Tag: events

Wasted grocery food turns to art in Balboa Park.

A little diving in San Diego grocery store dumpsters yielded lots of good food.
A little diving in San Diego grocery store dumpsters yielded lots of good food.

A unique event took place today. It was extremely unusual, fun and enlightening.

Rob Greenfield is an activist working to persuade grocery stores to donate expired foods to local food banks and hunger relief charities like Feeding America. His effort is called Donate Don’t Dump. To raise awareness, he has created unusual, colorful works of art in various cities, using perfectly good food he’s found while dumpster diving.

As part of my walk today, I took a few pics of Rob and his friends creating a fantastic bit of artwork on the grass in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

He told me that some grocery chains are better than others at donating their expired foods. He explained food retailers have nothing to fear from lawsuits should someone sicken from food poisoning, because of the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.  $165 billion dollars of food is wasted each year, enough to fill two Rose Bowl stadiums every single day, according to Rob!

Once the art had been admired, bystanders were invited to eat! The food was great!

Wasted food includes vegetables, baked goods and expired packaged items.
Wasted food includes vegetables, baked goods and expired packaged items.
Rob Greenfield checks salvaged food to be assembled into activist art in Balboa Park.
Rob Greenfield checks salvaged food to be assembled into activist art in Balboa Park.
Rob Greenfield explains his goals on a bench, with Casa del Prado arches in the background.
Rob Greenfield explains his goals on a bench, with Casa del Prado arches in the background.
Laying out the food articles into an elaborate, very colorful design has begun!
Laying out the food articles into an elaborate, very colorful design has begun!
A crowd watches near the Botanical Building as the food creation nears completion.
A crowd watches near the Botanical Building as the artistic food creation nears completion.
Rob Greenfield explains that more needs to be done to save perfectly good food.
Rob Greenfield explains that more needs to be done to save perfectly good food.

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Improvements on North Embarcadero celebrated!

Roving lady stilt walker with parasol welcomes people to Broadway Pier celebration.
Roving lady stilt walker with parasol welcomes people to Broadway Pier celebration.

I really enjoyed checking out a special event around the Broadway Pier today. San Diego’s bayfront is in the middle of a very large-scale multi-year renovation, and the completion of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase I was marked this afternoon with a public celebration!

The big Port Pavilion on the pier itself and various improvements and new structures around the foot of the pier have added color, new life and functionality to an area popular with both tourists and locals. A once narrow sidewalk is now a broad promenade, with lots of fun and exciting new features. There are new benches, shady pavilions, beautiful landscaping and other welcome amenities.

I’ll post some of my better photos, and you can enjoy a bit of what I saw…

San Diegans check out a revamped part of the North Embarcadero.
San Diegans check out the newly revamped section of the North Embarcadero.
Benches along Harbor Drive are festive today for the celebration
New benches along Harbor Drive are festive today for the celebration
Musicians at foot of Broadway Pier entertain folks for the Port of San Diego.
Musicians near entrance to Broadway Pier entertain folks for the Port of San Diego.
A crazy magician wowed young and old on the action-packed pier today.
A crazy magician wowed young and old on the action-packed pier today.
Exactly who are you pointing at!
Exactly who are you pointing at?
New tables and chairs provide great view of the bay at end of Broadway Pier.
New tables and chairs provide great view of the bay at end of Broadway Pier.
Brave souls soar down a zip-line with a docked cruise ship in background.
Brave souls soar down a zip-line with a docked cruise ship in background.
A kids fun zone featured a very cool Seal Tours amphibious vehicle.
A kids fun zone near the pier featured a very cool Seal Tours amphibious vehicle.
Chalk art created on the pier celebrates San Diego sights and tourism.
Chalk art created on the pier beneath the zip-line celebrates San Diego sights and tourism.
Artist of Mexikota Art works on a canvas south of the pier near Harbor Drive.
Artist of Mexikota Art works on a canvas south of the pier near Harbor Drive.
Folks check out a new sign which features nearby places on the Embarcadero.
Folks check out a new sign which features nearby places on the Embarcadero.
The unique design on this restroom was created by renowned artist Pae White.
The unique design on this restroom was created by renowned artist Pae White. This artwork is titled Birds’ Words.
Art for the North Embarcadero improvement was created by Pae White.
Art for the North Embarcadero improvement was created by Pae White. The pavilion buildings’ glass colors were selected based on how sunlight affects the bay.
Mariachis take a break between performances near one new colorful pavilion.
Mariachis take a break between performances near one new colorful pavilion.
Mural around walls of a pavilion shows timeline of this bustling stretch of San Diego Bay.
Mural around walls of a pavilion shows timeline of this bustling stretch of San Diego Bay.
Both North and South Embarcadero have seen dramatic changes over the decades.
Both North and South Embarcadero have seen dramatic changes over the decades.
More colorful glass artwork incorporated into a new pavilion.
More colorful glass artwork incorporated into a new pavilion along Harbor Drive.
San Diego's waterfront has become more beautiful, user-friendly and interesting!
San Diego’s waterfront has become more beautiful, user-friendly and interesting!

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Fall Back Festival recreates history in San Diego.

Blacksmith at Fall Back Festival in San Diego's Gaslamp works the bellows.
Blacksmith at Fall Back Festival in San Diego’s Gaslamp works the bellows.

Today I checked out a great event in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Called the Fall Back Festival: the Children’s Historical and Cultural Street Faire, this historical reenactment places visitors in a magical time machine, transporting them back to the 1880’s.

Three blocks of fun included a blacksmith, old western storefronts, pony rides, candle dipping and other educational activities. Many participants wore costumes and clothing from this early period in San Diego’s history. There was also an exciting High Noon shootout–which I unfortunately missed. But I did capture a few pics…

Lady in old-fashioned dress walks with her umbrella past Horton Grand Hotel.
Lady in old-fashioned dress walks with her umbrella past Horton Grand Hotel.

I snapped the above photo as I headed toward the festival. The lady was just walking along through modern, shiny downtown San Diego like an image from the past.

These cowboys, the Alpine Outlaws, have a jailhouse downtown and a hanging noose!
These cowboys, the Alpine Outlaws, have a jailhouse downtown and a hanging noose!

Yikes! The first thing I saw was a bunch of crafty outlaws!

Festival celebrates the diverse and fascinating early history of San Diego.
Festival celebrates the diverse and fascinating early history of San Diego.
Wood cabinet at rear of wagon is packed with wares typical in 1880's.
Wood cabinet at rear of wagon is packed with wares typical in 1880’s.
A table full of rusty irons from the Old West!
A table full of rusty irons from the Old West!
Temecula Valley Prospectors had kids panning for gold.
Temecula Valley Prospectors had kids panning for real gold.
Realistic replicas of Native American tools and weapons were on display.
Realistic replicas of Native American tools and weapons were on display.

An interesting guy named Dave, of San Diego Survival History and Fitness, showed me a very cool display. He made all of the above implements and weapons by hand, using materials and techniques that were used by the Kumeyaay and earlier native peoples in the San Diego area. The Spaniards who built their first California Mission in San Diego feared the throwing sticks which you can see in the above photo. Shaped like a boomerang, they had the power to easily bring down a deer!

Historical exhibit has photos of Japanese settlers and community in San Diego.
Historical exhibit has photos of Japanese settlers and community in San Diego.
San Diego Model A Club had a row of old automobiles at the Fall Back Festival.
San Diego Model A Club had a row of old automobiles at the Fall Back Festival.
Of course, there was live country western music for the crowd to enjoy!
Of course, there was live country western music for the crowd to enjoy!

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Old Town San Diego and Día de los Muertos.

Día de los Muertos special event at Bazaar del Mundo is filled with color.
Día de los Muertos displays at Bazaar del Mundo are filled with life and color.

Día de los Muertos, also called Day of the Dead, is a popular holiday in Mexico and in many other cultures around the world. It’s a celebration that honors the memories and spirits of loved ones who have passed away. It closely follows Halloween, a holiday that is similar but actually quite different. Día de los Muertos, rich with images of skeletons and decorated skulls, is neither scary nor morbid; it is joyous!

This weekend, Old Town hosted its annual Day of the Dead special event. Altars, costumes and other sights that are common during the holiday could be found throughout the park and surrounding area. I took lots of photos!

Día de los Muertos altar at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town, San Diego.
Día de los Muertos altar at Bazaar del Mundo in a corner of Old Town, San Diego.
Kids decorate sugar skulls, a fun tradition of Day of the Dead.
Kids decorate sugar skulls, a fun and tasty tradition of Day of the Dead.
Ethnic and folk crafts and ornaments are abundant at Bazaar del Mundo.
Ethnic and folk crafts are abundant at Bazaar del Mundo.
Young lady has face painted to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
Young lady has face painted to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
Image of woman skeleton in old-fashioned purple hat and dress.
A traditional Catrina. A female skeleton in old-fashioned hat and dress.
Altar at Fiesta de Reyes features Virgin Mary and photos of departed loved ones.
Altar at Fiesta de Reyes features Virgin Mary and photos of departed loved ones.
Fantastic sign above pumpkin shows lively, dancing skeletons.
Fantastic sign above pumpkin shows lively, dancing skeletons.
Lady in San Diego's Old Town arranges bright frilly flowers in the sun.
Lady working in San Diego’s Old Town arranges bright frilly flowers in the sun.
Folk dancers on and off stage at Fiesta de Reyes during Día de los Muertos.
Folk dancers on and off stage at Fiesta de Reyes during Día de los Muertos.
This scarecrow and skeleton seem happy together!
This scarecrow and skeleton seem happy together on this perfect Autumn day!
Bench at Fiesta de Reyes painted with sombrero-wearing, flower-bearing skeletons.
Bench at Fiesta de Reyes painted with sombrero-wearing, flower-bearing skeletons.
Small image in crude wooden frame in a larger altar.
Small crowned image in crude wooden frame in a larger altar.
Radiant image of Virgin Mary on wood above altar candles.
Prayers are directed toward radiant image of Virgin Mary above altar candles.
Altars often contain food liked by the deceased, to entice their spirits.
Altars often contain food liked by the deceased, to entice their spirits back.
Mariachi skeletons strum guitars at entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.
Mariachi skeletons strum guitars at entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.
This big flower and heart-covered skull faces Old Town's central square.
This big flower and heart-covered calavera faces Old Town’s central square.
Larger-than-life Day of the Dead mannequin wears a beautiful red dress.
Larger-than-life Day of the Dead mannequin wears a beautiful red dress.
Dead couple sits in lobby of Old Town's historic Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Dead couple sits in lobby of Old Town’s historic Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Bartender offers drink to skeleton cowboy at the Cosmopolitan Hotel's bar!
Bartender offers drink to skeleton cowboy at the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s bar!
The bony fellow at the bar was called Calaca McAlvarez!
The bony fellow at the bar was called Calaca McAlvarez!
Stylish but dead bystander is resting near one of the many Old Town shops.
Stylish bystander is resting near one of the many Old Town shops.
Musician entertains at Old Town's Day of the Dead festivities.
Musician entertains on pipes at Old Town’s Day of the Dead festivities.
Día de los Muertos display with a strong Mexican flavor.
Día de los Muertos display with a strong Mexican flavor.
Photographs remember loved ones who have passed into the spirit world after death.
Photographs remember loved ones who have passed into the spirit world after death.
Snow White has been transformed into lavish Day of the Dead artwork.
Snow White has been transformed into lavish Day of the Dead artwork.
This guy is sitting on a wagon near popular entrance to Old Town State Historic Park.
This guy is sitting on a wagon near popular entrance to Old Town State Historic Park.
Sculptor recreates face of living tourist posing for a unique souvenir.
Sculptor recreates face of living tourist posing for a unique souvenir.
Prints on display for the big crowds attending Old Town's Day of the Dead.
Prints on display for the big crowds attending Old Town’s Day of the Dead.
This elegant couple was spotted among the many historic buildings in Old Town.
This elegant couple was spotted among the many historic buildings in Old Town.
This well-dressed family all had their faces painted to resemble skulls!
This well-dressed family all had their faces painted to resemble skulls!
Author A. B. Curtiss was signing her acclaimed books at Día de los Muertos.
Author A. B. Curtiss was signing her acclaimed books at Día de los Muertos.

Please check out her website!

Cool, astonishing sights popped up wherever I turned!
Cool, astonishing sights popped up wherever I turned!

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Pics from Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.

Family fun and games filled El Prado the weekend before Halloween.
Family-friendly fun and games lined Balboa Park’s El Prado the weekend before Halloween.

So what happened today in Balboa Park? Here are some photos!

Sign explains Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Sign explains Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Crowds were huge and many imaginative costumes added to the color.
Crowds were huge and many imaginative costumes added to the color.
House of Pacific Relations had a booth with cool Halloween stuff.
House of Pacific Relations had a booth with cool Halloween stuff.
Street performer is a bronze version of Shakespeare, the Bard!
Street performer is a bronze version of Shakespeare, the Bard!
Masks and other crafts could be worked on by the creatively inclined.
Masks and other crafts could be worked on by the creatively inclined.
Of course, Halloween is all about kids having fun.
Of course, Halloween is all about kids having fun.
Boy emerges from a magical boo-box!
Boy emerges from a magical boo-box!
Guys creating origami courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Guys creating origami courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
One pumpkin is devouring another in a festive nook in Balboa Park!
One pumpkin is devouring another in a festive nook in Balboa Park!
A studio in Spanish Village has skulls, spider and a skeleton hanging around.
A studio in Spanish Village has skulls, spider and a skeleton hanging around.
Fine glasswork in the form of pumpkins created by local artists.
Fine glass in the form of pumpkins created by local artists.
A puppet-dog prepares for the canine costume competition in Spanish Village.
A puppet-dog on strings prepares for the canine costume competition in Spanish Village.
Dog enjoying the festivities in wonderful Balboa Park.
Dog enjoying the festivities in wonderful, colorful Balboa Park.
Yum! Look at this basket of Halloween candy!
Yum! Look at this basket of Halloween candy!
SDSU School of Music and Dance kids perform before Spreckels Organ concert.
SDSU School of Music and Dance kids perform before the Sunday Spreckels Organ concert.
Fiona the Humane Society mastiff hangs out in Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Fiona the Humane Society butterfly mastiff hangs out in Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
The House of Scotland performed today at the International Cottages.
The House of Scotland performed with their booming drum at the International Cottages.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is showing The Polka Dot Ghost.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is showing The Polka Dot Ghost.
The San Diego Dachshund Club’s Hallo-Wiener Picnic was held in Balboa Park.
The San Diego Dachshund Club’s Hallo-Wiener Picnic was held in Balboa Park.
San Diego Air and Space Museum was the scene of the traditional pumpkin drop!
San Diego Air and Space Museum was the scene of the traditional pumpkin drop!
A crowd gathers to watch a pumpkin descend and explode into a million pieces!
A crowd gathers to watch a pumpkin descend and explode into a million pieces!
The pumpkin can't escape gravity. Will it reach terminal velocity.
The pumpkin can’t escape gravity. Will it reach terminal velocity?
Yeah. The pumpkin predictably busted apart to the great delight of kids.
Yeah. It got terminated.  The pumpkin predictably busted apart to the great delight of kids.

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Spooky fun Boulevard BOO! Parade thrills kids.

Boy dressed as tin man enjoys Boulevard BOO! Parade in San Diego.
Boy dressed as tin man enjoys Boulevard BOO! Parade in San Diego.

I’ve heard about San Diego’s only Halloween parade for years. Today I checked it out!

The Boulevard BOO! Parade is now ten years old. It takes place every late October on El Cajon Boulevard near College Avenue. The neighborhood, just south of San Diego State University, appears to have really embraced this annual Halloween event!

Hundreds of families turned out to view the fun spectacle. The BOO! Parade is mostly for kids, and many young spectators had trick-or-treat bags and were in costume themselves!

Here are my best pics!

10th annual BOO! Parade took place on El Cajon Boulevard.
10th annual BOO! Parade took place on El Cajon Boulevard.
Two scary zombie kids were seen lurching down the street before the parade began.
Two scary zombie kids were seen lurching down the street before the parade began.
These pirates were being rascally and rambunctious in the parade staging area!
These pirates were being rascally and rambunctious in the parade staging area!
BOO! Parade kicks off a few blocks west of College Avenue in the late morning.
BOO! Parade kicks off a few blocks west of College Avenue in the late morning.

The tall ghostly blue creature is the character Boo!

Super tall Boo is blue, and he seems to blend in with the clouds.
Super tall Boo is blue, and he seems to blend in with the clouds.
Looks like all the regular monsters have shown up for this big Halloween parade!
Looks like all the regular monsters have shown up for this big Halloween parade!
There were a few not-so-scary clowns around, too!
There were a few not-so-scary clowns around, too!
Marine Corps marching band gets things rolling near start of parade.
Marine Corps marching band gets things rolling near start of parade.
One of many creative floats seen during the fun late October parade.
One of many creative floats seen during the fun late October parade.
Two different Ghostbusters cars were in the parade.
Two different Ghostbusters cars were in the parade.
Kids get goodies from a ghostbuster patrolling El Cajon Boulevard.
Kids get goodies from a ghostbuster patrolling El Cajon Boulevard.
Costumed parade participants from San Diego Center for the Blind.
Costumed parade participants from San Diego Center for the Blind.
Here come some smiling SDSU cheerleaders.
Here come some smiling SDSU cheerleaders.
The San Diego State University mascot Aztec Warrior gives a high five!
The San Diego State University mascot Aztec Warrior gives a high five!
Lots of cars in the parade were draped with creepy cobwebs.
Lots of cars in the parade were draped with creepy cobwebs.
Kids marching in the parade wore every sort of cool costume you can imagine!
Kids marching in the parade wore every sort of cool costume you can imagine!
Here comes a long line of classic cars with spooky decorations.
Here comes a long line of classic cars with spooky decorations.
A witch waves to a passing skeleton!
A witch waves to a passing skeleton!
The San Diego Police Department must be hiring guys with evil pumpkin heads!
The San Diego Police Department must be hiring guys with evil pumpkin heads!
One of two pirate ships I saw. This was most definitely very cool.
One of two pirate ships I saw. This was most definitely very cool.
Little zombies do a dance routine!
Little zombies do a dance routine!
Several schools were in the parade and everyone was having a blast.
Several schools were in the parade and everyone was having a blast.
Here come the Shriners in their Halloween-themed mini-cars!
Here come the Shriners in their Halloween-themed mini-cars!
And here come more clowns out of the woodwork.
And here come more clowns out of the woodwork.
The second pirate ship rolls along with some waving beauty queens.
The second pirate ship rolls along with some waving beauty queens.
A beauty queen is wearing a big, golden pharaoh headdress!
A beauty queen is wearing a big, golden pharaoh headdress!
I suppose these young ladies are the queens of Zombieland!
I suppose these young ladies are the queens of Zombieland!
And this beauty queen is dressed up as macaroni and cheese!
And this beauty queen is dressed up as macaroni and cheese!
Looks like the ROTC is recruiting young monsters.
Looks like the ROTC is recruiting young monsters.
Headless parader thrills girls and shocks poor old mom.
Headless parader thrills girls and shocks poor old mom.
A whole lot of fun was enjoyed by thousands today, young and old.
A whole lot of fun was enjoyed by thousands today, young and old.
Utility box on El Cajon Boulevard painted with scenes from BOO! Parade.
Utility box on El Cajon Boulevard painted with scenes from BOO! Parade.

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Kids’ NewsDay benefits Rady Children’s Hospital!

Selling special edition Union-Tribune newspapers during Kids' NewsDay!
Selling very special edition Union-Tribune newspapers during Kids’ NewsDay!

Smiling volunteers could be seen throughout San Diego this morning selling special edition newspapers! Today was the 25th anniversary of Kids’ NewsDay, a much-anticipated yearly event whose purpose is to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital.

Over the years, thousands of children and families have been helped by the money raised by generous people who purchase this inspiring edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Since the first Kids’ NewsDay in 1990, about 30,000 volunteers have sold over a million papers, raising nearly 3 million dollars! That’s amazing! The featured section of the newspaper is filled with stories of kids overcoming extremely difficult situations, many with rare or life-threatening diseases. The stories are filled with optimism, and the most inspiring stories are written by children themselves!

If you would like to make a donation to Rady Children’s Hospital, please click this link!

Kid's NewsDay helps raise funds for Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.
Kid’s NewsDay helps raise funds for Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

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Bocce Ball Tournament at Little Italy’s Festa.

Participants in Little Italy's Festa Bocce Ball Tournament at practice.
Participants in Little Italy’s Festa Bocce Ball Tournament at practice.

During last Sunday’s Festa event in San Diego’s Little Italy, an exciting bocce tournament was held at Amici Park, right next to all the glorious Gesso Italiano chalk art.

Bocce is similar to lawn bowling and dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. According to a plaque set in the concrete near one of Amici Park’s bocce courts, it’s the world’s oldest sport!

I captured a few pics of the action!

Two bocce courts are open to the public in Amici Park near sculptures of Italian food!
Two bocce courts are open to the public in Amici Park near sculptures of Italian food!
Man prepares to strategically send bocce ball down the long court.
Man prepares to strategically send bocce ball down the long court.
Watching the action on a lazy, perfect San Diego weekend.
Watching the action on a lazy, perfect San Diego weekend.
I saw a lot of stylish hats and calculating, cunning players.
I saw a lot of stylish hats and calculating, cunning players.
Gentleman leans against checkered tablecloth set with a plate of metal artichokes.
Gentleman leans against checkered tablecloth set with a plate of metal artichokes.
Rules of bocce on a plaque. The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays!
Rules of bocce on a plaque. The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays!

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School students create amazing chalk art at Festa!

School kids create fantastic chalk art on Little Italy street for 2014 Festa event.
School students create amazing chalk art on a Little Italy street for the 2014 Festa event.

2014 Festa takes place tomorrow! The extremely popular event, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held as usual on the streets of Little Italy, a neighborhood on the north side of downtown San Diego. I’m excited!

Why?

The Gesso Italiano chalk art! Several city blocks will be overflowing with absolutely fantastic artistic creations! Perhaps you remember my blogs posts about the astounding chalk art at 2013 Festa. You’ll find them here, here and here.

Today a small army of artists began to work on a several block stretch of bare asphalt in San Diego. Tomorrow over a hundred thousand people will crowd Date Street and admire the finished masterpieces.

One block of Date Street has been reserved just for school kids! They were hard at work when I walked past today mid-afternoon!

Stand by for loads more photos tomorrow! I’m heading out to Festa in the early morning wearing comfortable walking shoes!

Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
The chalk artists usually use existing artwork as a guide.
The many chalk artists usually use existing images as a guide.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating amazing chalk art for 4 years!
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating stunning chalk art for 4 years!
Here's what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
Here’s what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
And this is the cool masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
And this is the super cool, mind-blowing masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can't wait to see it finished!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can’t wait to see it finished!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
One block of Cedar Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!
One block of Date Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!

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Trolley Dances on San Diego City College steps.

San Diego Dance Theater performs Trolley Dances at City College.
San Diego Dance Theater performs Trolley Dances at City College.

The Trolley Dances, a unique event put on by the San Diego Dance Theater, is being held this year at downtown’s City College. I live a short walk away, so I figured I’d head that way this morning before it became too hot. (We’re experiencing mild but very toasty Santa Ana weather here in Southern California.) I thought that perhaps I could snap a few pics as a casual bystander.

The Trolley Dances involves a mobile audience, which walks from venue to venue. The dances are staged in some of the most unexpected public places. Every year the locations change.

I was successful! These photos are of the third “stage” of the 2014 Trolley Dances…

One unusual venue, at bottom of steps on the campus of San Diego City College.
One unusual venue, at bottom of steps on the campus of San Diego City College.
Here come people who are enjoying a variety of surprising performances.
Here come people who are enjoying a variety of surprising performances.
Audience gets ready to watch the third dance of the 2014 Trolley Dances.
Audience gets ready to watch the third dance of the 2014 Trolley Dances.
Dancers in flowing blue appear at the top of the broad steps!
Dancers in flowing blue appear at the top of the broad steps!
Graceful dancers descend the high stairs in a grand entrance!
Graceful dancers descend the high stairs in a grand entrance!
The free form dance twirls and floats before the eyes of onlookers.
The free form dance twirls and floats before the eyes of onlookers.
Rhythmic energy fills the unusual stage on a sunny, quite warm day.
Rhythmic energy fills the unusual stage on a sunny, quite warm day.
Dancers perform many athletic, amazing moves.
Dancers perform many athletic, amazing moves.
Beautiful dance delights a host of San Diegans.
Beautiful dance delights a host of San Diegans.
This performance was a carefree, joyful, very cool sight to behold!
This performance was a carefree, joyful, very cool sight to behold!
The dancers return to the stairs for a final few moments.
The dancers return to the stairs for a final few moments.
The dancers retreat to prepare for the next group in a few minutes.
The dancers retreat to prepare for the next group in a few minutes.
This Trolley Dances group heads off to the next surprising location!
This Trolley Dances group heads off to the next surprising location!
The Trolley Dances is a cool, very unique tradition in San Diego!
The Trolley Dances is a cool, very unique tradition in San Diego!

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