Kids learn about archaeology at Arch In The Park, an annual educational event near the Historic Ranch House in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Today I headed to the Historic Ranch House in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve to enjoy the 20th Annual Arch In The Park!
Arch In The Park, hosted by the San Diego County Archaeological Society, is an educational event where curious people of all ages can learn about archaeology in San Diego and the surrounding Southern California region!
I enjoyed looking at many displays and learning about opportunities to intern and volunteer with different organizations. Students talked about what they were learning, and kids got a glimpse of what it’s like to work as an archaeologist. Other exhibits concerned anthropology, our natural environment, and enjoying our local State Parks and National Forests.
After I checked out the various booths near the old adobe Ranch House, I headed to a nearby field where actual excavations could be viewed. Archaeology students from Palomar College told me about what they were doing, how they were doing it, and what they’d discovered!
To read information on the following posters, click my images and they will enlarge.
If you’d like to learn more about the historic Los Peñasquitos Ranch House, click here!
Visitors check out displays by colleges, businesses and organizations concerning the region’s archaeology, anthropology and natural environment.People learn to how to weave baskets, an essential skill of the region’s Native American Kumeyaay people.A poster shows California State Parks Southern Service Center’s various Archaeological Projects 2017-2018.Another California State Parks display shows interns at work sorting and identifying material from excavations in Southern California.This curious dog was more interested in learning about archaeology than that nearby bobcat.A display contains info regarding the Anza Borrego Foundation and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society.Members of the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society can volunteer and become citizen scientists at Anza Borrego, Palomar Mountain and Rancho Cuyamaca State Parks!Rock samples from different geological formations in Penasquitos Canyon.Guinevere, the Merlin Falcon, is an animal ambassador for the San Diego Humane Society. (She had a wing injury and can’t fly properly.)At Red Tail Environmental’s table, kids could create sand art based on a ground painting by Native Americans at Mesa Grande.Chambers Group had an interesting poster concerning fossil mastodons and whales.Kumeyaay artifacts were displayed on the SDSU Department of Anthropology’s table. (If you’re a teacher, it might interest you that they offer free classroom presentations.)Enjoying a sunny San Diego day at Arch In The Park, presented each year by the San Diego County Archaeological Society.The Forest Fire Lookout Association had a cool display of all the Lookouts of Southern California.When smoke is spotted from a fire lookout, this simple device is used. Visually lining up the sighting determines the fire’s direction, or azimuth.Cleveland National Forest had a big display, too. They also love volunteers.Some photos from the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, one of my favorite places.Some artifacts on display created by Native Americans from San Luis Rey. Two of the baskets (near the top of this photo) were made in the 1800s.A friendly student at this table talked to visitors about the California State University San Marcos Anthropology Club.As I headed over to a field where real archaeological digs can be seen, I was passed by people on horseback, enjoying their day at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.Excavations at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve are carried out by students in the Archaeology Program at Palomar College.I learned the Kumeyaay in this region obtained obsidian for projectile points by trading with other native people who lived to the east, by the Salton Sea. Ancient arrowheads and other mysterious objects are sometimes unearthed in this area.A field east of the Los Peñasquitos Ranch House where archaeology students search for clues about the historic and prehistoric past.Walls and drainage structures poke out from the field. Their exact story is a puzzle that will eventually be pieced together.A part of a torn down barn’s foundation has been discovered here. Small, interesting finds are collected by general type in a cupcake pan!Tunneling gophers make reconstructing the past more difficult. They move materials about as they dig.Nearby I saw several devices used for wet screening excavated soil, a process that follows dry screening.Smokey Bear must also be an archaeology enthusiast! I spotted him checking out debris left on the ground in another corner of the field, the area used for dry screening excavated soil!
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Historical exhibit during Archives Month includes an old photograph of the City Clerk’s office in San Diego, circa 1890.
Through the end of October an interesting exhibit can be viewed inside the lobby of the San Diego City Administration Building, in one corner of the City Information Center. A collection of documents and historical objects has been placed on public display, to celebrate the City Clerk’s 2nd Annual Archives Month.
The theme in 2018 is The Framers. The exhibit focuses on the history of San Diego from the 1850s through 1905, a formative period that included multiple city charters and changes in type of government.
Not only can visitors see official city documents from that period, but there are many interesting historical artifacts, including objects that were once commonplace in the lives of San Diego residents.
These photos provide a small sample…
History comes to life in the lobby of the San Diego City Administration Building. The Framers, City Clerk Archives, National Archives Month, October 2018.One document on display is the Charter for the City of San Diego by the Board of Freeholders elected December 5, 1888.Record of Common Council no. 22, May 1, 1905 – October 2, 1905. Typed Minutes.Petitions to the Common Council, 1872-1916. Historical Preservation of San Diego’s History.Old photos and letters concerning the infamous rainmaker Charles Hatfield, engaged in 1915 by San Diego’s city council to fill the Morena Dam Reservoir.Pink and white dress, circa 1900. From the San Diego State University School of Theater, Television, and Film Historical Collection.Exact replica of the Bicentennial Key, 1776-1976, Independence Hall. It was presented by the California Locksmith Association to The City of San Diego.Mexican Coat of Arms. Gift from Sister City Tijuana.Numerous documents and articles recall the history of San Diego city government in the second half of the 19th century.Free Holders Agreement, January 10, 1889 and Letter for Charter to be Published in Newspapers, March 4, 1889.Douglas Gunn Mayor’s Message, November 25, 1889.More documents from the late 19th century provide examples of early council letterhead.
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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!
19th century engraving depicting Count Almaviva and Susanna in Act 3 of The Marriage of Figaro. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
By sheer chance I stumbled upon a very cool event this afternoon. I was walking through the San Diego Central Library’s courtyard when I noticed a sign posted by the entrance to the Neil Morgan Auditorium. It announced that a free lecture was about to begin!
I hurried in, took a seat, and found myself quickly mesmerized by a talk about the San Diego Opera’s upcoming performance of The Marriage of Figaro!
Dr. Ron Shaheen, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Music Department at the University of San Diego, made the fascinating presentation. With the help of photographs, video clips and audio samples, he provided a wide range of information concerning Mozart’s famous opera. Even a complete opera novice like myself could appreciate the beautiful, timeless and amusing qualities of The Marriage of Figaro.
Many in the audience chuckled at the antics of its characters. The story, imbued by Mozart with deep emotional richness, turns upon all-too-common human weaknesses. The Marriage of Figaro is a mixture of crazy schemes, sudden surprises, human desire, selfishness, misunderstanding, love, jealousy, even more silliness . . . and concludes with a poignant scene of forgiveness.
Intrigued? Visit the San Diego Opera website here. The Marriage of Figaro will be performed in the next couple of weeks.
More free lectures in the Opera Insights Series will be coming to the Central Library. You can learn when and where by clicking here.
Dr. Ron Shaheen provides an entertaining lecture concerning The Marriage of Figaro during the San Diego Central Library 2018-2019 Opera Insights Series.Information concerning Mozart, his opera The Marriage of Figaro, and the San Diego Opera’s upcoming performances. (Click the image to enlarge it for easy reading.)Detail from a portrait of Mozart, by Johann Nepomuk della Croce. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
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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!
Beautiful works of art on display at the Glass Show and Sale in Spanish Village.
Glass art never ceases to fascinate me.
Pieces of shining glasswork often appear like gems that have been mined from a place deep in the artist’s heart, then melted, shaped and recrystallized, as if upon a fiery potter’s wheel.
This weekend the Glass Show and Sale is being held on the patio of Balboa Park’s Spanish Village. The twice-a-year event is the production of the Art Glass Guild in Studio 25.
I took some photos today and met a few of the gifted artists.
If you love beautiful things and happen to be in San Diego, head over before the weekend ends!
The first five photographs you see here show glasswork created by Patricia G. Yockey, who also happens to be very nice.
I like how colorful and cheerful these pieces are at one artist’s table.This photo and the next show kilnformed art glass produced by Rick Knight Designs. The tray is made of glass strips that are shifted and fused back together.
These magical lampworked beads are by Cornelia Jarst. They can be used for different types of jewelry and accessories.
Glass pumpkins in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving!The artist told me this amazing glass piece took a long, long time to make.
This cool glass robot and the next two photos are small pieces of hand etched “dichroic glasswear” made by ChrisStell CreativeArts.A fun, colorful face.
These clocks–some made with circuit boards from discarded computers–are the fused glass creations of The Glass Giraffe, Carol Korfin, artist.
Many beautiful works of glass art can be seen and purchased this weekend in Balboa Park at the always wonderful Spanish Village!
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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!
I learned this huge robotic praying mantis that shoots flames from its legs is named Zap!
Another October! Time for another Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park!
Today, after checking out Trolley Dances at Hazard Center, I headed into Balboa Park to simply walk around and absorb the creativity. It’s amazing what human intelligence and imagination can produce! The potential is limitless! Marvelous new inventions keep on coming!
2018 Maker Faire San Diego continues through Sunday. Check it out!
Visitors to Balboa Park look at a map showing the many exhibitors and demonstrations at 2018 Maker Faire San Diego.A big crowd surrounds 30-foot-tall, flame throwing Robot Resurrection during 2018 Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park.These students invented a contraption that can fire multiple Frisbees in rapid succession.Russell the Electric Giraffe is back for another Maker Faire San Diego!Exploring the sensors and capabilities of a cool robotic giraffe!Kids were riding cupcake cars around the Plaza de Balboa during the annual maker event.Other kids have fun controlling robots that move blocks.Karen, of the Southwestern Artists’ Association in Spanish Village, was painting stones out on the patio!Karen’s Rescue Rocks are fun and colorful!Artistic kids were using lapidary equipment inside the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society Museum.This guy on the Spanish Village patio was creating small works of art from onyx.People were testing out virtual reality at the Japanese Friendship Garden during Maker Faire San Diego.Nearby, others were piecing together stuff that was 3D printed.The potted Rootbound Players would play music when their leaves were touched by a finger!People make Kokedama, Japanese traditional moss art! The roots of small plants are bound in living moss!This guy had created some small but very cool working submarines.UCSD students had created an unmanned aerial vehicle for an academic competition.Creative kids were cutting out words and piecing together their stories with Words To Go!This guy was melting glass and forming a beautiful jewelry pendant.Ladies were making crafts inside the House of Sweden at the International Cottages. Perhaps they should have been a part of Maker Faire San Diego!Do You Trust is a sculpture that enfolds visitors and plays an audio recording of poetry concerning trust.This cool minibike is made of odd objects, like a vegetable strainer, radio tuner, cereal bowl and umbrella. It’s called the Time Machine.Alastair, The Great Fairy Tinkerer hangs out in front of the future Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.A small human meets friendly Know Mann – Giant Robot Puppet!
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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!
Audience looks down as a dancer portrays a homeless person during the first stage of 2018 Trolley Dances at Hazard Center.
This morning I watched the first dance of the 2018 Trolley Dances at Hazard Center shopping mall. This unique annual event is a production of the San Diego Dance Theater.
Arriving early, I stood a couple of floors above the outdoor performance, and let my eyes wander about as I took in the entire scene.
The first dance portrayed the homeless. As the invisible curtain rose, dancers, who sat alone among their scant possessions, rose and converged in a dizzy, tragic performance.
Two male dancers tussled over a shopping cart, but that seemed to be the extent of their malice. The twisting dance showed troubled souls coming together, having a moment of hope and happiness, raising each other up before departing to go their separate ways.
After the first dance ended, I followed the mobile audience as they were led west down the nearby San Diego River Trail to the next outdoor stage. Chairs were set up short of the place where Highway 163 crosses Mission Valley.
I continued walking. What I saw thereafter wasn’t part of the program.
As the audience gathers on the south side of the Hazard Center shopping mall, one performer appears be homeless, sitting alone.The gathered audience awaits the first outdoor dance of 2018 Trolley Dances.The performance begins, and another dancer rushes onto the stage.Dancers converge in front of the audience. The raw, disturbing dance portrays the lives of different people who are homeless.Dancers move about fluidly, showing a variety of emotions, including pain, loss, uncertainty, anger, hopelessness.A shopping cart is a focal prop. Seen from above, it is empty.Performers tussle briefly over the shopping cart, while a nearby couple dances.The dancers spread out and face the audience.The dancers move together, as if suddenly animated by a unifying energy.One dancer is raised up by the others.
The dancers finally exit the stage, struggling up sets of stairs at Hazard Center.They return to take their bow. There is great applause.The dancers collapse and lie on the concrete.This performance is over.The audience will be led across the street and on to the next nearby dance location, on the path by the San Diego River.What the audience did not see. An empty drug baggie at the bottom of some stairs behind Hazard Center. Very few people use these particular stairs.The audience heads west along the San Diego Trolley tracks.The mobile Trolley Dances audience is guided through a short stretch of Mission Valley along the San Diego River toward the next unique stage.Empty chairs and graffiti on a construction wall await at the next Trolley Dances stage.That is as far down the path the audience would venture.Had they proceeded farther, they would have reached a place where many homeless gather and take shelter–in shadowy places beneath Highway 163.
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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!
Arthur Putnam’s sculpture The Padre on Presidio Hill.
If one considers San Diego’s founding to have occurred in 1769, the year both Mission San Diego de Alcalá and the El Presidio Reál de San Diego were established on Presidio Hill, then 2019 will be our city’s 250th Anniversary!
That’s no small thing! One would suppose that huge celebrations are being planned!
Well, when I perform an internet search, I can find no plans for celebrations mentioned, apart from Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá’s announced church events, and a Founders’ Day Festival in Old Town.
It’s hard to believe, but I find almost no discussion of the city’s upcoming 250 year anniversary.
Unfortunately, as many of you might remember, the occasion of Balboa Park’s Centennial in 2015 was not celebrated with the fanfare that would have been appropriate.
I do hope that behind the scenes serious plans are being made for the appropriate celebration of San Diego’s 250th birthday! Or that plans will be made!
Just a thought from a silly blogger who loves San Diego!
UPDATE!
The City of San Diego has placed a huge 250th Anniversary banner on a sail of Star of India. You can see photos here!
UPDATE!
The City of San Diego has created a website dedicated to its 250th Anniversary. It lists several events that commemorate this special year. Visit the website here!
UPDATE!
In May, 2019, I noticed San Diego 250 banners have appeared along streets all over downtown!
UPDATE!
On July 1, 2019, a gigantic 250th anniversary banner appeared on the County Administration Building.
It celebrates the fact that San Diego was California’s first port and first city! I posted several photos of the banner here!
Today is Free Ride Day in San Diego! San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District are providing a fun, free ride to anyone riding the trolley, bus, Coaster or Sprinter!
And as an extra added bonus, lots of smiles are included!
Ready for combat, warriors file through the 16th Annual Viking Festival in Vista, California.
Today I headed up to Vista to enjoy the 16th Annual Viking Festival, which is being held this weekend in and around Norway Hall.
This very popular festival features everything Norse, including costumes, crafts, cultural demonstrations, live music on two stages, and a wide variety of spirited competitions. There’s a Viking Beard Competition, a Viking Horn Blowing contest, a Kids Fish Fling, a Guardians of Midgard Chest Game, and an epic All Weapons Tournament. Although I didn’t stay to watch, I learned that Saturday evening concludes with spectacular flaming axe throwing!
I arrived shortly after the gate opened, then wandered about taking it all in before the festival became extremely crowded.
Here come a bunch of photos!
The Vista Viking Festival continues on Sunday. If you’re in the area, you might want to head on over yourself! If you don’t care for big crowds, come early!
The very popular Vista Viking Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.I was given a hearty welcome by these noble members of The Norwegian Fish Club, who meet in Vista’s Norway Hall and put on the festival.The Norwegian Fish Club serves as a forum for persons attached to Norway, its history or mythology. Officers and various members dress in Viking attire!Shortly after I entered the Viking Festival, I spotted this rather unusual longship!It appears I’ve entered Vikings territory!In addition to crafts and artwork, some of the vendors sell swords, axes and other weapons used by fierce Norsemen long ago.A basket full of plastic two-horned Viking helmets.Norway Hall in Vista is where locals gather to share unique culture and history from old Scandinavia.Food and entertainment are plentiful at the Annual Viking Festival.I hadn’t realized that Vikings ate hot dogs!The festival’s Northern Territory is where the Viking clans camp. Demonstrations and reenactments can be enjoyed by curious visitors.These folk show what life might have been like in parts of northern Europe during the Viking Age.A lady at work making Viking crafts.This friendly Viking gent welcomed me to his camp. Various groups actually camp in the park-like setting around Norway Hall during the weekend of the festival.Signs explained different aspects of Norse mythology, including Valhalla, a great hall in Asgard, where fallen heroes assemble and are ruled over by Odin.The singing group Damekor performs on the Loke Stage during the Viking Festival.Hair braiding could be observed everywhere. I was told the length of a Viking’s hair was often representative of their social status. Long, elaborate braids would be “sewn together” and tended by servants.Every sort of Viking armor, costume and dress could be found throughout the festival.One vendor was showing these very cool stained glass dragons.Another vendor had magic runes for sale.Another had a big inventory of very colorful mugs.These funny bearded mugs resemble thirsty Viking warriors!A metalsmith was at work in the festival’s Northern Territory.So was a woodcarver. This guy was fashioning a Viking bowl, or skål, based on actual archaeological findings.More armor and weaponry that might have been used by marauding Norsemen.Bread was being baked in two large outdoor earthen ovens.Visitors to the Viking Festival can purchase fresh bread, crumpets, scones and other goodies.This funny fellow was guarding a Staff Only festival entry.I believe this guy was making collectible Viking charms by pouring molten metal into small molds.One vendor had all sorts of fantastic, glittering figurines on display. I see a couple of dragons perched on geodes.Visitors to the 16th Annual Viking Festival in Vista walk through the Southern Territory.A Viking combat demonstration had just ended, and some festival visitors were talking to one of the participants.I enjoyed viewing an ongoing blacksmith demonstration at Odin’s Forge.Kids pose in a Viking longship for a fun photo.At the Weapons Range, visitors to the Viking Festival try their hand at archery, spear and axe throwing.Aiming for the dragon!And there’s a large beer garden, too. Cheers!
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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!
Someone watching the Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championship on San Diego Bay points to a competitor skimming across the water!
This afternoon I headed down to Embarcadero Marina Park South to watch the 2018 Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championship! What an exciting sport! Even with my little camera, I managed to get these fun photos!
Swoop Freestyle is a relatively new extreme sport. Competitors skydive, parachute toward the ground with increasing speed, then swoop right above the ground–in this case the blue water–while performing a variety of poses and tricks. The daring athletes swoop at speeds up to 90 mph! Successfully landing on the floating (and slippery) platform is one of the keys to a high score.
I was told this is only the second World Championship event–the first was in Copenhagen–and that this thrilling professional sport is still in its infancy. I can definitely see how it could blow up and become something really big!
I lingered for perhaps an hour and watched much of the First Round action. I’m no expert when it comes to Swoop Freestyle so you’ll have to please forgive my obvious lack of knowledge. I did see dramatic crashes, wild, careening maneuvers, Superman swoops, and some amazing, absolutely miraculous landings atop the floating platform!
Technically brilliant swoops and perfect landings raised a loud cheer from the enthusiastic crowd!
Take a look at these photos and you’ll get an idea of what the event was like…
Here comes another competitor. Helicopters took parachutists high above the water, and the crowd shielded their eyes from the sun to see them descending.Vying for the World Championship of Swoop Freestyle, this competitor approaches the floating platform, just off Embarcadero Marina Park South.One of the athletes is cheered by the crowd after making their dramatic swoop!A banner at the event shows the weekend schedule. The amazing Masters of the Sky wowed lots of excited Swoop Freestyle fans.I was told Swoop Freestyle athletes came from 13 separate countries to vie for the World Championship.Testing a parachute in a section of the park where Swoop Freestyle contestants prepared and boarded a helicopter.Lots of fans in attendance had a special interest in skydiving. They came to watch this unique sporting event from far and wide.Some people were enjoying a VIP section.Here comes another canopy. In mere seconds there will be another daring swoop!Members of a Rescue Team were out on the water, but during the time I watched, they weren’t needed.Crash! This competitor let everyone know he was okay right away.Here comes another swooper!Flying with feet skimming the water’s surface, approaching the floating platform. I don’t recall the result of this swoop.Will this swooper make it to the platform? Some contestants, unfortunately, miscalculated and came up short.More great Swoop Freestyle action out on San Diego Bay.Sometimes two swoopers would come in simultaneously. There was a lot of exciting, intense drama!After sitting on a hard rock for a long time, I wandered around to stretch my legs. Here’s the entrance to the VIP section.Several sponsors and vendors had booths around the park, including Skydive San Diego.Here come a couple of paragliders doing a demonstration during a break in the Swoop Freestyle competition.Paragliding slowly toward the platform. I always enjoy watching paragliders soar along the cliffs above the beach at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.The live music guys were taking a break when I walked by, but did a rocker pose for my camera!There was a fun demonstration by two daredevil water jetpack guys.Entertaining the crowd!Flying through the air without a parachute!Now that really looks like Superman! Where’s the cape?Three guys demonstrated zooming through the San Diego sky in wingsuits. They looked to me like flying squirrels. Unfortunately, I got my photo after their chutes deployed.Here they come. Splash.A couple helicopters were flying back and forth across the bay during much of the event. The Swoop Freestyle competition is about to resume.Here comes one swooper. This competitor angled in really close to the crowd.Flying inches from the water.Here comes another. As you can see, it was a typically perfect San Diego day for the event.Swooping on in. I think this contestant was too far from the platform and came up short.Here comes another Swoop Freestyler. Nice form!A perfect landing! This guy received a high score and with his performance became a contender for world champion.Excitement at a great athletic achievement!Some fans were waving a national flag for one of the Swoop Freestyle international athletes.As the crowd watched the action, behind the scenes the athletes were preparing parachutes and getting ready for their competitive jump.A huge tent contained lots of parachutes. I’m not sure if these were drying out, awaiting use, or what.Will this be the next World Champion of Swoop Freestyle?Heading off in a helicopter to take another flying swoop.Here’s a distant action photo into the sun from a spot near the Hilton, behind the San Diego Convention Center.Didn’t quite make it onto the platform! Close but no cigar!But he still gave me a smile and thumbs up!Excitement is nonstop at the 2018 Swoop Freestyle World Championship!
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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!
Cool San Diego Sights! 