Cool people search under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier for litter. I love a clean San Diego!
This morning I headed to the OB pier to take a bunch of photos. Some of them might end up being used in a book about the piers of California! (I’ll blog more about that later as events unfold.)
I was pleasantly surprised to see my visit to Ocean Beach happened to coincide with the Ocean Beach Pier Cleanup Day, which is organized by San Diego Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation. I took some pics of awesome volunteers combing the sand for all sorts of nasty litter. Once again, I learned cigarette butts are a huge problem. One small team I spoke to collected literally hundreds of them from the beach.
Do you live in San Diego? Let’s help to keep our city clean and beautiful!
Many residents of Ocean Beach help to keep their community clean, collecting trash that damages the coastal environment.These guys using a metal detector were sifting the sand for precious treasure! In their own way, I suppose, they were helping to keep the beach clean, too!Plastic bags fill up with garbage as volunteers make Ocean Beach that more beautiful and inviting.These friendly volunteers found over 300 cigarette butts. Yikes. If only some people could be a little more thoughtful…Collected trash is recorded at the San Diego Coastkeeper station not far from the OB pier.Volunteers search the beach near the OB pier for litter during a cleanup day.
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Dancing to traditional Kumeyaay Bird Songs in Balboa Park during the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow.
A special event is going on this weekend in Balboa Park. The American Indian Health Center Pow Wow is taking place near the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way.
I enjoyed the first hour of the pow wow, watching and listening to the performance of Bird Songs by members of the Kumeyaay Nation. These very powerful ancient songs live on today, but other similar songs from the past have been lost to time.
Other events at the pow wow include gourd dancing and fancy shawl dancing. Tents around the venue feature all sorts of Native American crafts, food, art and cultural information. If you’re in San Diego, swing on by! The public is welcome!
Gourd rattles are an important and powerful part of Kumeyaay Bird Songs. Traditionally, a musical sound has also been produced with a stick rubbed against a rough basket.A large drum awaits on the grass as the Native American Pow Wow in San Diego has just begun.Miss Kumeyaay Nation was very gracious to pose for a photograph.I swung by the pow wow during its first hour. Many additional participants were arriving and setting up.Many who’d arrived for the pow wow were already in colorful ceremonial costumes. The earlier rain had ceased and people were relaxing, enjoying friendship, spirit-filled music and another beautiful day.Someone proudly wears an American Indian Warriors Association emblem.Photo taken as the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow in Balboa Park is just getting started.Getting ready for a busy day of dance, song, spirituality, and honoring local Native American culture and history.Working on beautiful ceremonial objects to be worn or displayed during a life-filled pow wow in San Diego.
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The historic 1915 Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park has regained the title of largest outdoor pipe organ in the world!
There’s a special concert going on right now in San Diego, celebrating the breaking of a world record. The Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park, after a drive to 5000 pipes, has regained the title of largest outdoor pipe organ in the world! (For several years, the Heroes’ Organ at Kufstein Fortress in Austria held the record.)
Here are some photos from about an hour before the celebration concert. Congrats to the Spreckels Organ Society for their fine achievement!
Before the celebration concert, a photographer gets ready and organ enthusiasts have a special dinner in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.A special program! Taking the Title: The Celebration Concert for the World’s Largest Outdoor Pipe Organ. Sponsored by Point Loma Nazarene University.Friendly Spreckels Organ Society volunteer confirms that Balboa Park’s amazing outdoor organ has regained the world record with 5017 pipes!Spreckels Organ Society tent welcomes new members at the very special event.Getting the famous Spreckels Organ ready. San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams looks on.A crowd slowly gathers. About an hour to go before the evening concert!The House of Scotland Pipe Band will take part in a grand procession into the Spreckels Organ Pavilion as the evening concert begins. They wear the official San Diego tartan!I paused to listen for a few minutes as concert organist Dr. Carol Williams and singer Diane Alexander, a soprano, practiced. It was beautiful music. Congratulations to the world-record Spreckels Organ!
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Performers in medieval chain mail and shining breastplate armor pose inside the main entrance of the San Diego Central Library downtown!
Check out a few pics of a certifiably cool event I witnessed at noon today! There was a pop-up performance of the St. Crispin’s Day speech from Shakespeare’s play Henry V! Complete with medieval costumes and shining armor!
The short performance honored the birthday (and death day) of Shakespeare, and was put on in the Central Library’s lobby as part of the San Diego Public Library’s First Folio multi-month extravaganza. Shakespeare’s rousing fictional speech by King Henry V–meant to inspire his English army in 1415 before the Battle of Agincourt, where he faced a vastly larger French army–was recited at several libraries around San Diego.
The enthusiastic performers were all great! And super friendly! I spoke to them and learned about their love for the Age of Chivalry. They make their own armor and other items associated with medieval life. They are deeply interested in the history of the Middle Ages and learning how to craft objects with historical authenticity. According to their website, Chivalry Today, they offer a variety of presentations, workshops and activities to introduce chivalry into your education, business and life. They provide quality historical interpretive programs for schools studying Medieval and Renaissance history. Click on the above link to check these guys out!
(If I may provide some constructive criticism of the library, which I otherwise love. I arrived early because I wasn’t sure where exactly in downtown’s large Central Library the performance would take place. I asked five different library employees. Not one of them knew. One severe lady at the reference desk after searching for about five minutes on her computer told me there was no such event. Ouch. Worse, it appeared I was the only person to intentionally show up for the performance. The others in the small audience arrived after an announcement over the library public address system. Isn’t a library essentially about maximizing communication? Hello! We live in the age of the internet! Okay, my rant is over. I love you guys.)
Reciting Shakespeare’s rousing speech by King Henry V, urging his English army to bravely fight the French at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.At the end of the short pop-up performance, banners are raised by the small troupe in the lobby of the San Diego Central Library.Henry V inspires his troops in the Age of Chivalry, while historical commentary is provided in a modern library. The performance was part of an ongoing summer-long First Folio celebration of Shakespeare.
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Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.
Chargers football fans hold huge bolts for a photograph!
Here are a bunch of photos from today’s Chargers petition drive event in downtown San Diego. Our NFL team is seeking to have a new stadium built downtown, and a petition has been launched to put their proposal on the November ballot. The event brought several popular players and dignitaries to the spot where the proposed stadium would be built, and signature gatherers circulated among Chargers fans.
I had planned to check out a pop-up Shakespeare performance at the nearby Central Library at noon (I’ll blog about that shortly), but when I saw this rally was planned for eleven o’clock, I added it to my list of things to do! Personally, I enjoy watching the Chargers play on television on Sunday, but am not really a diehard fan. I agree it would be a shame to see them leave San Diego. They are a part of our history and community. I’m not especially passionate about any particular stadium proposal–either Mission Valley or downtown. As a downtown resident, a new football stadium nearby (which would also be used in conjunction with the San Diego Convention Center) would bring a lot of excitement into the neighborhood. It might also create certain inconveniences.
Today’s big Chargers petition drive kickoff intrigued me, not because I’m an advocate for any side, but because I’ve become more and more philosophical as I’ve grown older. It’s interesting to simply observe human behavior.
Lots of diehard Chargers fans were on hand Saturday for a big signature gathering kickoff sponsored by the San Diego Chargers organization, in their quest for a downtown stadium.People arriving at the San Diego Chargers downtown stadium petition drive event are asked to add their signatures.Petitions were being signed on the sidewalk along Park Boulevard, where many homeless people camp in San Diego.Someone in the gathering crowd holds a Vote for Chargers Stadium sign.One of several stations where people attending the event could sign the Chargers’ downtown stadium petition.A videoboard showed various conceptual drawings of what the proposed downtown stadium would look like. It could also be used for conventions.Camera people get ready for the heavily promoted event to begin.A fan in a Chargers team jersey holds a poster that says Thank You 21. That was LaDainian Tomlinson’s number.A fairly large crowd has gathered in the parking lot near Petco Park where Padres fans often tailgate. The proposed stadium would be built here.A fan brought a football. Perhaps he was hoping for an autograph.Footage of LaDainian Tomlinson’s football exploits was a big crowd pleaser.Television news cameras and media photographers jam together to capture the Chargers’ downtown stadium petition publicity event. It seems everyone has a role to play.Dean Spanos, team president and CEO of the National Football League’s San Diego Chargers team takes the stage. Pre-made signs intended to shame Mayor Kevin Faulconer rise in unison.Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League, advocates for a new football stadium downtown.LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the best running backs in NFL history, flew in from Texas for the event. He was clearly the crowd favorite and received loud cheers.Philip Rivers, star quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, got the crowd excited during the petition event.Several super fans take part in a “ceremonial first signing” on stage with the various dignitaries.A blast of glitter and raised pom-poms from smiling San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders as the rousing event comes to a conclusion.After the event is over, someone holds up a cardboard Not Downtown poster. There are various interests on either side of the issue. Many people are passionate for one reason or another. And of course a lot of money is at stake.
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Use your words to speak in a kind way. Help others as you go throughout your day…
If you didn’t have a chance to visit the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park today, here are some photos that might inspire you. I walked through and met many smiling people, all of whom are working unselfishly to make this world a better place.
The fair, put on by The Worldview Project, is all about people from different cultures coming together for mutual understanding, increased tolerance, education and peace. It’s about positive people working to create a better, more happy world. I just strolled through casually, talking to some exhibitors and learning a little, taking a picture here and there. Perhaps you’ll see something that makes you want to explore further. Click the photos to enlarge them, if you’d like to read a poster or bit of information!
People in San Diego’s Balboa Park have gathered to learn how to make the world a better place. Many non-profits were represented at an annual fair put on by The Worldview Project.Some of the values highlighted at the Kids For Peace table. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.Nice ladies from the United Nations Association of the USA, San Diego Chapter, smile for a roving blogger’s camera!A few musical instruments from around the world were on display at this table.The Center for World Music promotes awareness, skills and knowledge of the rich performing arts traditions of the world in San Diego area schools.The San Diego Asian Film Festival is coming up! It runs April 28 to May 5 at the UltraStar movie theater in Hazard Center.These friendly folks are representing the German American Societies, who host El Cajon’s authentic Oktoberfest!More nice people! These guys tried without success to get me to dance. Sorry! The Cabrillo International Folk Dancers meet at the Balboa Park Club.CRY America has a hopeful vision of the world, where all children, everywhere, have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams.Survivors of Torture International. Sometimes we might forget how horrible life for some in this world can be, and the unspeakable suffering they experience.One way to help Survivors of Torture International is to enroll in a free community program when you shop at Ralph’s. Please read this poster for more info.Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County needs you! Operation Bigs seeks civilian, retired and active military adult volunteers to serve military children.Map of San Diego County shows hundreds of children ready to be matched with caring adults. They need more “bigs”!Climate Kids educates youth about climate change through art, storytelling and science.The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties was represented at the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park.License to Freedom works to stop violence in refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego County.You are loved. Your are so strong. You are worthy. Life is beautiful!
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Home Depot brought a bunch of colorful flowers to the Jacaranda Spring Thing community event on Cortez Hill.
On my way home from Balboa Park, I walked through the Jacaranda Spring Thing neighborhood event being held this afternoon on Cortez Hill. I saw a relaxed gathering of people out in the sunshine, enjoying some food, live music and other fun activities. Home Depot was on hand demonstrating some gardening and patio ideas for anyone interested. It’s still going on as I post this–until 4 o’clock!
I saw folks setting up the Jacaranda Spring Thing on Date Street this morning, as I set out on my walk.Purple blooms of jacaranda trees can be seen around downtown San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood.A neighbor learns about outdoor and indoor gardening during the special Cortez Hill event.Someone tries their hand at a fun bean bag toss game.A colorful book truck operated by a Mexican publisher could be found at the Jacaranda Spring Thing.Live music, food and good times in the spring sunshine on a Saturday afternoon.
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Artwork hung near entrance of the Balboa Park Club depicts Greek folk dancers.
A great event is going on this weekend in Balboa Park! If you happen to be in San Diego, you might like to check it out!
The International Folk Dance Spring Festival is being held in the very beautiful Balboa Park Club building, and everyone is invited. The fun event is put on by the International Dance Association of San Diego County.
Anyone who attended the festival today could learn how to Greek dance! Tomorrow, Sunday, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and observe other styles of folk dancing. It’s easy to participate and lots of fun! And it’s a great social activity that provides healthy exercise!
I learned that the International Dance Association of San Diego County is eager to welcome new members. Do you enjoy folk dancing? Do you wish to learn? Are you merely curious and would like to read some more interesting information? Then click here to check out their website! They have numerous classes and special dances throughout the year!
Curious visitors enter the Balboa Park Club building, to enjoy the 2016 International Folk Dance Spring Festival.Costumes are a fun aspect of authentic folk dancing. But you don’t need one to participate! Come as you are!People get ready to perform a social dance in the amazing 13,000 square feet ballroom inside the Balboa Park Club.Ordinary people at the International Folk Dance Spring Festival in Balboa Park learn Greek dancing!Life is beautiful. Indeed, it is!The stunning, historic grand foyer of the Balboa Park Club is decorated for spring. Buy stuff here during the festival to support the International Dance Association of San Diego County.International Folk Dancing in Balboa Park is celebrating 69 years! Recreational folk dance is taught, demonstrated and performed for free in a stylish, air-conditioned ballroom!The Balboa Park Club is the site of a San Diego folk dance festival, running this weekend. Go check it out! Or, better yet, go and learn how to folk dance! Why not?
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Cheerful blooms cover Pink Trumpet Trees in Tweet Street Park. The neighborhood park is site of an upcoming spring festival!
This morning, when I saw a large temporary sign on the street outside my front door, I went to investigate. And look what I discovered! A neighborhood spring festival is going to take place on Cortez Hill!
It’s called Jacaranda Spring Thing! (Yes, there are lots of beautiful Jacaranda trees on Cortez Hill. Many can be found in Tweet Street Park where the festival will take place.)
The free outdoor event will feature food trucks, a special Home Depot workshop (about fixing up your outdoor patio), live music, a book truck, a photo booth . . . all sorts of fun stuff!
Okay, are you interested? It takes place on April 16 at Tweet Street Park, along Date Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, from noon to 4pm. Here’s a link with more info. (By registering at that link, the organizers at the Downtown San Diego Partnership can get an idea of how many people might show up.)
A special neighborhood event is coming to beautiful Cortez Hill. The Jacaranda Spring Thing takes place Saturday, April 16, from 12pm-4pm.I love walking along Date Street through sunny Tweet Street, a park dedicated to city birds.Spring is in the air on Cortez Hill. The gentle season brings new life and great natural beauty.
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A booth anticipating this year’s 2016 MLB All-Star Game sells official merchandise at Padres FanFest, the weekend before Opening Day.
I’ve taken more photos anticipating baseball’s Midsummer Classic!
San Diego will host the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July, just one week separated from the internationally famous and wildly popular San Diego Comic-Con. Things are going to get crazy!
I live downtown, and I’ll be taking most of those two weeks off from work, so I promise to walk around and take loads of fun photos! Even though both events are several months away, I’m already getting excited!
2016 All-Star Game merchandise includes clothing, keychains, pins, commemorative baseballs and other collectible items. Major League Baseball will put on a big show this summer in San Diego!2016 San Diego All-Star Game logo at end of pedestrian ramp inside Petco Park, cool stadium home of the MLB Padres.This large sign at the top of Petco Park announces that San Diego is home of the 2016 All-Star Game.The upcoming All-Star Game appears on a street lamp near Petco Park. These banners can now be seen around East Village.Vintage baseball photo at entrance to DiamondView Tower overlooking Petco Park. More history will be made in San Diego this year.Guy attending 2016 Padres FanFest wears an old 1992 San Diego All-Star Game jacket, reminding everyone that the Midsummer Classic is returning this year!
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This year I’ll be covering some huge events! Stand by for excitement!