Tag: culture

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 The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!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 The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!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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Cool photos of fun, funky Ocean Beach Street Fair!

Cool skateboard bench by the 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival on Newport Avenue.
Cool skateboard bench by the 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival on Newport Avenue.

Late this morning I spent a little time at one of the coolest summer events in Southern California!

The 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival was being held along Newport Avenue, drawing a huge crowd from all around San Diego. Many consider OB their favorite beach community. Once you see these photos, you might understand why!

A masked street performer shakes hands with a kid on a scooter. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier stretches in the background.
A masked street performer shakes hands with a kid on a scooter. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier stretches in the background.
San Diegans and Obetians check out a street vendor selling colorful t-shirts.
San Diegans and Obetians check out a street vendor selling colorful t-shirts.
Fun, unusual art all over the place. Lots to see at this legendary summer street festival in a laid-back, funky Southern California beach community.
Fun, unusual art all over the place. Lots to see at this legendary summer street festival in a laid-back, funky Southern California beach community.
Creative people had cool stuff on display and for sale in the Artists' Alley.
Creative people had cool stuff on display and for sale in the Artists’ Alley.
Kids were invited to express themselves with pottery, painting and chalk art.
Kids were invited to express themselves with pottery, painting and chalk art.
Young artists use their imaginations as they work behind a utility box decorated with parrots in Ocean Beach.
Young artists use their imaginations as they work behind a utility box decorated with parrots in Ocean Beach.
Public art mural on one wall depicts the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.
Public art mural on one wall depicts the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.
Just a typical scene from this awesome street festival.
Just a typical scene from this awesome street festival.
Someone checks out large works of colorful art in OB.
Someone checks out large works of colorful art in OB.
One booth had all sorts of awesome, unique decorative surfboards!
One booth had all sorts of awesome, unique decorative surfboards!
And, of course, food was everywhere!
And, of course, food was everywhere!
Ocean Beach is the scene of many different happy lifestyles and diverse, life-affirming interests.
Ocean Beach is the scene of many different happy lifestyles and diverse, life-affirming interests.
It wasn't even lunchtime and some folks were already chowing down.
It wasn’t even lunchtime and some folks were ready to chow down.
If these cookies don't make you drool, nothing will!
If these cookies don’t make you drool, nothing will!
All sorts of cool surf shops line Newport Avenue, where the festival was held.
All sorts of cool surf shops line Newport Avenue, where the festival was held.
Rock and Roll San Diego was teaching kids how to play drums, electric guitar and more!
Rock and Roll San Diego was teaching kids how to play drums, electric guitar and more!
A young man is training to be a rock superstar!
A young man is training to be a rock superstar!
Street musicians in OB next to a storefront on a summer day.
Street musicians in OB next to a storefront on a summer day.
Young and old were practicing maintaining balance on a board that mimics surfing.
Young and old were practicing maintaining balance on a board that simulates surfing.
Yeah, another photo of food getting ready...
Yeah, another photo of food getting ready…
Ocean Beach is jam-packed with amazing urban art, almost anywhere you walk!
Ocean Beach is jam-packed with amazing urban art, almost anywhere you walk!
People were just getting started with the community mural project!
People were just getting started with the community mural project!
Anyone could participate in painting a small square in this large mural!
Anyone could participate in painting a small square in this large mural!
Another street mural on a wall above a station where people could park their bikes.
Another street mural on a wall above a station where people could park their bikes.
Surfboards on top, cool decals plastered around. Let's walk past the Hodadmobile and check out something amazing...
Surfboards on top, cool decals plastered around. Let’s walk past the Hodadmobile and check out something amazing…
Burgers are famous at Hodad's, and so is the skateboarding demonstration beside their restaurant.
Burgers are famous at Hodad’s, and so is the skateboarding demonstration beside their restaurant.
Skater catches huge air as he performs trick from a ramp, wowing everybody watching!
Skater catches huge air as he performs trick from a ramp, wowing everybody watching!
Lots of skilled skateboarders were taking turns on this small half-pipe.
Lots of skilled skateboarders were taking turns on this small half-pipe.
Oh, man--lots of very cool action!
Oh, man–lots of very cool action!
Legendary Hodad's had a burger-eating competition!
Legendary Hodad’s had a burger-eating competition!
Some guys walking along near porta-potties by the beer garden.
Some guys walking along near porta-potties by the beer garden.
Guy chills with a Starbucks by funky sculptures on Newport Avenue near the beach. He's listening to a really great concert.
Guy chills with a Starbucks by funky sculptures on Newport Avenue near the beach. He’s listening to a really great concert.
The local band Markland performs on the Main Stage at the 2015 Ocean Beach Street Fair.
The local band Markland performs on the Main Stage at the 2015 Ocean Beach Street Fair.
Justin Markland peers at me over drums while Randy Jones entertains the Ocean Beach crowd with irrepressible vocal and physical energy.
Justin Markland peers at me over drums while Randy Jones entertains the Ocean Beach crowd with irrepressible vocal and physical energy.
Just a pic to provide some flavor of what I saw this morning.
Just a pic to provide some flavor of what I saw this morning.
Surfers come up across the beach while a guy relaxes on the sea wall.
Surfers come up across the beach while a guy relaxes on the sea wall.
People walk behind the Main Stage along the beach, toward the Ocean Beach lifeguard station. An overcast day with a few sprinkles, but it didn't matter!
People walk behind the Main Stage along the beach, toward the Ocean Beach lifeguard station. An overcast day with a few sprinkles, but it didn’t matter!
People buy tickets to sample special concoctions at the famous chili contest!
People buy tickets to sample special concoctions at the famous chili contest!
This tent featured one of the chili cook-off contestant teams.
This tent featured one of the chili cook-off contestant teams.
Stirring and scooping from one big pot of hot chili!
Stirring and scooping from one big pot of hot chili!
Unfortunately, this poor dog can't participate without a ticket. And it seems like he knows it.
Unfortunately, this poor dog can’t participate without a ticket. And it seems like he knows it.
Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don't mind that it's served from a toilet!
Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don’t mind that it’s served from a toilet!

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Fun photos of Make Music Day San Diego!

Young kids learn how to become cool DJs at Make Music Day San Diego.
Young kids learn how to become cool DJs at Make Music Day San Diego.

One more blog post this weekend about Balboa Park! Today was Make Music Day San Diego, which was held throughout our huge urban park! Music filled the air everywhere I walked!

2015 is the first year San Diego has taken part in this unique worldwide event. Countless people in more than 700 cities participated! The public was encouraged to bring instruments to Balboa Park and make music, and many instruments were given away, including 100 harmonicas. A big parade of harmonica players was one part of the event I unfortunately missed, as well as a Mass Appeal guitar jam. There was just not enough time, and too much to see in Balboa Park–and to hear!

Anyway, here are some fun pics that provide a bit of the atmosphere. This blog, alas, doesn’t feature sound.

San Diego's first ever Make Music Day was held in Balboa Park this Sunday.
San Diego’s first ever Make Music Day was held in Balboa Park this Sunday.
Friends of Balboa Park helped to organize the musical event, which encourages public participation.
Friends of Balboa Park helped to organize the musical event, which encourages public participation.
Some lucky person won this guitar today!
Some lucky person won this guitar!
The public, street musicians and special Make Music Day event performers all contributed to a giant concert throughout Balboa Park.
The public, street musicians and special Make Music Day event performers all contributed to a giant concert throughout Balboa Park.
Numerous musicians were up and down El Prado, playing their hearts out.
Numerous musicians were up and down El Prado, playing their hearts out.
This gent was playing a cool sax in the shade.
This gent was playing a cool sax in the shade.
Live Music Today included Flamenco in Spanish Village, which I already blogged about!
Live Music Today included Flamenco in Spanish Village, which I already blogged about!
The avant-garde band Swarmius was setting up in the Zoro Garden among butterflies. Their half electronic, half instrumental music borrows from every conceivable musical style.
The avant-garde band Swarmius was setting up in the Zoro Garden among butterflies. Their half electronic, half instrumental music borrows from every conceivable musical style.
Radio Pulso del Barrio, an internet station out of Barrio Logan, was teaching one and all how to be a DJ for the day!
Radio Pulso del Barrio, an internet station out of Barrio Logan, was teaching one and all how to be a DJ for the day!
Music was heard no matter where you walked!
Music was heard no matter where you walked!
Poster by Spreckels Organ Pavilion lists summer musical performances for Twilight in the Park, Centennial Celebration 1915-2015. Click to enlarge.
Poster by Spreckels Organ Pavilion lists summer musical performances for Twilight in the Park, Centennial Celebration 1915-2015. (Click to enlarge.)
Sweden had their lawn program at the International Cottages today.
By the way, Sweden had their lawn program at the International Cottages today.
I missed the maypole dance, but got a photo of the flower-bedecked pole!
I missed the festive maypole dance, but got a photo of the flower-bedecked pole!
Beautiful singing was heard from the stage at the International Cottages, as the House of Sweden also provided musical entertainment during Make Music Day!
Beautiful singing was heard from the stage at the International Cottages, as the House of Sweden also provided musical entertainment during Make Music Day!

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Artists paint live Flamenco dancing in Spanish Village!

Guitar music propels Flamenco dancers in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Guitar music propels Flamenco dancers in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.

This afternoon I enjoyed watching some amazing Flamenco dancing. Balboa Park’s colorful Spanish Village, the home to many artist studios, hosted the special event. As beautifully dressed lady Flamenco dancers performed for the public, local artists at easels painted away!

Flamenco dancing is fiery, stately and proud. Each dance and dancer glowed with unabashed human emotion. The audience learned a little about the nature of this Spanish folk dance, but I was so mesmerized I failed to jot down many notes. I remember that one dance was said to represent defiant joy, another a representation of pure, carefree womanhood.

The public was invited to watch local artists painting a performance by the La Paloma Flamenco Dance Company.
The public was invited to watch local San Diego artists painting a performance by the La Paloma Flamenco Dance Company.
Crowd shouts and claps as the whirling ladies move their limbs and tap feet with graceful, fluid, precise abandon.
Crowd shouts and claps as the whirling ladies move their limbs and tap feet with graceful, fluid, joyful abandon.
The energetic Spanish folk dancing causes colorful fabric to fly and twirl like a gauzy dream.
The energetic Spanish folk dancing causes colorful fabric to fly and twirl like a gauzy dream.
A range of powerful human emotion is transmitted to the audience during each fantastic Flamenco dance.
A range of powerful human emotion is transmitted to the audience during each fantastic Flamenco dance.
A carefully watching artist has made a few sketches during the performance in Spanish Village.
A carefully watching artist has made a few sketches during the performance in Spanish Village.
I don't know how an artist can begin to capture the dynamism and detail of the colorful, kinetic dance!
I don’t know how an artist can begin to capture the dynamism and detail of the colorful, kinetic dance!
A local artist from Spanish Village in Balboa Park streaks color across a canvas. A skilled hand and eye produces the same bold living essence expressed by the dance.
A local artist from Spanish Village in Balboa Park streaks color across a canvas. A skilled hand and eye produces the same bold living essence expressed by the dance.

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Philippine American Celebration in Balboa Park!

Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

I saw a variety of cool sights during my morning walk today. While soaking up some San Diego sunshine, I checked out this weekend’s Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. The annual Filipino cultural event is bigger and better than ever!

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the setting for many top notch performances, including a concert tonight by American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez! The festival also enlivens the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, with lots of art, history, food and fun.

I learned that the House of the Philippines has received the green light to build their own cottage in Balboa Park. I’ll be sure to follow that project’s progress on my blog!

House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego's rich history.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego’s rich, diverse history.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children's book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children’s book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.

Marie Zhivago is a super nice person who is also an author and cartoonist. I enjoyed talking with her and learning new stuff! Please check out her website!

Numerous informative displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
Numerous interesting displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
Another cool poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Another poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Kids check out some fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Kids check out fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Many Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park's historic centennial with a great event.
Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park’s historic centennial with this great event.

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Early photos of San Diego’s big Greek Festival.

Classic images of Greeks and ancient Greece are sprinkled about the festival.
Classic images of Greeks and ancient Greece are sprinkled about the festival venue.

I enjoyed a wonderful long walk this morning. But it seems my poor old brain forgot some important information. Because when I arrived at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church at 3655 Park Boulevard, I learned that San Diego’s big annual Greek Festival wouldn’t begin for over an hour!

I was allowed to walk about the area behind the church where the festival takes place and snap a few photos. Folks were setting up tents and preparing food. All the people I spoke to were very friendly. According to one, this annual festival is about 40 years old! The three day event features Greek food, music and dancing, and draws thousands from around San Diego. It will be open until 10pm tonight, and again tomorrow from 11am to 8pm.

My legs wanted to continue walking, so here are some photos of morning preparations…

Each year a Greek Festival is held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Each year a big Greek Festival is held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
An hour before the event opens, preparations are being made for coming crowds.
An hour before the event opens, preparations are being made for coming crowds.
Flags, decorations and colorful wares are a feast for the senses outside St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Flags, decorations and colorful wares are a feast for the senses outside St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Orthodox religious icons displayed by one tent include familiar Christian symbols.
Orthodox religious icons displayed by one tent include familiar Christian symbols.
Icons of Mary and infant Jesus appear as if they're gilded in the San Diego morning sunshine.
Icons of Mary and infant Jesus appear as if they’re gilded in the San Diego morning sunshine.
Looking up at the church from the parking lot behind it, where the festival is held each year.
Looking up at the church from the parking lot behind it, where the festival is held each year.
Lots of people will be following the arrow to Greek coffee and pastries.
Lots of people will be following the arrow to Greek coffee and pastries.
One fun area contains tables, umbrellas and eventually yummy food. Unfortunately, I was much too early!
One fun area contains tables, umbrellas and eventually yummy food. Unfortunately, I was much too early!
Pita bread is stacked up waiting at one end of this Greek Deli tent.
Pita bread is stacked up waiting at one end of this Greek Deli tent.
An ancient scene seems to have sprung from the pages of the Iliad. Are those Greek warriors stirring up some Nescafé?
An ancient scene seems to have sprung from the pages of the Iliad. Are those Greek warriors stirring up some Nescafé?

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Photos of cool sculptures at Liberty Station.

Mother by Robert Michael Jones appears complex and incomplete. According to the artist, his unusual sculptures represent ongoing life stories.
Mother by Robert Michael Jones appears complex and incomplete. According to the artist, his unusual sculptures represent ongoing life stories.

I still have a bunch of photos to share from my long walk around Liberty Station several weeks ago!

Check out these cool sculptures! I stumbled upon them while wandering about the North Promenade area of the old Naval Training Center San Diego. NTC Liberty Station, with its rich history, unique architecture, many museums and fun public art, is a great place to absorb a whole lot of culture and beauty.

Runner by Robert Michael Jones with strange muscle, bone and energy. Three pieces by this artist stand in front of NTC Liberty Station's Barracks 14.
Runner by Robert Michael Jones with strange muscle, bone and energy. Three pieces by this artist stand in front of NTC Liberty Station’s Barracks 14.
Close up photo of Ascend by Robert Michael Jones. His works seem like frayed, ancient images of human struggle from mythology.
Close up photo of Ascend by Robert Michael Jones. His works seem like frayed, ancient images of human struggle from mythology.
Archimage by Jeffery Laudenslager, whose sculptures often use odd geometry to boggle the mind. This piece, near the Dance Place, won an Orchid award in 1999.
Fuji San by Jeffery Laudenslager, whose sculptures often use odd geometry to boggle the mind.
Sol Searching by Alber De Matteis was part of an Urban Tree exhibition on San Diego's Embarcadero. It's now situated on Truxton Road south of the Dance Place building.
Sol Searching by Alber De Matteis was part of an Urban Trees exhibition on San Diego’s Embarcadero. It’s now situated on Truxton Road south of the Dance Place building.
Archangel by famed Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles. It's located between two converted barracks at the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Archangel by famed Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles. It’s located by Barracks 16 at the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Sisterhood by Ashley Gardner stands next to the Women's Museum of California.
Sisterhood sculpture by Mary Buckman stands next to the Women’s Museum of California.
Two life-size sisters greet visitors who wander about Point Loma's art-filled Liberty Station.
Two life-size sisters greet visitors who wander about Point Loma’s art-filled Liberty Station.

UPDATE!  Here are two more photos that I took on a sunnier day:

Archangel, kinetic artwork by Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles.
Archangel, kinetic artwork by Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles.
Light shines on Sisterhood terracotta sculpture, by artist Mary Buckman.
Light shines on Sisterhood terracotta sculpture, by artist Mary Buckman.

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Some pics of Balboa Park restoration in progress.

Two fountains near the reflecting pool, at either end of the Botanical Building, have fallen into disrepair.
Two fountains near the reflecting pool, at either end of the Botanical Building, have fallen into disrepair.

This year Balboa Park is celebrating its centennial. A hundred years ago, for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, many event structures were created out of plaster, with the idea that they would be temporary. But San Diego fell in love with the park as it was and changed its mind. It would be a shame to lose so much beauty. Today much of Balboa Park, after many years of maintenance and restoration, is like a glowing vision preserved from San Diego’s past. But time marches on. And more work always needs to be done.

During a quick walk this afternoon through Balboa Park, I paused to look at some construction that is underway near the monumental El Cid statue, at the south edge of the Plaza de Panama. A friendly guy who was working there told me a little bit about three current restoration projects.

Here are my pics! Please read the captions, where I provide some more information.

Funds for many Centennial restorations and improvements have been provided by the Friends of Balboa Park.
Funds for many Centennial restorations and improvements have been provided by the Friends of Balboa Park.
Plaque recalls how the second identical plaster fountain (next to the Timken Museum of Art) was restored back in 1965 by The Thursday Club.
Plaque recalls how a second identical fountain (next to the Timken Museum of Art) was restored back in 1965 by The Thursday Club.
The passage of time has been unkind to the impish faces on two fun Balboa Park fountains.
The passage of time has been unkind to the impish faces on two fun Balboa Park fountains.
One of two guardhouses on either side of El Prado, at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge.
One of two guardhouses on either side of El Prado, at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge.
The stately guardhouses are being repaired this summer. The plaster ornamentation on top is in bad shape.
The stately guardhouses are being repaired this summer. The plaster ornamentation on top is in bad shape.
A close look at the plaster artwork at the top of one guardhouse's tile roof. The hundred year old material has crumbled.
A close up photo of the plaster finial at the apex of one tile roof. The hundred year old material has crumbled.
The decorative finial has already been removed from the second guardhouse, and is being reconstructed.
The decorative finial has already been removed from the second guardhouse, and is being reconstructed.
Guy working on restoring the balustrade next to the El Cid statue. The walkway will now be ADA accessible.
Guy working on restoring the balustrade next to the El Cid statue. The walkway will soon be ADA accessible.
The old wooden balustrade is being replaced with modern material that should last much longer. Hopefully another hundred years!
The old wooden balustrade is being replaced with modern material that should last much longer. Hopefully another hundred years!
This hard-working guy at the balustrade construction site was nice enough to talk to me and smile for the camera!
This hard-working guy at the balustrade construction site was nice enough to talk to me and smile for the camera!

UPDATE!

During a walk in mid-September, I noted the balustrade is completely finished, and so are the two fountains! They look awesome–like new!

Both fountains--on either side of the Botanical Building--have been beautifully restored!
Both fountains–on either side of the Botanical Building–have been beautifully restored!

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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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Photos of Old Town’s folklorico dance competition!

Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town's Robinson-Rose House.
Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town’s Robinson-Rose House.

I didn’t catch the names of the dance groups competing today. But I did get some fun photos! The sixth annual Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Competition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was full of energy and color. In past years, the State Park has also been crowded with vendors during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. But not this year. All the commercial vendors were outside the park, along San Diego Avenue, and I believe this was a great idea. The center of historic Old Town is a representation of what life was like in San Diego in the 1800s. Its emphasis today on the authentic baile folklórico competition, which attracted talented troupes from throughout California, and a whole lot of spectators, seemed just right!

How good was the dancing? The participants were motivated to go full tilt with a first place prize of one thousand dollars! The dancers were evaluated by several renowned Mexican judges. It was fantastic!

Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.
Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.
A competing dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town's historic plaza.
A dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town’s grassy central plaza.
Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the big San Diego event!
Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the cool San Diego event!
A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.
A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.
With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.
With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.
Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.
Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.
These guys are full of stomp and vigor and so is the crowd!
These stomping guys are full of vigor and so is the crowd!
Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.
Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.
Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers' heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.
Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers’ heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.
Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the big crowd.
Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the cheering crowd.
Another sensational performance!
Another sensational performance!
These were the first place winners!
These were the first place winners!

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