A long mural painted on a building at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street honors four lives that were lost during a tragic accident in Chicano Park on October 15, 2016.
Here are photos of the new mural in Barrio Logan that honors the lives of four people who died tragically last month in Chicano Park under the Coronado Bay Bridge. On October 14, the four–Annamarie Contreras, Cruz Elias Contreras, Andre Christopher Banks and Francine Denise Jimenez–were attending the annual La Raza Run motorcycle festival in Chicano Park when a car driven by a drunk driver suddenly plummeted from the bridge onto the crowd below. The news that four were killed and eight were injured was shocking. Many were shaken. So many hearts were broken.
The new artwork, which includes a tribute to the four victims, can be found at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street, a block southeast of Chicano Park. Chicano Park is famous for its many colorful murals that depict the civil rights struggles of Mexican Americans and immigrants.
On Saturday, October 16, the day we started our mural, four members of the annual Raza Run lost their lives in the tragic accident at Chicano Park.The mural is titled Que Viva Barrio Logan, by artist Mario Torero. It’s painted on the side of Diego and Son Printing. Words proclaim: Making a difference in our community.The mural transmits great emotion. Many in the Barrio Logan community oppose gentrification.The mural also includes a message opposing the building of a new stadium downtown.Working under the Coronado Bay Bridge, home of Chicano Park.A few of the images in the mural. Breaking a chain of bondage. Music and pride. Protect the water.The face of Bob Dylan in Barrio Logan.Skeletons on bicycles. Symbols, I believe, of past loved ones.Withstanding with Standing Rock.The face of a migrant worker.Walking down the National Avenue sidewalk, past a new mural that celebrates life, memory and history in Barrio Logan.
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Flags and flowers are placed where the fallen now rest.
Today there was a moving Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. I attended.
Here are some photos. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, located on Point Loma high above the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, is the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and their families, who served their country with courage and honor. Many who are buried in this hallowed place fought in different conflicts spanning our nation’s history, right up to the present-day War on Terrorism. Because of its amazing natural setting, many say Fort Rosecrans is more beautiful than even Arlington or Normandy. As you can see, it’s a special place.
A Memorial Day rose adorns a solemn grave marker at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.American flags at the grave markers around the USS Bennington Monument. The granite obelisk remembers those sailors who lost their lives when the warship’s boiler exploded in San Diego Bay in 1905.Love and respect are shown for those in the military who pledged to protect their countrymen, and defend freedom. They are honored on Memorial Day.Walking among silent rows of white. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.Many old granite markers at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery recall decades and centuries of history.A marker reads: “Lydia Hunter died from complications resulting from the birth of her only child, a son named Diego Hunter, the first American born in San Diego. Diego was born 20 April 1847, Lydia died 6 days later. May we honor her and each of those women who served with the Mormon Battalion.” Members of the Mormon Battalion made the longest military march in U.S. history. They marched over 2000 miles from Iowa to San Diego in 1847.People assemble in front of the rostrum where the Memorial Day service will be conducted at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.People from all walks of life have gathered together to honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.While people take their seats before the opening and introduction, Marine Band San Diego provides music.The color guard comes forward. Those attending the ceremony sing the Star Spangled Banner and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.Some patriots in the crowd wave small flags.Veterans salute. Respect is shown for the flag.The color guard exited along the side where I sat, allowing me to take a couple of good photographs.Members of a high school ROTC program carry the United States and California flags.Folded flags are presented to families of fallen heroes. Everyone watching was very attentive and quiet.An address about different forms of love during Memorial Day. The moving speech was given by Major General O’Donohue of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton.Ceremonial wreaths approach the rostrum. Many organizations presented wreaths, including the Knights of Columbus shown here.Various ceremonial wreaths are displayed in front of the assembled people. Tokens of love, gratitude and respect.Finally, taps is played while the cemetery flag is lowered to half staff. Salutes included three rifle volleys, a musket volley, and a cannon.A bagpiper, after playing Lament for a Soldier, exits across the green grass, where the fallen lie eternally.The ceremony is over, and those visiting the cemetery fan out to pay their respects. The Marine Band remained seated for a bit of concluding music.A Navy officer walks down a cemetery driveway, which overlooks the channel entrance to San Diego Bay.Walls around the cemetery contain columbarium niches for cremated remains. Naval Air Station North Island and downtown San Diego are visible in the background.Walking along the columbarium. Its plaques identify loved ones.These two guys had bouquets in their backpacks. They are gazing along the Point Loma peninsula in the direction of Cabrillo National Monument.A deeply moving sight. Solemn rows of white on rolling green hills. Volunteers have provided every grave with an American flag and rose.Member of the next generation among those who came before.The living walk thoughtfully through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.More grave markers and a small plaque nearby.The markers in this memorial area honor veterans whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and the ashes scattered.After the Memorial Day ceremony, some people linger to view the floral tributes and the flag-draped Casket of the Unknown Soldier. The plaque behind the rostrum contains President Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address.And now almost everyone has departed.Plaque near Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery entrance has lines from The Bivouac of the Dead, a poem by Theodore O’Hara.The main entrance plaque at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The flag flies at half staff.Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is also a California Registered Historical Landmark.Several monuments near the cemetery entrance memorialize tragic events in U.S. military history, including ships lost in action.Flags in the breeze. A cloudy day. People atop the hill gaze down at the eternal ocean.Looking beyond grave markers toward a hazy blue horizon.A beautiful old tree rises from the Earth. Life persists.A slow, thoughtful walk.Youth replaces a red rose that was blown by the wind to the ground. He doesn’t realize that someone is watching.
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A large bee and the word LOVE. Street art on a fence near the top of Golden Hill.
I went on a long walk today and took many photos. Enough for several blog posts!
I’ll begin at the beginning–walking in the mid-morning from downtown San Diego to the top of Golden Hill. I headed east along Broadway, crossed Interstate 5, then began my climb up the hill, looking this way and that. Here are a few interesting things I saw, starting at the Police Headquarters located at 14th and Broadway…
A wreath in front of the San Diego Police Headquarters’ Wall of Honor is the remnant of a recent memorial ceremony. The wall is inscribed with the names of all police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.A prayer on Broadway. Shelter my brothers and sisters in arms who have fallen in the fight. Let their stars, lit by your love, shine brightly through the night.A sign points to Golden Hill as I walk east up Broadway from downtown San Diego.Looking back west toward downtown. Many jacaranda trees line San Diego’s streets. A man waits at a bus stop.Crazy decal on the back of a stop sign.A utility box with a bit of funny urban art. This tired buffalo appears to be crunching some numbers.A nicely restored Victorian residence on sloping Broadway, photographed while heading up Golden Hill. This neighborhood contains many historic houses. A hundred years ago, this area on a scenic hill near downtown was very affluent.One side of a utility box has been boldly painted with a fiery green dragon.A lady and a scaly dragon on the opposite side of the box. A floral mural decorates a nearby store’s wall.The San Diego Reader is a very popular alternative weekly newspaper in our city. Their headquarters is located on Broadway in Golden Hill.The 1896 Quartermass-Wilde House is a San Diego Historic Landmark. It’s difficult to miss! This elegant Victorian is an outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture.Lots of balloons and flowers for sale at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It’s Mother’s Day.A beautiful bit of shining art inlaid in the sidewalk. A marker at the top of Golden Hill.San Diego Fire Station 11, at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It’s a perfect day for a walk!A Mexican taco shop has graffiti on the windows. The neighborhood today is slightly neglected, but sunny and pleasant.A wooden fence along the sidewalk contains amazing, colorful murals, beginning with this flowery skull.A brilliant butterfly spotted on Broadway, near the top of Golden Hill!A hummingbird drawn like ancient Southwestern rock art.A magical lady, eyeball plants and an unfinished Simba.Someone walks west along the Broadway sidewalk. I continued east, turned north up 28th Street and directed my feet toward South Park.
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French flag and the Eiffel Tower turned into a peace sign. Part of a touching memorial for the victims of the Paris terror attack.
A candlelight vigil was held last night at the House of France in Balboa Park. The House of France is a member of the peace-loving House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
During the vigil, the victims of Friday’s ISIS terror attack in Paris were remembered, and loving support was displayed in San Diego for the good people of France.
I walked by the House of France early this morning. The candles were still lit.
A candlelight vigil was held last night in front of the House of France in San Diego’s Balboa Park.Candles remain lit the morning after the vigil. Signs, messages, flowers and letters show support for France and love for those who died during the Paris terror attack.Pray for Paris.Je suis Paris.Personal sentiments are written down by San Diegans, many with ties to France. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Sending our love to Paris and the rest of the world.La France est la joie de vivre. A memorial for the innocent victims of the Paris terror attack. Hope, love and beauty cannot be conquered.
A traditional Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights summons ancestors and loved ones who have passed from this world.
I went for a long walk this morning. My feet carried me through Sherman Heights, a neighborhood directly east of downtown San Diego. I was hoping to see some of the community Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altars. These outdoor altars, distributed about a few residential streets, were the focus of yesterday’s popular Sherman Heights Muertos Festival, which I missed.
Heading down 24th Street, I spotted one elaborate altar near the sidewalk and was struck by the rich, heartfelt symbolism.
Loved ones who’ve “passed to the other side” are remembered with reverence on Dia de los Muertos, and their spirits are enticed back among the living. Traditional items featured in the altars can include sugar skulls, samples of the deceased person’s favorite food, pan de muertos (bread with a small human figurine baked inside), seeds, flowers, portraits of the dead, candles, alcohol (to toast the arrival of spirits), and papel picado (decorative perforated paper which represents the fragile nature of life).
I don’t know whose spirits are being summoned by this particular altar. I can tell that precious memories are being kept alive among the living, and that those memories contain whole lifetimes of love.
Powerful symbols of life, love, hope and renewal on display in this colorful outdoor altar.In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of the dead. It is a beloved time in culturally rich San Diego.A beautiful outdoor Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights. An ordinary family cherishes extraordinary memories.
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A beautiful live oak grove in Balboa Park honors men who died tragically on the USS Bennington in 1905.
Balboa Park is without a doubt one of America’s national treasures. Located just north of downtown San Diego, its 1,200 acres is the home of magnificent museums, gardens, architectural marvels, many recreational facilities and perhaps the world’s most famous zoo. The amazing urban park is so gigantic most visitors see only a small fraction of it. Some out-of-the-way corners of Balboa Park are enjoyed by locals who live nearby; other overlooked areas seem almost forgotten.
The USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove is one such area. While many drive by it on any given day, as they travel along 26th Street just before it turns into Florida Drive, and a few joggers pass through the shady grove, I’d wager only a handful of San Diegans know of the oak grove’s existence or historical significance.
There are 66 live oak trees in this grove. They were planted to memorialize 66 men killed on the USS Bennington on the morning of July 21, 1905, when the gunboat’s boiler suddenly exploded and the ship nearly sank in San Diego’s harbor. No markers in the grove indicate the significance of the large gnarled oaks. (A 60 foot high granite obelisk stands at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, a memorial to those sailors who died on the USS Bennington. Most of the dead are buried there.)
The USS Bennington was a warship with a long and proud history. Commissioned in 1891, she was the ship that claimed Wake Island for the United States. After the boiler explosion in San Diego Bay, eleven men were awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism.
Earlier this year, when I visited an exhibit in Balboa Park created by The Daughters of the American Revolution San Diego Chapter, I learned the local DAR would like to place plaques in the grove to memorialize the USS Bennington and the men who tragically died. If you, your business or organization would like information about the project, or to help, you might contact them from their page. Should this project come to fruition, I’ll be very pleased to blog about it!
View of the Bennington Memorial Oak Grove from Golden Hill Park, located near Balboa Park’s southeast corner. Balboa Park’s public golf course and Naval Medical Center San Diego are also visible.Wooden footbridge along 26th Street leads to a little-used trail through USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.Beautiful old oak trees memorialize 66 sailors killed in 1905 when the USS Bennington’s boiler exploded in San Diego’s nearby harbor.Looking up through the leaves of the live oak trees at blue sky and clouds.These trees, honoring fallen men, remind us of a sudden tragic moment in San Diego’s military history.A commercial airplane flies overhead as it crosses Balboa Park heading in toward Lindbergh Field.A jogger enjoys the shady old trees on a warm day in early October.
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Three bronze fishermen on Shelter Island together reel in a large tuna.
A monumental bronze sculpture in Shoreline Park on Shelter Island has become an iconic image. The Tunaman’s Memorial, by artist Franco Vianello, dedicated in 1988, honors the courage and hard work of generations of tuna fishermen in San Diego. The 9,000 pound sculpture depicts three individuals pole fishing from a boat of the once-large tuna fleet out on the Pacific Ocean. The history of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry contains generations of life stories. These unwritten stories involve fishermen who immigrated from many different nations, including Italy, Portugal and Japan.
One polished side of the sculpture contains names of fishermen who were pioneers in our region, and those who were lost at sea. An inscription reads: Tunaman’s Memorial honoring those that built an industry and remembering those that departed this harbor in the sun and did not return. Anthony Mascarenhas.
The Tunaman’s Memorial on Shelter Island is a 9,000 pound bronze sculpture honoring generations of diverse fishermen.Tuna fishing in local waters was once a major industry in San Diego.Polished side of Tunaman’s Memorial contains names of San Diego fishing pioneers, and those who were lost at sea.This iconic sight on Shelter Island provides a glimpse back in history, at those in our community who worked the sea.
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Workers have begun to install the first paver “bricks” dedicated to people, businesses or organizations at the foot of San Diego’s Broadway Pier.
I was walking along San Diego’s waterfront after work today, enjoying what remained of daylight, when I spied some sort of construction underway at the foot of the Broadway Pier. I moseyed over to check it out.
I discovered that the first of the custom pavers are being installed by the Port of San Diego, in the wide new plaza at the pier’s entrance. Anyone can sponsor a paver “brick” and have a name engraved upon it for posterity. Phrases such as “In memory of,” “In celebration of,” “In honor of,” “Sponsored by,” “Established in,” and “Dedicated to” are allowed. Plaques on furniture such as tables, chairs and benches can also be customized with a name of your choosing. A tall stack of pavers was ready to be installed, so it looks to me like the Port of San Diego is off to a good start!
Interested? Check out sdportwalk.org for further details!
San Diego’s North Embarcadero, often referred to as the city’s front porch, has undergone enormous improvements in recent years. I’ve lived downtown for 15 years, and the waterfront is more beautiful, friendly and functional than ever. But additional phases in its revitalization await completion. According to the Port of San Diego website, money that is raised will help fund future improvements and developments on the Embarcadero.
Anyone can place their name on a permanent paver to help support improvements to the North Embarcadero. Custom plaques on furniture, like public benches and tables, are also available.Some of the first pavers are engraved with the names of VIPs. Included are the current Mayor, several Port of San Diego officials, and City Council President.Smiling Port of San Diego guys explained to me a little about this ongoing project. Ultimately, these legacy “paving blocks” will stretch in a band across the entrance to Broadway Pier.Looking east down Broadway from the foot of the pier, on San Diego’s continually improving, very beautiful Embarcadero.
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Grossmont High School NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard waits for an important event to begin.
This morning I attended a moving ceremony. Americans who fought in World War II, members of The Greatest Generation, were honored in a special Veterans Wreath Ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. It’s one of several events taking place on the USS Midway this Memorial Day weekend. San Diego’s popular aircraft carrier museum promises to be a very busy hub of activity.
I took a few photographs of the ceremony. It was short, but very meaningful.
People cross flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier museum to attend a special Memorial Day weekend event. (Chairs are for a Wynonna Judd concert later this evening.)Looking south over San Diego Bay from upper deck of USS Midway Museum. Unconditional Surrender statue can be seen below.Pomerado Community Band plays music before start of short ceremony that honors World War II veterans.God Bless America sung with a deep, resonant voice. Many in the crowd listen with emotion.Guests are ready for the special Memorial Day weekend Veterans Wreath Ceremony to begin.There are two wreaths. One commemorates those who fought in the World War II Pacific theater. The second wreath is dedicated to those who served in Europe.This honored vet performed his duty in the Pacific during the Second World War. With him are two other generations.Also honored was energetic Stu Hedley, who is a Pearl Harbor survivor.Vintage World War II P-35 fighter aircraft from Air Group One (San Diego Wing of the Commemorative Air Force) flies over during the ceremony.The wreaths are presented to the two representative veterans, who will toss them into the water.In a time-honored ritual and tribute, the first wreath takes flight as many watch and The Remembrance Bell is rung.Flowers and memories float on San Diego Bay on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend.A photo from the flight deck of the USS Midway. The historic aircraft carrier is used for many military ceremonies in San Diego.
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Tinted morning sky above Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Early this morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, I arrived at the top of a mountain. It had been a long while since I visited the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Located in La Jolla, north of downtown San Diego, Mount Soledad is a place of stunning views and great natural beauty. And a place filled with memory and feeling. Thousands are honored here for unselfishly serving their country.
Plaques on six concentric walls each remember an American hero, some who are living, many who’ve passed away into history. At the center rises a tall white memorial cross, erected in 1954 to honor Korean War veterans. The subject of controversy over many years, the cross will soon stand protected on private land. The National Defense Authorization Act for 2015 contains a provision that will convey the cross to the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial Association.
Like a mosaic, eternally shining black granite plaques cover the low, curving walls; they tell the diverse stories of uniformed members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, plus those who served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. The walls will ultimately hold 3,200 names.
If you have a loved one who is serving, or who has served, you can purchase a plaque. Here is the memorial’s website.
Sun rising on eastern horizon illuminates top of concentric walls of the memorial.The cross is a landmark that can be seen for many miles in every direction. The flagpole is bare at this early hour.Early morning visitors to Mount Soledad take photos of the 29 foot high cross.Looking south over part of La Jolla toward Mission Bay and Point Loma. Downtown San Diego is visible on the far left.Beautiful yellow flowers, grass and benches are found about this mountaintop monument to all veterans.Gazing over curved walls containing memorial plaques toward the Pacific Ocean in morning light.Friendly gentleman keeping the Mt. Soledad Park clean is grateful to work up here surrounded by so much beauty.Photograph of the historic, controversial cross taken from its base.Plaque states the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial Cross was dedicated in 1954 as a tribute to those who’ve served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.Veteran volunteer prepares to proudly raise the American flag.The Stars and Stripes is carefully attached, ready to be lifted into the wide, blue sky.The volunteer momentarily lowered the flag to half-mast, to honor the fallen. He then raised it to the top and showed his respect.Plaque at base of flagpole.The friendly volunteer was happy to show me around the memorial.Names of donors on special bricks.Pointing out notable names and heroic exploits that shine on the walls.Photo plaques honor both living and deceased members of United States uniformed services.These memorialized vets served honorably in eras and conflicts throughout our nation’s history.Jeffrey Scott Taylor of U.S. Navy killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005.Plaque on Mt. Soledad honors and remembers prisoners of war, and those missing in action.Herman Henry Hanneken, Brigadier General of U.S. Marine Corps, served in many wars long ago.Famed band director Glenn Miller was a great morale builder during World War II.General “Black Jack” Pershing fought victoriously, from the late 19th century through World War I.Rear Admiral Thomas William McNamara has a plaque on Mount Soledad.U.S. Army Corporal Alfred W. Stewart helped liberate the Philippine Islands during WWII.Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Howard Manuel Gonzalez of the U.S. Navy is honored.Harry Herman Heimple was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm.San Diego local hero Jerry Coleman, a baseball legend who served with great patriotism in two wars.Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II.General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s plaque is added to a host of other plaques representing those who served with equal honor.Commander in Chief Harry S. Truman began his military career during World War I.Jack Kramer served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Second World War. He helped create modern professional tennis.The four Nicosia brothers fought in different military branches in several theaters of war.Famed Army General George S. Patton is remembered for his storied service to our country.Legendary movie actor James Stewart was promoted to Brigadier General after 27 years of military service.Pappy Boyington was a scrappy fighter pilot ace of the U.S. Marines during World War II.Dedicated to Jewish Chaplains who perished while in service to their country.Sir Winston Churchill, who defended Britain from the Nazis, was made an honorary American citizen.Patrol Bombing Squadron Eighteen. To men like them we owe our freedom.The brave, meritorious Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient who sacrificed his own life to save his comrades in Iraq.I’m shown an often updated book that lists the positions of every plaque by name.The volunteer at the memorial dutifully rings eight bells.The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a place of moving stories, and many heroes.
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