Tag: little italy

More interesting, unusual doors in San Diego!

Mysterious door in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter reads: Law Office Eddie O'Hare, Esquire. It's actually the entrance to a sneaky speakeasy, containing the underground 1920's themed Prohibition Lounge!
Mysterious gold lettering on a door in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter reads: Law Office Eddie O’Hare, Esquire. It’s actually the sneaky entrance to a speakeasy, the underground, 1920’s themed Prohibition Lounge!

Here’s another batch of cool door photographs, taken during my walks around San Diego.

Some of these doors are rather odd, as you can plainly see! Others have interesting historical significance. Most are just plain fun!

To learn a bit more, read the captions!

Nautical-looking door of the American Tunaboat Association on the Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor.
Nautical-looking door of the American Tunaboat Association on the Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor.
Interesting detail above the door of the 1906 Hearne Surgical Hospital Building in downtown San Diego.
Interesting detail above the door of the 1906 Hearne Surgical Hospital Building in downtown San Diego.
These old wooden doors to the patio of Indigo Grill in Little Italy are enormous!
These old wooden doors to the patio of Indigo Grill in Little Italy are enormous!  I don’t know their origin.
A very odd metal door in Little Italy. Seems to me it would quite easy to step around it!
A very odd metal door in Little Italy. Seems to me it would quite easy to step around it!
Not sure I'd want to step through this door in the Gaslamp. Looks dangerous!
Not sure I’d want to follow the arrow and step through this door in the Gaslamp Quarter. Looks dangerous!
In San Diego's small Chinatown one can see a cool sight that traces back to early San Diego history. The door to Quin Produce!
In San Diego’s small Chinatown one can see a cool sight that traces back to early San Diego history. The door to Quin Produce!
The unusually tall stained glass door of the Philippine Library and Museum in the Gaslamp. I'll probably visit one day!
The unusually tall stained glass door of the Philippine Library and Museum in the Gaslamp. I’ll probably visit one day!
It's what meets you at the front door of Mexican Fiesta in Seaport Village that's out of the ordinary. A sculpture of a bandito sitting on a bench!
It’s what meets you at the front door of Mexican Fiesta in Seaport Village that’s out of the ordinary. A sculpture of a bandito sitting on a bench!
Step through the front door of Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills and you're met by Hollywood movie stars!
Step through the front door of Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills and you’re met by Hollywood movie stars!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Santa eats lots of pizza in Little Italy!

Santa Claus appeared this morning in Little Italy. He bought a yummy pizza at Landini's Pizzeria. I guess a good pizza is hard to come by at the North Pole.
Santa Claus appeared this morning in Little Italy. He bought a yummy pizza at Landini’s Pizzeria. I guess a good pizza is hard to come by at the North Pole.

I didn’t expect to see Santa this morning in Little Italy! What was he doing there?

I walked up and down India Street spying on the exploits of Santa and his merry Christmas pals. Read the photo captions and you’ll learn what I discovered…

Possibly to flag down Santa while he flew by overhead, a Buon Natale banner was hung on a street lamp in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood.
Possibly to flag down Santa while he flew by overhead, a Buon Natale banner was hung on a street lamp in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Apparently Santa left his sleigh and went into Filippi's Pizza Grotto to get another pizza.
Apparently Santa left his sleigh and went into Filippi’s Pizza Grotto to get another pizza.
I hope Santa doesn't neglect to put those presents in his sleigh under the Little Italy Christmas tree.
I hope Santa doesn’t neglect to put those presents in his sleigh under the Little Italy Christmas tree.
Thank goodness! He hasn't forgotten. Strange, but now he's flying a train onto rooftops. When you're full of Christmas magic, you can do things like that.
Thank goodness! He hasn’t forgotten. Strange, but now he’s flying a train onto rooftops. When you’re full of Christmas magic, you can do things like that.
I wonder if this nutcracker likes pizza. Chances are he prefers walnuts.
I wonder if this nutcracker likes pizza. Chances are he prefers walnuts.
Rudolph and an elf are also hanging out in Little Italy while Santa pays his visit. It seems everyone loves Italian food!
Rudolph and an elf are also hanging out in Little Italy while Santa pays his visit. It seems all sorts of odd folk love Italian food!
I hope and pray Santa brought lots of gifts. He'd better not forget Little Italy's poinsettia tree in Piazza Basilone.
I hope and pray Santa brought lots of gifts. He’d better not forget Little Italy’s poinsettia tree in Piazza Basilone.
That's nice. This elf brought candy canes. Obviously, Santa with his big jolly belly likes to constantly eat.
That’s nice. This happy elf brought candy canes. Obviously, Santa with his big jolly belly likes to constantly eat.
Candy canes and pasta in a window of an Italian market. Perhaps it's a tasty combination, perhaps not.
Candy canes and pasta in a window of an Italian market. Perhaps it’s a tasty combination, perhaps not.
Hey Santa! I see you're still hanging around Little Italy. You must be really hungry.
Hey Santa! I see you’re still hanging around Little Italy. You must be really hungry!
Santa can't get enough Italian food, it seems. He has already grown pale from hunger. Time for more pizza.
Santa can’t get enough to eat, it seems. He accidentally stepped into a foodless Little Italy shop and has already grown pale from hunger. Time for more pizza!
What is Frosty the Snowman up to in that window.
Wait!  What is Frosty the Snowman up to in that window?
Oh, dear! Frosty grabbed the pizza! What will Santa do.
Oh, dear! Frosty grabbed the pizza! What will Santa do?

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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!

Ho, ho, ho! To chuckle at some perfectly silly short stories, check out my blog Foolyman Stories!

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere!

Pottery pumpkins smile outside a gift shop in San Diego's festive Old Town.
Pottery pumpkins smile outside a gift shop in San Diego’s festive Old Town.

I see pumpkins! Everywhere! It must be mid-October in San Diego!

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones and little ones! It must be October.
Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones and little ones! Grocery stores are overflowing.  It must be mid-October.
A fun display of pumpkins and Autumn characters on a street corner in Little Italy. Halloween is on the way! Boo!
A fun display of pumpkins and Autumn characters on a street corner in Little Italy. Halloween is on the way! Boo!
A beautiful arrangement of flowers, pumpkins and gourds graces a rustic Old Town boardwalk.
A beautiful arrangement of flowers, pumpkins and gourds graces a rustic Old Town boardwalk.
More golden Autumn colors suggest it's time to harvest the good things in life.
More golden Autumn colors suggest it’s time to harvest the good things in life.
A pumpkin and warm flowers on an antique cart in Old Town San Diego.
A pumpkin and warm flowers on an antique cart in Old Town San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

History of firefighting at San Diego Firehouse Museum.

"Old La Jolla" hand drawn fire engine dating from 1886, on display at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
“Old La Jolla” hand drawn fire engine dating from 1886, on display at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.

A simple but elegant old firehouse stands in downtown San Diego at the corner of Columbia Street and Cedar Street. Those who step inside are in for a very big surprise.

The San Diego Firehouse Museum today occupies what was once an active fire station–San Diego Fire Station No. 6. Located in Little Italy, this unique museum isn’t large, but it’s crammed with so much cool stuff and so much fascinating history, you could easily spend an hour enjoying the many exhibits. There are shiny red vintage fire engines, a steamer equipped with a huge boiler, antique hand pumpers, firefighting apparatus of every sort, helmets, badges, a big display of model vehicles, historical photographs . . . and just lots and lots of firefighting artifacts, dating as far back as the mid 1800s. Much of what you’ll see represents the history of firefighting in San Diego; other objects in the museum come from fire departments around the United States.

Here are some photos which I took during a recent visit. The volunteer on duty was very friendly and provided some interesting historical information. I learned that private events can be held in the old firehouse, and that kids love having birthday parties among all the fire engines. Museum admission is only 3 dollars for adults and 2 dollars for children and seniors. Quite a bargain!

The San Diego Firehouse Museum is manned by friendly firefighter volunteers. It's located in old Fire Station No. 6 at 1572 Columbia Street in Little Italy.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum is manned by friendly firefighter volunteers. It’s located in old Fire Station No. 6 at 1572 Columbia Street in Little Italy.
A look inside the Firehouse Museum, which is absolutely jam-packed with cool historical exhibits. Kids love this place.
A look inside the Firehouse Museum, which is absolutely jam-packed with cool historical exhibits. Kids love this place.
Two vintage fire engines in the old firehouse. The museum's walls are lined with interesting objects that tell the story of firefighting since the mid-1800s.
Two of the many vintage fire engines in the old firehouse. The museum’s walls are lined with interesting objects that tell the story of firefighting since the mid-1800s.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum was founded in 1962 and is operated by the nonprofit Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum was founded in 1962 and is operated by the nonprofit Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company.
A closer look at a 1914 Seagrave Pumper. During my visit, I learned that fire engines are also called pumpers.
A closer look at a 1914 Seagrave Pumper. During my visit, I learned that fire engines are also called pumpers.
Three additional old fire engines can be seen in a second room inside old Fire Station No. 6.
Even more old fire engines can be seen in a second room inside old Fire Station No. 6.
Water pressure controls on the side of one pumper.
Water pressure controls on the side of one pumper.
This white fire engine was stationed at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. It can be seen in old photographs and postcards.
This white fire engine was stationed at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. It can be seen in old photographs and postcards.
Another look at the historic 1915 Panama-California Exposition fire engine. This section of the Firehouse Museum is a bit dark and close, which makes it hard to take a good wide photo.
Another look at the historic 1915 Panama-California Exposition fire engine. This section of the Firehouse Museum is a bit dark and close, which makes it hard to take a good wide photo.
One glass display case in the museum contains all sorts of old fire fighter helmets and protective headgear.
This glass display case in the museum contains all sorts of old fire fighter helmets and protective headgear.
One corner of the Firehouse Museum showcases many old fire insurance marks which were affixed to buildings. One of these marks dates back to 1714.
One corner of the Firehouse Museum showcases many old fire insurance marks which were affixed to buildings. One of these marks dates back to 1714.
Smokey Bear welcomes visitors to The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
Smokey Bear welcomes visitors to The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
One wall features a collection of old fire extinguishers.
One wall features a collection of old fire extinguishers.
The Ely Adapter was invented by San Diego Fire Department's Assistant Chief Robert Ely.
The Ely Adapter was invented by San Diego Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Robert Ely.
Felt and paper stovepipe hats once worn by firefighters during parades.
Felt and paper stovepipe hats once worn by firefighters during parades.
Model of 1899 Metropolitan Steamer with 1911 Christie tractor.
Model of 1899 Metropolitan Steamer with 1911 Christie tractor.
Another display case at The San Diego Firehouse Museum contains all sorts of interesting old artifacts.
Another display case at The San Diego Firehouse Museum contains all sorts of interesting old artifacts.
A third room in the Firehouse Museum contains this 1903 coal burning steamer. Fire heats the boiler water making steam which activates a piston that pumps water.
A third room in the Firehouse Museum contains this 1903 coal burning steamer. Fire heats the boiler water, making steam, which activates a piston that pumps water.
Stairs once used by scrambling firefighters when old Fire Station No. 6 was operational.
Stairs once used by scrambling firefighters when old Fire Station No. 6 was operational.
An old photo of San Diego Fire Station No. 4 and its personnel.
An old photo of San Diego Fire Station No. 4 and its personnel.
Photos of the San Diego Fire Department testing their new Ahrens Steamer at the courthouse on Broadway and Front Street in 1906.
Photos of the San Diego Fire Department testing their new Ahrens Steamer at the courthouse on Broadway and Front Street in 1906.
A collection of colorful old hand pumpers at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
A collection of colorful antique hand pumpers at The San Diego Firehouse Museum.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum is fantastic place to learn a bit about San Diego and the history of firefighting.
The San Diego Firehouse Museum is fantastic place to learn a bit about San Diego and the history of firefighting.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 interesting photos for you to enjoy!

Culture and history celebrated at Festa in San Diego!

A traditional Sicilian cart on display at 2016 Festa in San Diego's Little Italy.
A traditional Sicilian cart on display at 2016 Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy.

Festa is a celebration of Italian culture and history. Every year it’s held along several blocks of India Street, in the heart of San Diego’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. Thousands turn out to enjoy music, food, and all things Italian.

Here are a few photos I snapped yesterday. They provide a taste of what Festa is all about. Read the captions for explanations, and click the images of signs in the cultural pavilion if you’d like to read them. By the way, the food and music were great. I wish this blog could convey the deliciousness of my slice of Filippi’s pizza!

Thousands turned out along several blocks of India Street for the annual celebration of Festa.
Thousands turned out along several blocks of India Street for the annual celebration of Festa.
A cultural pavilion at Festa attracted people who were interested in Little Italy's rich culture and history.
A cultural pavilion at Festa attracted people who were interested in Little Italy’s rich culture and history.
An exhibit in the cultural pavilion included old photos of life in Little Italy, a neighborhood in San Diego once associated with fishing.
An exhibit in the cultural pavilion included old photos of life in Little Italy, a neighborhood in San Diego once associated with fishing.
The Italian neighborhood remained deeply rooted in social tradition revolving around family, work and church.
The Italian neighborhood remained deeply rooted in social tradition revolving around family, work and church.
The fishing industry defined the residents' lives and included labor in boat building, net mending, and tuna and sardine canning.
The fishing industry defined the residents’ lives and included labor in boat building, net mending, and tuna and sardine canning.
Historical photos of Little Italy fishermen at work off the coast of San Diego.
Historical photos of Little Italy fishermen at work off the coast of San Diego.
Photo of young man on a boat with a very large catch.
Photo of young man on a boat with a very large catch.
Old photos of life in Little Italy include workers at a cannery and fishermen mending nets.
Old photos of life in Little Italy include workers at a cannery and fishermen mending nets.
A display at Festa includes nets and old commercial fishing gear.
A display at Festa includes nets and old commercial fishing gear.
A pillar for San Diego's Italian community, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish as endured for more than 80 years.
A pillar for San Diego’s Italian community, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish has endured for more than 80 years.
Photographs and puppets provide a glimpse of San Diego's past.
Photographs and puppets provide a glimpse of San Diego’s past.
The Columbus Day Queens are presented on stage during 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
The Columbus Day Queens are presented on stage during 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
The Sicilian Band performs during Festa in San Diego.
The Sicilian Band performs during Festa in San Diego.
A crowd admires chalk art, or Gesso Italiano, during Festa. The amazing artwork celebrated Italy's history and culture.
A crowd admires chalk art, or Gesso Italiano, during Festa. The amazing artwork celebrates Italy’s history and culture.
A vendor at Festa sells funny signs and aprons to Italy lovers.
A vendor at Festa sells funny signs and aprons to Italy lovers.
Of course, lots of pizza, pasta and other Italian food could be found up and down India Street.
Of course, lots of pizza, pasta and other Italian food could be found up and down India Street.
Chef Boyardee (Ettore Boiardi) appears on a street lamp banner in Little Italy.
Chef Boyardee (Ettore Boiardi) appears on a street lamp banner in Little Italy.
People at Festa check out some shiny new Vespas.
People at Festa check out some shiny new Vespas.
An exhibition of Italian sports cars included Maseratis and Lamborghinis.
An exhibition of Italian sports cars included Maseratis and Lamborghinis.
A kid and gondoliers at Festa. Anyone can ride elegant gondolas in San Diego at the Coronado Cays.
A kid and gondoliers at Festa. Anyone can ride elegant gondolas in San Diego at the Coronado Cays.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Photos of chalk art at 2016 Festa in Little Italy!

Lawrence Godfrey. Sunflowers and a peaceful country scene interpreted with chalk.
Lawrence Godfrey. Sunflowers and a peaceful country scene interpreted with chalk.

Check out these photos of amazing chalk art!

This morning dozens of chalk artists were busy working to complete their masterpieces as 2016 Festa in Little Italy officially opened. There was no special theme this year, so the artwork along Beech Street included anything and everything Italian. The photos I took yesterday (for my previous blog post) provided only a hint of what would materialize. Today’s photos show hours of hard work by the artists, who have brought their unique visions to life.

I’ve included what I believe to be the team names in the photo captions. Congratulations to all the great artists!

Artists complete their chalk art masterpieces at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Artists work to complete their chalk art masterpieces at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Santa Fe Christian High School. Colorful trees and hills. Perhaps its an orchard or vineyard in Italy.
Santa Fe Christian High School. Colorful trees and hills. Perhaps it’s an orchard or vineyard in Italy.
Elisabeth Eckert. Flowing artwork on the streets of Little Italy during Festa.
Elisabeth Eckert. Flowing artwork on the streets of Little Italy during Festa.
Canyon Crest Academy. A chalk depiction of The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio.
Canyon Crest Academy. A chalk depiction of classic painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio.
Liberty Charter High School. A scene from Venice, Italy produced with chalk.
Liberty Charter High School. A scene from Venice, Italy produced with chalk.
Pearson Family. A colorful face sure to please thousands of visitors at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Pearson Family. A colorful face sure to please thousands of visitors at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Lidia F. Vasquez. Another sensational work of art by a very accomplished young chalk artist.
Lidia F. Vasquez. Another sensational work of art by a very accomplished young chalk artist.
Lydia Puentes Phillips. The face of Christ before the Crucifixion.
Lydia Puentes Phillips. The face of Christ before the Crucifixion.
Stan Tang. A strong masculine face drawn with chalk.
Stan Tang. A strong masculine face drawn with chalk.
Chalkolate. A red Alfa Romeo made entirely of chalk. The Gesso Italiano at 2016 Festa celebrates everything Italian, including cars!
Chalkolate. A red Alfa Romeo made entirely of chalk. The Gesso Italiano at 2016 Festa celebrates everything Italian, including cars!
Mount Miguel High School. Someone is trying to reach out of the asphalt on Beech Street!
Mount Miguel High School. Someone is trying to reach out of the asphalt on Beech Street!
Alex Dejecacion. Some fine chalk artistry has produced a lovely woman.
Alex Dejecacion. Some fine chalk artistry has produced a lovely woman.
Weenie Kingdom. Another amazing chalk female portrait.
Weenie Kingdom. Another amazing chalk female portrait.
Liliana Mai. It seems a gondolier is waving from beneath a San Diego street!
Liliana Mai. It seems a Venetian gondolier is waving from some water beneath a San Diego street!
Valerie Michelle. Unusual chalk art depicts an elegantly dressed dog!
Valerie Michelle. Unusual chalk art depicts an elegantly dressed dog!
Megnificent. A chalk art portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio.
Megnificent. A chalk art portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio is being created.
Team Pinoy. Sylvester Stallone, a movie icon whose father was Italian.
Team Pinoy. Sylvester Stallone, a movie icon whose father was Italian.
Judith Arnaud Gary. The head of David, a famous sculpture by Michelangelo.
Judith Arnaud Gary. The head of David, a famous sculpture by Michelangelo.
Francois Lariviere. An elaborate chalk figure created for 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Francois Lariviere. A chalk figure in exotic armor created for 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Team Parada. Colored chalk has produced a stunning face.
Team Parada. Colored chalk has produced a stunning face.
Shuji Nishimura. The face of famous Italian actor and comedian Roberto Remigio Benigni.
Shuji Nishimura. The face of famous Italian actor and comedian Roberto Remigio Benigni.
Holly Lynn Schineller. In Praise of Imperfection, a tribute to Italian twin sisters.
Holly Lynn Schineller. In Praise of Imperfection, a tribute to Italian twin sisters.
Carlos Alberto Cortez Gomez. Colorful classical figures created with Gesso Italiano.
Carlos Alberto Cortez Gomez. Colorful classical figures created with Gesso Italiano.
Cecelia Linayao. A mother and child take form on the street at Festa.
Cecelia Linayao. A mother and child take form on the street at Festa.
Grasiela Rodriguez. The iconic Roman Colosseum. A work of Italian chalk art.
Grasiela Rodriguez. This Roman Colosseum is an Italian chalk art work in progress.
Brenda Mora. In loving memory of Josephine Pecoraro.
Brenda Mora. In loving memory of Josephine Pecoraro, resident of Little Italy.
Angela Checco. Two lovers enjoy romance in Rome.
Angela Checco. Two lovers enjoy romance in Rome.
Tonie Garza. Madonna in Glory by Italian painter Carlo Dolci. One of many Catholic chalk art images created for Festa in Little Italy.
Tonie Garza. Madonna in Glory by Italian painter Carlo Dolci. One of many Catholic chalk art images created for Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Tiffany Garza. A face from Italian popular culture appears on a San Diego street.
Tiffany Garza. A face from Italian popular culture appears on a San Diego street.
Renee Keady. Grapes crown a beautiful female face.
Renee Keady. Grapes crown a beautiful female face.
Brianna Cunha. The Italian theme at Festa most certainly includes grapes!
Brianna Cunha. The Italian theme at 2016 Festa most certainly included grapes!
Kira Lewis-Martinez. A graceful religious figure composed of chalk.
Kira Lewis-Martinez. A graceful religious figure softly composed of chalk.
Shawnet Sweets. A classic Italian painting translated into chalk.
Shawnet Sweets. A classic Italian painting translated into chalk art.
Team Zamora. The colors of Italy. Looking upward with pride.
Team Zamora. The colors of Italy. Looking upward with pride.
Lisa Pierre-Davis. A life-filled chalk character at 2016 Festa in Little Italy!
Lisa Pierre-Davis. A life-filled chalk character at 2016 Festa in Little Italy!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Beautiful chalk faces created on a Little Italy street!

A beautiful face comes alive on a Little Italy street. Amazing chalk art will be a central attraction at the annual Festa celebration in San Diego.
A beautiful face comes alive on a Little Italy street. Amazing chalk art will be a central attraction at the annual Festa celebration in San Diego.

Tomorrow Festa will be enjoyed by thousands of people in Little Italy. One of the annual festival’s biggest attraction is the amazing chalk art, which is also known as Gesso Italiano. Today the chalk artists began creating their masterpieces. Their unusual canvas is two blocks of asphalt along Beech Street.

I walked this afternoon from Cortez Hill down to Little Italy, to see how far the artwork has progressed. Most of the artists had already made a good start.

I looked with wonder at many colorful chalk art faces that have gradually come to life. The artists, when drawing a human form, often begin with the face. So many beautiful faces were gazing up from the asphalt.

Festa begins tomorrow, Sunday, at 10 o’clock. Thousands will enjoy the finished chalk masterpieces. I will definitely be there!

Chalk artists line two blocks of Beech Street. It's a very special October weekend in downtown San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood.
Chalk artists line two blocks of Beech Street. It’s a very special October weekend in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
This chalk artist uses a grid to form his emerging creation.
This chalk artist uses a grid to form his emerging creation.
Another face mysteriously materializes on the street. Many different colors of chalk can be used to create subtle effects.
Another face mysteriously materializes on the street. Many different colors of chalk can be used to create subtle effects.
Elaborate chalk artwork, also known as Gesso Italiano, is being created the day before 2016 Festa begins in Little Italy.
Elaborate chalk artwork, also known as Gesso Italiano, is being created the day before 2016 Festa begins in Little Italy.
Chalk can be used to produce truly sensational images.
Chalk can be used to produce truly sensational images.
Another chalk artist at work creating a bold face in the middle of the street.
Another chalk artist at work creating a bold face in the middle of the street.
Many classical images borrowed from Italy's rich culture will appear tomorrow on Beech Street for 2016 Festa.
Many classical images borrowed from Italy’s rich history and culture will appear tomorrow on Beech Street for 2016 Festa.
Chalk and asphalt. Passion and skill. A human face is born.
Chalk and asphalt. Passion and skill. A human face is born.
Eyes peer up from the street, regarding a talented chalk artist.
Eyes peer up from the street, patiently regarding a skilled chalk artist.
A colorful chalk angel in Little Italy.
A colorful chalk angel almost ready to take flight in Little Italy.
A beautiful face beneath a halo.
A beautiful face beneath a halo.
Flying purple hair, and a glowing face in the sunlight.
Flying purple hair, and a glowing face in the sunlight.
A laughing face slowly takes life. Chalk artists have converged to create beautiful art in Little Italy for Festa!
These eyes have been infused with life. Chalk artists have converged to create beautiful art in Little Italy for 2016 Festa!

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A colorful morning walk through Little Italy.

Colorful art in the sidewalk in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. A fisherman sells his fresh catch to a family by the ocean.
Colorful art in the sidewalk in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. A fisherman sells his fresh catch to a family by the ocean.

I walked through Little Italy yesterday morning on my way to catch the trolley. I was struck by the quiet beauty all around me. So I tried to capture a few moments with some photos.

In the interest of full disclosure, two or three of these photos are from walks on other mornings. It seems my every journey through Little Italy is magical.

It's still early morning in Little Italy, so perhaps everyone isn't quite ready to tackle the day.
It’s still early morning in Little Italy, so perhaps everyone isn’t quite ready to tackle the day.
Morning sunlight slants in to touch the side of a newly painted Victorian house near a modern hotel.
Morning sunlight slants in to touch the side of a newly painted Victorian house near a modern hotel.
Michelangelo watches--and so does a construction worker--as a new development rises in the heart of Little Italy.
Michelangelo watches–and so does a construction worker–as a new development rises in the heart of Little Italy.
This huge new development will include the public gathering space Piazza Famiglia.
This huge new development will include the public gathering space Piazza Famiglia.
Sweeping up some leaves, preparing for another day.
Sweeping up some leaves, preparing for another day.
A Little Italy Association maintenance truck has pulled up beside a wheelbarrow full of flowers.
A Little Italy Association maintenance truck has pulled up beside a wheelbarrow full of flowers.
Wisdom along the roof of one building. Do right. Fear nothing. Keep it simple. Find what you love.
Wisdom along the roof of one building. Do right. Fear nothing. Keep it simple. Find what you love.
A big red chair awaits on Little Italy's popular but now quiet India Street.
A big red chair awaits on Little Italy’s popular but now quiet India Street.
Mary and Christ Child welcome the faithful above the entrance to Our Lady of the Rosary church.
Mary and Christ Child welcome the faithful above the entrance to Our Lady of the Rosary church.
Classic bearded face provides a building wall with sculptural ornamentation.
Classic bearded face provides a building wall with sculptural ornamentation.
Little Italy San Diego street lamp banner celebrates entertainer Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
Little Italy San Diego street lamp banner celebrates entertainer Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
Fanciful birdhouses sit on a fence between homes in Little Italy.
Fanciful birdhouses sit on a fence between homes in Little Italy.
Be like a pineapple! Wear a crown. Stand tall and be sweet on the inside.
Be like a pineapple! Wear a crown. Stand tall and be sweet on the inside.
Greenery flows like cascading water from planters on the outside wall of the Sorrento Ristorante.
Greenery flows like cascading water from planters on the outside wall of the Sorrento Ristorante.
A quiet moment before the day's business begins.
A quiet moment before the day’s business begins.
Life and color fill the streets of the Little Italy neighborhood in downtown San Diego.
Life and color fill the streets of the Little Italy neighborhood in downtown San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

San Diego stickball: Sidewalk Slammers vs. Street Rookies!

Players prepare to go to bat during a stickball tournament in San Diego's Little Italy.
Players prepare to go to bat during a stickball tournament in San Diego’s Little Italy.

A stickball tournament was held today in San Diego’s Little Italy. I watched one game between the Sidewalk Slammers and Street Rookies, and was able to snap a bunch of action photos. Sometimes these tournaments include teams from New York, but I was told that the five teams today were all local. Stickball has become a very cool downtown San Diego tradition!

Young player on the Sidewalk Slammers team takes a swing during the early innings of a fungo-style stickball game.
Young player on the Sidewalk Slammers team takes a swing during the early innings of a fungo-style stickball game.
A teammate is ready to strike the bounced rubber ball with a taped wooden broom handle. Lots of people were watching on either side of Columbia Street.
A teammate is ready to strike the bounced rubber ball with a taped wooden broom handle. Lots of people were watching on either side of Columbia Street.
Stickball fans watch the action while seated or standing. Music, drink and good times on the sidewalk in front of The Firehouse Museum in Little Italy.
Stickball fans watch the action while seated or standing. Music, drink and good times on the sidewalk in front of The Firehouse Museum in Little Italy.
Halfway through the 3rd inning and the Sidewalk Slammers trail the Street Rookies.
Halfway through the 3rd inning and the Sidewalk Slammers trail the Street Rookies.
Members of the Street Rookies, in yellow shirts, watch as their offense tries to score more runs.
Members of the Street Rookies, in yellow shirts, watch as their offense tries to score more runs.
He calls himself a Street Rookie? This guy hits the ball really hard. A line drive far down the city block.
He calls himself a Street Rookie? This guy hits the ball really hard. A line drive far down the long city block.
A runner scores by touching the chalk home plate, and the Street Rookies extend their lead.
A runner scores by touching the chalk home plate, and the Street Rookies extend their lead.
The next batter prepares to bounce the rubber ball before swinging. This type of self-pitched stickball is called fungo.
The next batter prepares to bounce the rubber ball before swinging. I learned that self-pitching the ball is technically called fungo.
Another hit! Fans go wild! A downtown San Diego street makes for a very unusual stadium.
Another hit! Fans go wild! A downtown San Diego street makes for a very unusual stadium.
Time out! A car is pulling out of a parking garage and into the asphalt outfield. During the action, pedestrians and onlookers are sometimes in the field of play.
Time out! A car is pulling out of a parking garage and into the asphalt outfield. During the action, pedestrians, dogs and onlookers are sometimes in the field of play.
Three teammates take the field at the top of a new inning. A great game is underway.
Three teammates take the field at the top of a new inning. A great game is underway.
An athletic move and lightning fast throw. If I recall, the play was very close and the runner was nearly out.
An athletic move and lightning fast throw. If I recall, the play was very close and the runner was nearly tagged out.
Another defensive play. A Sidewalk Slammers runner is safe at second base.
Another defensive play. A Sidewalk Slammers runner has safely made second base.
Another time out! The KUSI television van is leaving the scene. They had several live shots of the local stickball tournament this morning.
Another time out! The KUSI television van is leaving the scene. They had several live shots of the local stickball tournament this morning.
Someone watches the game from high up on their balcony. I believe hitting a fly into a building is considered a foul. Unlike baseball, a foul or a strike is called out. Tough rules.
Someone watches the game from high up on their balcony. I believe hitting a fly into a building is considered a foul. Unlike baseball, a foul or a strike is called out. Tough rules.
Some fielding action on the sidewalk right in front of me! Fortunately, I didn't manage to get in the way.
Some fielding action on the sidewalk right in front of me! Fortunately, I didn’t manage to get in the way.
Chasing the ball! A game played primarily in the Northeastern United States is being enjoyed several thousand miles away!
Chasing the ball! A game played primarily in the Northeastern United States is being enjoyed several thousand miles away!
Encouragement and friendship on the streets of San Diego.
Encouragement and friendship on the not-so-mean streets of San Diego.
This game is over. The members of both teams exchange high fives. Good sportsmanship and fun.
This game is over. The members of both teams exchange high fives. Good sportsmanship and fun. That’s San Diego style!
The Sidewalk Slammers get a team photo. Five local teams are competing in this tournament.
The Sidewalk Slammers get a team photo. Five local teams are competing in this tournament.
And here is the final score. Sidewalk Slammers 5. Street Rookies 12.
And here is the final score. Sidewalk Slammers 5. Street Rookies 12.
Watching a Memorial Day weekend game of stickball in San Diego's Little Italy.
People enjoy watching a Memorial Day weekend game of stickball in Little Italy.

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Romantic mural in Little Italy celebrates life.

Diners sit at tables on the waterfront. An Italian fish market, colorful buildings and clouds.
Diners sit at tables on the waterfront. An Italian fish market, colorful buildings and clouds.

I really like this mural. You’ll find it near the corner of Grape Street and Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy. It was painted by San Diego artist Stephanie Clair. Her art is modern, romantic and overflowing with the simple pleasures of life. Please enjoy a few colorful photos!

Little Italy mural painted by artist Stephanie Clair shows the life of a fishing town. Perhaps it resembles San Diego's past.
Little Italy mural painted by artist Stephanie Clair shows the life of a fishing town. Perhaps it resembles San Diego’s past.
Fishermen in their boats working the sea. The water is blue and green.
Fishermen in their boats working the sea. The water is blue and green.
Lovers drink wine as they sit by the water, gazing out at the sunset.
Lovers drink wine as they sit by the water, gazing out at the sunset.
A streetcar among buildings that seem to pulse with life.
A streetcar among buildings that seem to pulse with life.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 fun photos for you to enjoy!