Tag: downtown

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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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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Summer anticipated on San Diego’s Embarcadero!

Kickoff to Summer at the Waterfront Park! I see someone enjoying a summertime treat.
Kickoff to Summer at the Waterfront Park!

Summer must almost be here! I saw it on the above sign!

I also noticed lots of happy San Diegans enjoying a sunny day at the big waterfront park that surrounds the County Administration Building. Maybe the families had gathered because today, by sheer coincidence, was Mother’s Day. Seems likely!

Can you believe this popular park is already one year old? I still vividly remember the two ugly old parking lots it replaced! San Diego’s Embarcadero has become much, much more beautiful during the 15 years I’ve lived downtown.

Families just chill and have fun in the San Diego sunshine.
Families just chill and have fun in the San Diego sunshine.
It looks like a bunch of kids were put in huge hamster balls.
It looks like a bunch of kids were put in huge hamster balls.
This guy is testing his balance on some sort of board simulator.
This guy is testing his balance on some sort of board simulator.
Kids play on the grass by a flag that flies above the San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial.
Kids play on the grass by a flag that flies above the San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial.
I'm approaching a special Mom Zone. Today is Mother's Day!
I’m approaching a special Mom Zone. Today is Mother’s Day!
Free 5 minute massages for moms! That tent seemed the most popular!
Free 5 minute massages for moms! That tent seemed the most popular!

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Fun sculptures debut at San Diego waterfront park!

Children delight in a fun work of art unveiled today on San Diego's beautiful waterfront!
Children delight in a fun work of art unveiled today on San Diego’s beautiful waterfront!

Three super fun sculptures made their debut this morning on San Diego’s waterfront! They’re located in the wonderful, huge one-year-old park that surrounds the County Administration Building. Created by world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the pieces are on long term loan from the Niki Charitable Art Foundation to the County of San Diego.

Niki de Saint Phalle, born in France in 1930, loved San Diego and adopted it as her own. Several of her imaginative works can be seen around the city. In the past I’ve blogged about a few of her pieces. Here and here.

As someone said during today’s opening ceremony, Niki would love the idea of children romping on her playful sculptures. She believed that art should not be segregated from everyday life. Public art was very important to Niki.

San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts introduces those responsible for some great new public art.
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts introduces those responsible for the installation of great new public art.
Ron Roberts and the great granddaughter of renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle reveal a sculpture titled 19 Baseball Player.
Ron Roberts and the great granddaughter of renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle reveal a sculpture titled #19 Baseball Player.
It's Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre! The sculpture was unveiled the day after Tony would've turned 55 years old.
It’s Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre! The sculpture was unveiled the day after Tony would’ve turned 55 years old.
San Diego's beloved baseball legend Tony Gwynn holds a bat and faces a very large pitching mound (with slides)!
San Diego’s beloved baseball legend Tony Gwynn holds a bat and faces a very large pitching mound (with fun slides)!
Another very cool sculpture draws a crowd for its public debut at the San Diego County Administration Center.
Another very cool sculpture draws a crowd during its public debut at the San Diego County Administration Center.
Niki de Saint Phalle's 1999 Cat is made of fiberglass, resin, steel armature, ceramic tiles, tumbled stones, stained and mirrored glass.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s 1999 Cat is made of fiberglass, resin, steel armature, ceramic tiles, tumbled stones, stained and mirrored glass.
Kids play on a newly installed fat hollow Cat. The interactive sculpture sits next to the playground in San Diego's super cool, one-year-old waterfront park!
Kids play on a newly installed fat hollow Cat. The interactive sculpture sits next to the playground in San Diego’s super popular, one-year-old waterfront park!
Look at this! It's the colorful Serpent Tree! Rising like a huge multi-headed Hydra on the north side of the park, it's hard to miss!
Look at this! It’s the colorful Serpent Tree! Rising like a huge multi-headed Hydra on the north side of the park, it’s hard to miss!
Another fun addition to San Diego's already awesome Embarcadero. Lots of people are certain to enjoy these fantastic sculptures!
Another fun addition to San Diego’s already awesome Embarcadero. Lots of people will enjoy these fantastic sculptures!

UPDATE!

I was walking past Waterfront Park in 2018 when I suddenly noticed the cat sculpture had been replaced with a seal! When I spoke to a security guy, he said someone fell madly in love with Cat and purchased it!

Here are photos of the fun replacement sculpture, Large Seal (element of Seals), 1999…

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Don’t Believe the Hype painted on Horton Plaza!

A shopper standing on the asphalt braces against a Horton Plaza parking lot wall. Others have climbed up onto her shoulders.
A shopper standing on the asphalt braces against a Horton Plaza parking lot wall. Others have climbed up onto her shoulders.
People mount higher and higher like circus performers, trying to get a glimpse over the wall. Something wonderful must await on the other side!
People mount higher and higher like circus performers, trying to get a glimpse over the wall. Something wonderful must await on the other side!
This stack of humanity is beginning to resemble the Tower of Babel. I hope they don't fall!
This stack of humanity is beginning to resemble the Tower of Babel. I hope they don’t fall!
Don't believe the hype! That's some mighty tall street art!
Don’t believe the hype! That’s some mighty tall street art!

This impressive street art is visible on the south side of the Horton Plaza shopping mall, on G Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. It was painted in 2010 by Brazilian graffiti artists Os Gemeos, which is Portuguese for The Twins. The artists, who were breakdancers before they started painting graffiti almost 30 years ago, have become quite a sensation! The project was sponsored and promoted by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. But should we believe the hype?

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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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2015 Padres player banners near Petco Park.

27 Matt Kemp LF
27 Matt Kemp RF

A new baseball season is about to begin! There’s fresh hope this year in San Diego, because the Padres have loaded up with outstanding talent. The promise of a greatly improved offense and solid pitching are grounds for great optimism.

This morning I walked through East Village past Petco Park and took photos of cool banners hanging from street lamps near the stadium. The banner graphics include many high profile Padres players. I was in a hurry to catch the trolley, so I probably missed a few…

38 Tyson Ross SP
38 Tyson Ross SP
4 Wil Myers RF
4 Wil Myers CF
3 Derek Norris C
3 Derek Norris C
33 James Shields SP
33 James Shields SP
9 Jedd Gyorko 2B
9 Jedd Gyorko 2B
53 Joaquin Benoit RP
53 Joaquin Benoit RP
10 Justin Upton LF
10 Justin Upton LF
34 Andrew Cashner SP
34 Andrew Cashner SP

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Kite, hot dog, balloon, ice cream cone and cow.

A kite is flying above the grassy park near Seaport Village. Another typical day.
A kite is flying above the grassy Embarcadero Marina Park North near Seaport Village. Just another typical day.

I looked through a bunch of old photos on my hard drive recently and found some fun random pics of Seaport Village. Here they are!

Seaport Village is a tourist destination on San Diego Bay that many locals love.
Seaport Village is a tourist destination on San Diego Bay that many locals also enjoy.
People walk near the Marriott Marina on the sun-drenched Embarcadero.
People walk near the Marriott Marina on the sun-drenched Embarcadero.
One of the fountains of Seaport Village, a favorite San Diego attraction.
One of the fountains at Seaport Village, a popular San Diego attraction.
Colorful, playful buildings contain specialty shops and places to eat.
Colorful, playful buildings contain specialty shops and places to eat.
Scrumptious hot dogs and more at the popular food court!
Scrumptious hot dogs are easy to find at the food court!
Carefree, easy fun at every turn. These guys are by the Seaport Village carousel.
Carefree, simple fun at every turn. These guys are by the Seaport Village carousel.
Surrounded by a multitude of delights, some people look at cell phones.
Surrounded by a multitude of delights, some people look at cell phones.
These people are living! Laughing with arms high and licking ice cream!
These people are living! Laughing with arms high and licking ice cream!
A cow rests in the shade. It's been a busy day!
A cow rests in the shade. It’s been a busy day!

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International Day of Happiness in San Diego!

Hugging rather than shaking hands.
Hugging rather than shaking hands.

Today is the International Day of Happiness! Happy thoughts and deeds were underway in downtown San Diego this morning, just outside Horton Plaza. I swung on by to check things out!

International Day of Happiness in San Diego at Horton Plaza.
International Day of Happiness in San Diego at Horton Plaza.
Early morning vows of how people will make the world a more happy place.
Early morning vows of how people will make the world a more happy place.
Smiling at my kids more.
Smiling at my kids more.
Smiling and saying hi to everyone I pass by today.
Smiling and saying hi to everyone I pass by today.
Sharing my lunch with someone less fortunate.
Sharing my lunch with someone less fortunate.
Being a good father and role model.
Being a good father and role model.
Help make the world a happier place!
Help make the world a happier place!

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