They offer a therapeutic Discovery Sail for veterans out on the water. Soon they’ll offer mission-oriented sailing, multi-day excursions, sailing retreats, community events like bonfires and barbecues, and our own sailing school.
Let your veteran friends know this great organization exists! Or perhaps help Veteran Sailing out with a nice donation!
Thank you all for your service!
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