Tag: kids

Cool Star Wars cosplay in Fourth of July parade!

Kids wave at Star Wars stormtrooper and tie fighter pilot at the Coronado Independence Day parade!
Kids wave at Star Wars stormtrooper and TIE fighter pilot at the Coronado Independence Day parade!

I spent the morning in Coronado. I’ve always wanted to see their huge Independence Day parade, reputed to be one of the very best in America. (And I believe it! I’ll be posting a bunch of pics later–I’ve got a lot of photos to go through!)

One of the biggest sensations of the parade was created when a bunch of San Diego Star Wars Society members passed down the length of Orange Avenue, engaging in elaborate cosplay. Talk about cool! It’s like Comic-Con started early!

San Diego Stars Wars Society members engage in elaborate cosplay for Coronado's Fourth of July parade!
San Diego Stars Wars Society members engaged in elaborate cosplay for Coronado’s Fourth of July parade!
Imperial stormtrooper rides a Segway, an advanced land vehicle from the early 21st century.
Imperial stormtrooper rides a Segway, an advanced land vehicle from the early 21st century.
A biker scout trooper clears a path for the San Diego Star Wars Society with a flag-festooned, red, white and blue patriotic motorcycle!
A biker scout trooper clears a path for the San Diego Star Wars Society with a flag-festooned, red, white and blue patriotic motorcycle!
The Dark Force seems to have a big following. But don't be alarmed. Some fearless Jedi Knights have arrived!
The Dark Force seems to have a big following. But don’t be alarmed. Some fearless Jedi Knights have arrived!
An army of white-armored clones marches down a very crowded Orange Avenue in Coronado. The parade featured a fantastic variety of cool sights.
An army of white-armored clones marches down a very crowded Orange Avenue in Coronado. The parade featured a fantastic variety of cool sights.
Kids have a load of fun as costumed Star Wars enthusiasts participate in the Coronado Independence Day parade.
Kids have a whole lot of fun as costumed Star Wars enthusiasts participate in the Coronado Independence Day parade.

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Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!
The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!

I wasn’t expecting to write this blog. But I have to.

During this morning’s Ocean Beach Street Fair, I took a few photos of a smiling lady in a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hat. My senses were so dazzled by all the cool sights and activity round about me that I didn’t really notice the important purpose of her booth.

As I left the festival, I popped into the local library to use the restroom. And there, standing behind the front counter, was the Cat in the Hat hat lady!  She greeted me–she was a librarian! She had noticed me taking photos.

They’re for a blog, I said. Help us raise a million dollars, she said. I laughed, promised I’d try!

It wasn’t until this afternoon, as I looked closely at my photographs, that I realized she wasn’t kidding! The Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego Public Library really does need to raise money! Check out the poster which I enlarged!

So now I have to keep a promise.

Please help the Ocean Beach public library raise funds for much needed improvements!

Here is their Facebook page. It contains contact info.

Is this a cause you’d like to support? You might like to help them out! The OB Library is overdue for expansion. Spread the word! Let’s get it done!

Why expand the library? The children's area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
Why expand the library? The children’s area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach.
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach!

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Big red shoes help families heal in San Diego!

Volunteer at a Mission Valley intersection lifts a red shoe and gives a thumbs up! She was raising money for Ronald McDonald House today!
Volunteer at a Mission Valley intersection lifts a red shoe and gives a thumbs up! She was raising money for Ronald McDonald House today!

Today was Red Shoe Day in San Diego! Money was being plunked into red Ronald McDonald shoes by generous drivers at busy intersections, to help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. Every year, about 1,500 families stay at Ronald McDonald House as resident guests, while a critically ill child is cared for at any local hospital, including the nearby Rady Children’s Hospital.

You can help keep families together as they go through a very difficult time by donating here!

This guy had two shoes, one in each hand! You, too, can help by clicking and donating online!
This guy had two shoes, one in each hand! You, too, can help by clicking and donating online!

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Bart Club street art utility box in North Park.

Bart Simpson takes many strange forms on one sidewalk in North Park. He's elongated at times, or has multiple eyes.
Bart Simpson takes many strange forms on one sidewalk in North Park. He’s elongated at times, or has multiple eyes.

Here’s another branch of San Diego’s strange and whimsical Bart Club! This example of Bart Simpson street art decorates a single utility box, located in North Park at the intersection of 30th and Adams Avenue.

More zany, bizarre Bart Club street art can be found in downtown San Diego’s East village at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and G Street, and at SILO.

This side of the fun Bart Club utility box has the funny cartoon character's face in need of a shave!
This side of the Bart Club utility box has the funny television cartoon character’s face in need of a shave!
A two-headed Bart Simpson makes for some very cool and unique San Diego street art.
A two-headed Bart Simpson makes for some very cool and unique San Diego street art.
Here's some more Bart art. He's looking like a spotted, floppy-eared dog!
Here’s some more Bart art. He’s looking like a spotted, floppy-eared dog!

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Young and old dream at Centennial Railway Garden.

Young and old together dream in a small outdoor nook in Balboa Park.
Young and old together dream in a small outdoor nook in Balboa Park.

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park has erected a cool little exhibit on their outdoor rear patio called the Centennial Railway Garden. To commemorate the hundred year anniversary of Balboa Park, a detailed layout features streetcars traveling among 3D-printed reproductions of several buildings in the park. The scenes date from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Visitors young and old can dream they’ve traveled back in time as they take control of the fun model train action with their smart phone! (Technology has changed somewhat in the last hundred years!)

Go check out the Centennial Railway Garden and have a lot of fun!

Volunteer at San Diego Model Railroad Museum walks past 3D-printed model of the historic California Building with its bell tower.
Volunteer at San Diego Model Railroad Museum walks past 3D-printed model of the historic California Building with its bell tower.
Putting a model of a streetcar on the tracks. A hundred years ago, John D. Spreckels' Class 1 streetcars provided transportation around San Diego.
Putting a model of a streetcar on the tracks. A hundred years ago, John D. Spreckels’ Class 1 streetcars provided transportation around San Diego.
This small replica of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is part of special exhibit that commemorates Balboa Park's centennial.
This small replica of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is part of special exhibit that commemorates Balboa Park’s centennial.
The Centennial Railway Garden also includes a model of Balboa Park's Botanical Building and nearby reflecting pool!
The Centennial Railway Garden also includes a model of Balboa Park’s Botanical Building and nearby reflecting pool!
Getting the streetcars ready early one weekend morning before many visitors arrive at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
Getting the streetcars ready early one weekend morning before many visitors arrive at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
The very cool Centennial Railway Garden is a place in Balboa Park where dreams from the past come alive.
The very cool Centennial Railway Garden is a place in Balboa Park where dreams from the past come alive.

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Fishes of the Ocean huge art canvas in Balboa Park!

Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

Astonished eyes were staring down at the ground at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. That’s because a very colorful, very long painted canvas had been unrolled on a patch of grass for festival visitors to admire.

What you see in these photos is a segment of the seven kilometer long “Fishes of the Ocean” painting. The amazing artwork, depicting marine life, was created by thousands of mostly young people in the Philippines from 2006 to 2009. The project was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest painting on a single canvas!

I did some research on the internet, but I’m still not sure whether a record was officially set. If you can provide more info, leave a comment below!

Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean's bottom.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean’s bottom.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!

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San Diego school students do amazing things!

This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.

While wandering about San Diego taking photos for my blog, I’ve often been privileged to see school students doing really amazing things. From the very young to the college-aged, youth in San Diego are accomplishing more than just learning. They’re creating public art, publishing amazing work, beautifying the community, becoming champions, serving neighbors and people around the world, and working to build a brighter future.

Here are some past blog posts that provide inspiration.

To read click:

Students interview veterans for USS Midway exhibit.

High School students create cool graphic novel!

San Diego museum honors Little League Champs!

School students create amazing chalk art at Festa!

Urban Corps mural shows an optimistic future.

Help Westview High School Music Outreach succeed!

Kids explore science, engineering at STEM event.

Murals of San Diego history in an Old Town alley.

San Diego kids paint beautiful tile benches.

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Fun photos of Explore Mission Trails Day!

As event begins, community organizations set up displays on the Visitor and Interpretive Center patio.
Park rangers and community organizations set up displays on the Visitor Center patio.

This morning I headed up Mission Gorge Road to check out the big annual Explore Mission Trails Day event!

Mission Trails Regional Park is a 6000-acre nature reserve located in San Diego’s East County. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States–basically a wide stretch of rugged, rocky wilderness within our large modern city! The San Diego River runs through the very heart of the park as it makes its way from higher inland elevations to the Pacific Ocean. I often drive past and gaze at the low chaparral-covered mountains and hills, and twice I’ve climbed Cowles Mountain, but this was the first time I’ve actually set foot inside the Visitor Center.

What an awesome place! How did I miss it all of these years?

Today I limited myself to the south end of the park, including a short but super cool hike from the Visitor Center to the Grinding Rocks. (That will be my next blog post!) There were additional Explore Mission Trails Day activities up by the Old Mission Dam and Kumeyaay Lake Campground, and by Mast Boulevard and Highway 52. I suppose I’ll have to go again next year!

My photos tell the story of what I saw…

Banner beside Father Junipero Serra Trail announces Explore Mission Trails Day!
Banner beside Father Junipero Serra Trail announces Explore Mission Trails Day!
There were opportunities to learn about nature, wildlife, science, history and the environment.
There were opportunities to learn about nature, wildlife, science, history and the environment.
Some folks near the main entrance of the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center.
Some folks near the main entrance of the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center.
Bronze sculpture of a golden eagle is perched above path near the Visitor Center entrance.
Bronze sculpture of a golden eagle is perched above path near the Visitor Center entrance.
Plaque by door dedicates the large open space park to past, present and future San Diegans.
Plaque by door dedicates the large open space park to past, present and future San Diegans.
View inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center from second floor balcony.
View inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center from second floor balcony.
Flutists play near Heritage sculpture depicting Kumeyaay elders. Amazing monumental artwork is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.
Flutists play near “Heritage” sculpture depicting native Kumeyaay elders. Amazing monumental artwork is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.
The Art of Bird Photography is a special exhibition featuring the work of Blake Shaw.
The Art of Bird Photography is a special exhibition featuring the work of Blake Shaw.
Roberta Labastida is the author of My Ancestors' Village, which tells about the life of the native Kumeyaay people who were here long before the arrival of Europeans.
Roberta Labastida is the author of My Ancestors’ Village, which tells about the life of the Kumeyaay people who were here long before the arrival of Europeans.
Numerous exhibits and activities could be found inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center.
Numerous exhibits and activities could be found inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center.
Western Scrub Jay and Northern Racoon are animals one might see in this very large San Diego urban park.
Western Scrub Jay and Northern Racoon are animals one might see in this very large San Diego urban park.
Cleaning some chalk off where kids have been identifying animal tracks.
Cleaning some chalk off where kids have been identifying animal tracks.
The bobcat is often encountered in the hills and mountains of San Diego County. I once saw one while hiking around Mount Laguna!
The bobcat is often encountered in the hills and mountains of San Diego County. I once saw one while hiking around Mount Laguna!
Historically, the Kumeyaay lived in large family groups, and moved about depending on the season and the availability of nature's bounty.
Historically, the Kumeyaay lived in large family groups, and moved about depending on the season and the availability of nature’s bounty.
Exhibits in Visitor Center's museum show different aspects of Kumeyaay culture, including songs, games and crafts.
Exhibits in Visitor Center’s museum show different aspects of Kumeyaay culture, including songs, games and crafts.
Very cool observation window allows visitors to look out upon South Fortuna and Kwaay Paay Peak.
Very cool observation window allows visitors to look out upon South Fortuna and Kwaay Paay Peak.
With the majestic chaparral-covered Fortuna Mountains as its backdrop, the coastal sage scrub habitat is highly adapted to our long hot summers.
With the majestic chaparral-covered Fortuna Mountains as its backdrop, the coastal sage scrub habitat is highly adapted to our long hot summers.
Looking back out at the outdoor patio. More people have arrived in the past few minutes while I explored inside.
Looking back out at the rear patio. More people have arrived in the past few minutes while I explored inside.
Now I'm outside again, coming down some steps. Another overcast day, following San Diego's latest storm!
Now I’m outside again, coming down some steps. Another cloudy day, following San Diego’s latest storm!
Replicated flume near Visitor Center is a modern interpretation of the man-made channel that carried water from the old Mission Dam (a couple miles upriver) to Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Replicated flume near Visitor Center is a modern interpretation of the man-made channel that carried water from the Old Mission Dam (a couple miles upriver) to Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Sign by replicated flume details how it was engineered. Water was used at the old Mission for livestock, farms and inhabitants.
Sign by replicated flume details how it was engineered over two centuries ago. Water was used at the old historic Mission for livestock, farms and inhabitants.
Cool table full of meteorites next to traditional Kumeyaay house made of willow branches.
Cool table full of meteorites next to traditional Kumeyaay house made of willow branches.
This sign tells the story of a fictional Kumeyaay woman, circa the year 1000. This primitive house was called an Ewaa.
This sign tells the story of a fictional Kumeyaay woman, circa the year 1000. This primitive house was called an Ewaa.
Large boulder moved to Visitor Center due to construction contains a mortar-like hole used by Kumeyaay to grind acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other foods.
Large boulder moved to Visitor Center due to construction contains a mortar-like hole used by Kumeyaay to grind acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other natural foods.
A replicated solar calendar made of stones used by Native Americans to mark the Winter Solstice. Only a couple have been found in San Diego County.
A replicated solar calendar made of stones, used by Native Americans to mark the Winter Solstice. Only a couple have been found in San Diego County.
This beauty is a California Wild Rose, found beside the patio. You more often find them along streams.
This pink beauty is a California Wild Rose, found beside the patio. They’re more often found along streams.
Lady rests in Visitor Center amphitheater by small bronze sculpture of a Dusky-footed Woodrat. These wild rodents can create nests up to 8 feet high!
Lady rests in Visitor Center amphitheater by small bronze sculpture of a Dusky-footed Woodrat. This wild rodent can create a nest up to 8 feet high!
Sculpture of a coyote, one the top predators of Mission Trails Regional Park. Even with human encroachment, they remain numerous today.
Sculpture of a coyote, one the top predators of Mission Trails Regional Park. Even with human encroachment, they remain numerous today.
Family checks out a very cool sculpture of a mountain lion at the amphitheater. This secretive animal is rarely seen around here.
Family checks out a very cool, life-size sculpture of a mountain lion at the amphitheater. This secretive animal is rarely seen around here.
Ms. Frizzle was present at Explore Mission Trails Day! The event was an educational treat for both kids and adults!
Ms. Frizzle was present at Explore Mission Trails Day! The event was an educational treat for both kids and adults!

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Summer anticipated on San Diego’s Embarcadero!

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

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

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

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

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

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Fun sculptures debut at San Diego waterfront park!

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE!

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

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

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