This morning I noticed Conan O’Brien’s name has reappeared on the marquee of San Diego’s Spreckels Theatre. That means Comic-Con can’t be too far away!
Conan O’Brien late-night talk show on TBS is returning to San Diego for 2019, and audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy his wry humor from July 17 to July 20.
With less than two months to go until San Diego Comic-Con, I also noticed a couple of shops in the Gaslamp Quarter seem to be getting ready!
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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!
Today is the 5th Anniversary of San Diego’s wonderful Waterfront Park!
A special event celebrating the anniversary will be held today on the park’s south side lawn from 3 pm to 10 pm. There will be live music, kids activities, food trucks, and a whole lot of family fun!
Waterfront Park remains one of my favorite spots in San Diego. It’s a sunny place where I can sit on a bench to eat or read a book. Fountains splash, people play on the grass, and sails move gracefully in the distance on San Diego Bay.
Five years ago I attended the big grand opening of Waterfront Park and took loads of photographs. To see them, click here!
UPDATE!
I swung by Waterfront Park this evening to experience a little of the anniversary event!
I checked out a couple of information tables and learned about San Diego County Parks and Recreation, and the supportive non-profit San Diego County Parks Society. Both are looking for volunteers!
I saw food trucks, bounce houses, kids running wild through the huge, awesome Waterfront Park playground, and lots of happy people by the splashing fountains and on the grass. I saw a red-tailed hawk, the Pad Squad and the Swinging Friar, and the 80s pop music cover band FlashPants.
Great fun!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
This afternoon I strolled through Old Town and captured photos of the big 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. I began in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, headed south along San Diego Avenue, then turned to make my way back to the State Park.
According to a Park Ranger, Cinco de Mayo is by far the most popular event in Old Town San Diego. I saw many families strolling about enjoying the colorful sights, Mexican food and cultural entertainment.
There was a folklorico competition and lucha libre demonstrations (which I missed), giant puppets, Aztec dancers, kids’ crafts, mariachi music, and authentic Mexican food at every turn. There were many people in traditional Mexican dress and others in period costume from the early days of San Diego. I enjoyed checking out a bunch of sweet lowrider cars and a row of shiny, customized kids’ bikes that were definitely super cool. I paused to visit the donkeys near Seeley Stable, guys hammering red hot iron in the blacksmith shop, a silly street performer with a plunger on his head, and a gentleman in La Casa de Estudillo who was playing frontier games of chance against all comers. As I walked about I even spotted some chalk art.
There was so much to see, I didn’t know where to turn next!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
There was much to see and do at the 36th Annual Encinitas Spring Street Fair!
This morning I rode the Coaster north to Encinitas. It’s the weekend of the big annual Encinitas Spring Street Fair!
Lots of food, art and entertainment could be found along many blocks of South Coast Highway 101. As I slowly walked along, I made a whole bunch of cool discoveries. It seemed I encountered new surprises every few steps!
Several tents featured art that I particularly liked. I also met some interesting people, found out about noteworthy community projects, and learned a tiny bit about the history of Encinitas.
(Click photos that contain information and they will expand for much easier reading.)
People fill several blocks of scenic Highway 101 and enjoy a fine April weekend at the Encinitas Spring Street Fair.One of these artistic surfboards for sale has Encinitas written on it.One of the guys at the City of Encinitas booth had a smile!I spotted a fun map of Encinitas in a shop window. It illustrates many landmarks and local businesses in this awesome beach city.A dog heads over to smell some locally grown flowers.Some sweet treats to eat, and another smile!More yummy food on a grill.The local band Nathan & Jessie provide some sidewalk entertainment. Check out nathanandjessie.comSome silly stuff!Author Scott Sussman was autographing his kids books. His website is octopusinkpress.com. Weird the Beard sounds like several characters I know.Beautiful, translucent Scented Gem Candles in different fantastic shapes could be seen at the Gemtera table.Sea-themed artwork by Marea Baja. Check out mareabajadesigns.comHer sea glass mosaics are created from surf tumbled sea glass collected on the beach!The yellow “Old School Shave Ice” school bus has arrived!Someone walks their bike down Highway 101 past this beach sunset mural by @CloeHakakianEncinitas artist Carla Funk had many fantastic pieces displayed at her table.I LOVE YOU THIS MUCHCarla Funk offers Art Camp in Encinitas, featuring classes in ceramics, painting and drawing. Her website is ArtTilesByCarla.comI spun the prize wheel of North Island Credit Union and won some sunscreen, which I promptly put on my nose.The San Diego County Fair had a table with these free fans. The theme in 2019 is the Wizard of Oz! It’s gonna be OZsome!Think Possible Apparel has unique screen-printed shirts with tiny positive phrases forming cool designs. Check out ThinkPossibleApparel.comOfficers of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department Senior Volunteer Patrol told me they need volunteers. You can serve your community and meet cool friends!I’m greeted by a big smile above a collection of books! Teri is of Top Reads Publishing, found at topreadspublishing.comThese books are by authors around Southern California. If you’re an author or reader, learn more at sandiego.readlocal.orgHere’s some info concerning PWSD, Publishers and Writers of San Diego.These nice folks from @kinndproject sell shirts with a golden message. 10 meals are donated for each item purchased. Visit their website kinndproject.comkindness is goldenA vendor had this fun stuff at their table.Some cool t-shirts.It’s the Welcome Home Soldier Foundation. Help vets and get some salsa at whsfnow.orgThese amazing rope animals were made by an outstanding artist in Thailand named Nong.The Encinitas Lions Club had a table at the Spring Festival.Get a ticket for An American in Paris. Funds raised go toward a program that helps those who are blind learn to surf!Here’s my favorite of the festival. Pixie Village Cottages made from fallen logs by Dennis Patterson. Visit his website pixievillagecottages.comMembers of Team Paradox strike a pose!Team Paradox is a group of local high school students who build robots. They compete with other high school teams around California, the United States and the world!Somebody investigates the fascinating displays at the Encinitas Historical Society’s tent.I’m shown the Encinitas Historical Society’s 1883 Schoolhouse on a shirt. The building overlooks the Pacific Ocean and today houses a museum.A poster details The 25th Annual Encinitas Heritage Tree Contest! The heritage tree was planted in 1952 above Moonlight Beach.These historical photos are of old sites in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, just south of Encinitas.More historical photos of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.Ted White, The Song Peddler brought his cool bicycle piano contraption to the festival! Check out facebook.com/TedWhiteMusic
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Ju Dizz becomes SoCal Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. (Photo courtesy @ju_dizz)
I happen to know the coolest wrestler in Southern California. Our paths usually cross several times a week. His name is Julius Coleman, and he wrestles with SoCal Pro under the name Ju Dizz.
Last weekend, at the completion of a hard fought cage match, fan favorite Ju Dizz lifted the championship belt as SoCal Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion! How cool is that?
Julius is not only a fierce fighter, but he’s a super positive guy and friend to many. As he rises to superstardom, he’ll be a many-time champion with an unstoppable, big heart. He’ll be an inspiring role model for all of his fans.
Ju Dizz is the Black Rose that blossoms through the rubble!
I’ve covered San Diego Comic-Con for many years. Cool San Diego Sights now includes hundreds of cosplay photos that were taken around the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter.
While we impatiently wait three months for 2019 Comic-Con, I thought I’d share 150 of my favorite photographs. These include some of the weirdest, funniest, most jaw-dropping examples of cosplay that my roving camera has happily recorded.
Enjoy!
Adora Belle Dearheart and Moist von LipwigAhmanet of The MummyAlice and Mad HatterAnt-Man and the WaspAquamanAquamanAquaman, Mera and cosplay friendsAssassin’s CreedAzog and a NazgûlAzrael BatmanBatman and BaneBatman looking grimBatman, Robin and evil supervillains ready for a pool partyBaymaxBlack Mage encircled by Supergirl and dancing friendsBlack Widow and Ant-ManBlack Widow, Captain America and smiling friendBombshell BatwomanBumblebee and barbarian friend boarding a trolley in San DiegoCableCaptain America strikes a poseCatwoman and Jane Doe of BlindspotCloud StrifeCobra CommanderConeheadsCyclopsCylon Centurion from Battlestar GalacticaDark Angel OliviaDarth MaulDarth Vader in cool sunglassesDaymanDeadpool takes many forms, including a hot dogDeathstroke and BatgirlDisco Darth VaderDoc BrownDragon Slayer OrnsteinDragon Ball ZElectroElemental Hero AvianFast food superheroesFerengi from Star TrekFire Archangel VelajuelFrog Glenn with Batman and two RobinsFrozoneGame of ThronesGame of ThronesGamoraGarden gnomesGhostbustersGokuGreen ArrowGuardians of the GalaxyGumby and PokeyGurren LagannHarley Quinn and DeathstrokeHarley QuinnHaru of The Cat ReturnsHawkman and HawkgirlHenchman 21Hermione Granger, Daredevil and American MaidHomestuckImmortan JoeJawa from Star WarsJay Garrick version of FlashJudge Dredd and Judge DeathKevin Flynn from TronKevin from UpKlingonsKrieg the PsychoKuato from Total RecallLady SifLEGO CyborgLiliana VessLittle MermaidLoki and ThorLokiLord HaterLovecraftian steampunk Cthulhu-like characterMad HattersMad Max duoMad Max trioMadame VastraMadder Red of BedlamMadoka MagicaMercy and Reaper of OverwatchMing the MercilessMOBA LegendsMouth of SauronMystery Science Theater 3000Nightmare Before ChristmasObi-Wan KenobiOpera Bugs BunnyOrange Vader and friendsPac-ManPepsimanPikachuPoison IvyPost-apocalyptic Super Mario Bros.Professor McGonagall and DumbledoreQuidditch players for the Montrose MagpiesR2-D2RiddlerRobinRocksteady and BebopSalsa PicanteSamurai JackSans from UndertaleSatsuki KiryuinScarecrowSharknado victimsShe-Hulk and RavenShe-Ra has arrived to save the day. Her friend looks like a messed-up Phoenix, but I’m not sure…Sheriff Deputy Rick GrimesSilkSilver SurferSilverwareSnow WhiteSociety For Creative AnachronismSome sort of astronautSora from Kingdom HeartsSpeed Racer and Mario charactersSpiderman and VenomSpiderman driving a pedicab outside San Diego Comic-ConSpockStar Trek BarbeeStar WarsStar-Lord and ThorSteampunk Ghostbuster with proton packSteampunk ladySteampunk version of BatmanSteven UniverseStormSuper ShredderTARDISThe Addams FamilyThe Venture Bros.The Witcher characterThorTransformer in the GaslampTweedledum and TweedledeeUndead zombie running amok inside the San Diego Convention CenterUnknownVenomWALL-E and Cruella de VilWarlock from DestinyWolverineWonder Woman and a Golden Age enemyWonder Woman and MaleficentWonder Woman and Superman
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
In my opinion, the most exciting part of the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park yesterday was the historical sword fighting. A local group called Swords of Chivalry provided a fine demonstration of realistic combat between armored knights during the Middle Ages.
According to their website, the Swords of Chivalry Program is one of only 16 schools in the world that have been selected to the Chivalric Fighting Arts Association. The program is led by “San Diego’s own Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) expert and medieval history guru, Scott Farrell.”
As knights and their squires performed heroic feats upon the green grass of the International Cottages, I and everyone watching were drawn back in time to the fantastic Age of Chivalry.
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Knights in armor engage in mock battle during the House of England’s lawn program.
The House of England in Balboa Park hosted a really great lawn program today!
As I lingered on the grass at the center of the International Cottages, I saw historical costumes, several mock knight battles, a Beatles tribute band, and even a parade of Welsh Corgis! I also stepped into the House of England’s cottage to check out a bunch of cultural displays!
These photos show what I experienced…
The annual House of England lawn program drew a good crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park.A member of the group Swords of Chivalry removes her steel helmet after some mock medieval combat.Other members of Swords of Chivalry have donned historical armor during the House of England’s lawn program.Kids had fun learning about the Age of Chivalry, a time long ago that now seems like pure fantasy.Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter welcome visitors to the House of England’s cottage. Join us for a cup of tea.The House of England’s small cottage is full of interesting photos, artwork and cultural displays.One wall features the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. A nearby poster traces The Royal Lineage.A Briton’s Creed, Big Ben,Winston Churchill and more!I soon spotted a bunch of Harry Potter stuff. It’s the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts!One chart shows how the name Luna has become increasingly popular due to the Harry Potter books and films.It’s all of the Doctors from the popular Doctor Who series!A large display in the cottage is devoted to the British royal family, and Princess Diana in particular.An article about striving to keep Diana’s legacy alive by eliminating landmines around the world. (Click image to enlarge for easy reading.)Look at all the fun, unique teapots!Back outside, the House of England had a food tent up. Delectable treats for sale included Hagrid’s Dragon Eggs!All sorts of tents along the grass. Many contained information about English culture and history.Some attending the cool event wore historical costumes.A parade featuring dozens of cute Corgis caught everyone’s attention.Some guys rode penny-farthings to Balboa Park’s wonderful House of England event.Four gentlemen and their high wheels.This elegant lady had a table that concerned the show Victoria on PBS.Images from 19th century England.Claudia Previn Stasny, daughter of André Previn, sang The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen to begin the program of afternoon entertainment.A happy group of Welsh Corgis hangs out by the stage.The Baja Bugs, a great Beatles tribute band, rocks the House of England’s lawn program.I think I see Ringo at the drums!Battling knights entertain an outdoor audience at the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Approaching the historic Amici House, a cultural center in San Diego’s downtown Little Italy neighborhood.
In downtown San Diego’s beautiful Little Italy neighborhood, tucked among trees between Amici Park and the popular Little Italy Dog Park, one can find a small house that is named for friendship. It’s called Amici House.
A century ago the Amici House was home to the Giacalone family, who lived in Sicily before their arrival in San Diego in 1916. Antonio Giacalone and his wife, Josephine, became an integral part of the local Italian fishing community. Their modest Craftsman style house was originally located a few blocks to the west, near India Street. Last year the structure was moved to its present location at 250 W. Date Street, in order to make room for the new Piazza della Famiglia.
The historic home, now called the Amici House, has become a gathering place for the present-day community. Sheltered by graceful trees, its shady patio is the perfect place to relax, have a drink and chat with friends. Inside the house one can observe museum-like displays and learn about life in Little Italy, which was home to many immigrant fishermen back when San Diego was considered the tuna fishing capital of the world.
The Amici House is operated by The Convivio Society for Italian Humanities, a nonprofit organization that promotes Italian arts, culture and heritage in San Diego. The house with its intimate patio provides a unique venue for concerts and other entertainment. A variety of community activities such as outdoor movie screenings are often enjoyed in nearby Amici Park. The house can also be rented for private events.
I paid a visit on Saturday afternoon and took a few photos.
This grassy area in front of Amici House will soon be a venue for outdoor entertainment, with its own small stage.A group of people exits Amici House. I will be able to explore the place during a quiet moment on a Saturday afternoon.Steps lead up into the small, renovated Craftsman style Amici House.At the bottom of the front steps is a table with books and other gifts. Caffè Convivio offers snacks and a few refreshing things to drink.Chairs and tables in front of Amici House provide a pleasant, shady place to relax on a sunny day.This kinetic fish sculpture is popular with kids.After stepping into the Amici House, I turned around and took a photo of old fishing artifacts above the door.Photo into a large mirror on one wall provides a glimpse of the small museum-like interior.The walls inside the Amici House are full of historical photos and information concerning Little Italy, once center of a thriving tuna fishing industry.Posters, old photos and works of art with an Italian theme appear on all sides. I see Frank Sinatra.This small exhibition of art features work by sports fan and artist Christopher Paluso.Examples of work by accomplished Italian American artist Christopher Paluso.In a wooden cabinet I saw colorful glassware and crafts imported from Italy.Painting of John D’Acquisto, Italian American baseball pitcher who played four years with the San Diego Padres.Little Italy has a rich history, including many generations of families that still thrive in the community today.I’m shown a rendering of a proposed, much larger cultural center that might be built by The Convivio Society in the future.Meanwhile, the Amici House holds (and produces) cherished memories for a lively San Diego neighborhood.
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
A new, permanent concert stage is now being built at Petco Park!
I walked through the Park at the Park today and saw workers erecting the large stage behind the wall-like batter’s eye, where temporary stages have been set up for special events in past years.
A couple mornings ago I walked around Petco Park looking for new banners, graphics and cool stuff in anticipation of the 2019 Padres baseball season. I spoke to a Padres employee who was doing some maintenance, and he indicated that the new stage will be operated by Live Nation, and will be used as a venue for concerts and other fun events throughout the year!
Great idea!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 