Tag: mission valley

San Diego buildings, shining in a sunlit fog.

Early morning sunlight reflects from a building's windows in Mission Valley, casting heavenly beams of light through lifting fog.
Early morning sunlight reflects from a building’s shining windows in Mission Valley, casting heavenly beams of light through a slight fog.

It was very foggy this morning in downtown San Diego. I had my camera out as I walked from the top of Cortez Hill to the Civic Center trolley station. By the time I reached Mission Valley, the fog had mostly dissipated. I was very fortunate to capture that almost heavenly first photo!  Those slanting beams are exactly as they appeared to the eye!

A bird flies past Cortez Blu, which rises into a foggy downtown San Diego sky.
A bird flies past Cortez Blu, which rises into a foggy downtown San Diego sky.
Vantage Pointe in downtown San Diego rises into a fog illuminated by the rising sun.
Vantage Pointe in downtown San Diego rises into a fog illuminated by the rising sun.
Fog and sunlight create a magical morning photo of skyscrapers on B Street in the heart of San Diego.
Fog and sunlight create a magical morning photo of skyscrapers on B Street in the heart of San Diego.
Beautiful light on tall ghostly buildings.
Beautiful light on tall ghostly buildings.

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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!

Photos of San Diego River, after three storms.

The swollen San Diego River after three winter storms in six days. A gauge beside the water shows the river has subsided to about the 8 foot mark, after reaching a high level--I believe--of around 11 feet.
The swollen San Diego River after three winter storms in six days. A gauge beside the water shows the river has subsided to about the 8 foot mark, after reaching a high level–I believe–of around 11 feet.

I did some walking in a drizzle this morning before work.

I got off the trolley at the Fashion Valley station and proceeded to investigate the San Diego River in a section of Mission Valley that is often hit with flooding. Three very rainy winter storms were finally coming to an end. What did I see?

Palm trees surrounded by river water. Photo taken between the Fashion Valley Transit Center and the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.
Palm trees surrounded by flowing river water. Photo taken from the pedestrian bridge between the Fashion Valley Transit Center and the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.
A tall eucalyptus tree knocked over by the gusty winter storms. A common sight around San Diego.
A tall, shallow-rooted eucalyptus tree knocked over by the gusty winter storms. A common sight around San Diego.
Fashion Valley Road this morning was still blocked off from traffic, even though the San Diego River's water had subsided to street level.
Fashion Valley Road this morning was still blocked off from traffic, even though the San Diego River’s water had subsided to street level.
A friendly San Diego Lifeguard makes the rounds to make sure nobody needs a swift water rescue. My photo just missed his wave!
A friendly San Diego Lifeguard makes the rounds to make sure nobody needs a swift water rescue. My photo just missed his wave!
The parking structures at Fashion Valley Mall that are susceptible to flooding were definitely well underwater. Thank goodness, I saw no submerged cars.
The parking structures at Fashion Valley Mall that are susceptible to flooding were definitely well underwater. Thank goodness, I saw no submerged cars.
Bright green grass and dark clouds. I was sheltered from raindrops by the trolley tracks overhead.
Bright green grass and dark clouds. I was sheltered from raindrops by the trolley tracks overhead.
As usual, the San Diego River was flooding Avenida del Rio south of the mall. The short street is appropriately named!
As usual, the San Diego River was flooding Avenida del Rio just south of the mall. The short, dipping street is appropriately named!
Yesterday someone foolishly trying to walk through this powerful moving water had to be rescued. They got washed away. A helicopter was even brought in.
Yesterday someone foolishly trying to walk through this powerful moving water had to be rescued. They got washed away. A helicopter was even brought in.
No worries about flooding for the trolley--at least right here!
No worries about flooding for the trolley–at least right here!
The Highway 163 underpass was flooded and muddy. I had to walk another way around to work. Good thing I got an early start!
The Highway 163 underpass was flooded and muddy. I had to walk another way around to reach work. Good thing I got an early start!
Sign by the San Diego River. The low rainfall and the geologic composition historically allowed the river to run below ground much of the year, hence the nickname--the Upside Down River.
Sign by the San Diego River. The low rainfall and the geologic composition historically allowed the river to run below ground much of the year, hence the nickname: the Upside Down River.
The beautiful river this morning through leaves.
The beautiful river this morning through leaves.
Morning sky and clouds through bare winter river trees.
Morning sky and clouds through bare winter trees.
The San Diego River is unusually wide in its swollen state after the storms. It looks like an honest-to-goodness actual river!
The San Diego River is unusually wide in its swollen state after the storms. It looks like an honest-to-goodness actual river!
Walking along Mission Center Road in the rain by the San Diego River.
Walking along Mission Center Road in the rain by the San Diego River.

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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!

Even the gray clouds above are beautiful.

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I was going to post these beautiful photographs on one of my other blogs, A Small World Full of Beauty, but decided to feature them here! As I walked to the trolley station after work, the ominous, complex, wind-sculpted gray clouds above Mission Valley were so unusual and eye-catching that I had to pull out my camera. A few drops of sporadic rain couldn’t bow my head. There was so much beauty above in every direction!

Here are some photos.

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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!

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San Diego River wildlife in a Mission Valley mural.

Faces peer from a wall near the San Diego River. The very long mural, titled River Life, contains images of wildlife one might find here--or have found here before urban development.
Faces peer from a wall near the San Diego River. The very long mural, titled River Life, contains images of wildlife one might find here–or have found here before urban development.

I love this mural in Mission Valley. I remember driving through the intersection at Qualcomm Way and Camino de la Reina years ago, and seeing a whole bunch of people painting wild river animals along the ugly low wall. A little research today tells me that memory was from late 2009.

“River Life” was completed by almost 200 volunteers over four days. The design came from artist Lori Escalera. It’s one of of six murals (so far) that the San Diego River Park Foundation has helped to create. I’ve featured others on my blog. Here are some links if you want to check out more of the beautiful San Diego River murals…

Creative kids paint San Diego River Estuary mural.

San Diego River animals gather under city bridge.

Ribbon of life mural by the San Diego River.

Faded public art glows by neglected river trail.

The left end of a long, colorful mural in Mission Valley. Birds of the air and water are featured here. The art was designed by Lori Escalera in 2009.
The left end of a long, colorful mural in Mission Valley. Birds of the air and water are featured here. The art was designed by Lori Escalera in 2009.
IA heron, hummingbird and frog. Down by the beautiful River Trail, just south of where we stand, many different birds can be spotted on the quiet surface of the San Diego River, and in reeds and tree branches.
A heron, hummingbird and frog. Down by the beautiful River Trail, just north of where we stand, many different birds can be spotted on the quiet surface of the San Diego River, and in thick reeds and overhanging tree branches.
A butterfly, a fox (peeking from behind a transformer box on Camino de la Reina) and a raccoon.
A butterfly, a fox (peeking from behind a transformer box on Camino de la Reina) and a raccoon.
Some sort of lizard--perhaps a Gila monster--is half hidden by leaves, while a rattlesnake coils nearby!
Some sort of lizard–perhaps a Gila monster–is half hidden by leaves, while a rattlesnake coils nearby!
A jackrabbit and wild coyote.
A jackrabbit and wild coyote.
A skunk and perhaps kitten bobcats.
A skunk and perhaps kitten bobcats.
I recognize a squirrel, but I'm not sure about the other animal whose eyes seem to be glowing in the dark.
I recognize a squirrel, but I’m not sure about the other animal whose eyes seem to be glowing in the dark.
I believe that's a Red-winged Blackbird and a moth.
I believe that’s a Red-winged Blackbird and a moth.
Looks to me like a toad and a beetle. If you can accurately identify these creatures, feel free to leave a quick comment!
Looks to me like a toad and a beetle. If you can accurately identify these creatures, feel free to leave a quick comment!
That looks to me like a turtle--or a tortoise! It's obvious I still have a whole lot to learn!
That looks to me like a turtle–or a tortoise! It’s obvious this blogger still has a whole lot to learn!

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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!

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Firefighting helicopters suck water from San Diego River!

One of the San Diego Fire Department's two firefighting helicopters fills it water tank using a hose lowered into the San Diego River in Mission Valley.
One of the San Diego Fire Department’s two firefighting helicopters fills its water tank using a hose lowered into the San Diego River in Mission Valley.

I was lucky late this afternoon to capture some cool action pics! After work, I was eating at Jack in the Box in Hazard Center when I saw a helicopter swooping rapidly down toward the nearby San Diego River. A hose was dangling underneath, so I knew it was a firefighting helicopter arriving to suck up some river water!

I hurried down to the center of the action to watch and snap a few photographs. It’s the first time I’ve witnessed this activity up close.

Someone on the river path said there was a fire to the northwest in Linda Vista, but I couldn’t see any smoke. I watched five different instances of helicopters filling their tanks, then the action ceased. The fire must’ve been quickly contained.

A wildfire must be nearby because here comes a firefighting helicopter swooping rapidly down over Mission Center Road toward a wide spot in the San Diego River!
A wildfire must be nearby because here comes a firefighting helicopter swooping rapidly down over Mission Center Road and the raised trolley tracks toward a wide spot in the San Diego River!
The chopper slows and carefully makes its descent in order to suck water into its belly tank to eventually drop on a wildfire.
The chopper slows and carefully makes its descent in order to suck water into its belly tank to eventually drop on a wildfire.
The air from the rotor blades causes spray to fly up from the surface of the San Diego River. Several joggers and walkers on the nearby paths stopped to watch.
The air from the rotor blades causes spray to fly up from the surface of the San Diego River. Several joggers and walkers on the nearby paths stopped to watch.
The long hose quickly sucks a good quantity of water from the river. The pilot is highly skilled, hovering the helicopter above the water, steady as a rock.
The long hose quickly sucks a good quantity of water from the river. The pilot is highly skilled, hovering the helicopter close above the water, steady as a rock.
A couple minutes later one of the San Diego County Sheriff's three firefighting helicopters arrives! You can see the external belly tank underneath the chopper's body!
A couple minutes later one of the San Diego County Sheriff’s three firefighting helicopters arrives! You can see the external belly tank underneath the chopper’s body!
This firefighting helicopter got so close to the water I had to hold my breath. These brave hero pilots are amazingly precise.
This firefighting helicopter got so close to the water I had to hold my breath. These brave hero pilots are amazingly precise.
ASTREA is the Sheriff’s Department aviation unit. Up this aircraft goes, quickly swinging overhead and heading to the northwest. Someone thought there was a fire in Linda Vista, but I didn't see any smoke in any direction.
ASTREA is the Sheriff’s Department aviation unit. Up their aircraft goes, quickly swinging overhead and heading to the northwest. Someone thought there was a fire in Linda Vista, but I didn’t see smoke from the bottom of Mission Valley in any direction.
A San Diego Fire Department chopper has sucked up more water from the river and flies again toward the northwest! The fire must have been small, because the action above the river didn't seem to last for more than 15 minutes.
A San Diego Fire Department chopper has sucked up more water from the river and flies in a big hurry again toward the northwest! The fire must have been small, because the action above the river didn’t seem to last for more than 15 minutes.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! Sometimes I randomly stumble upon fascinating, newsworthy events! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

How to help keep the San Diego River healthy.

Bright yellow California sunflowers. San Diego has more botanical diversity than any other county in the continental United States.
Bright yellow California sunflowers. San Diego has more botanical diversity than any other county in the continental United States.

The San Diego River has always been a source of life. Ancient people flourished on its banks. It’s where European civilization began in California. That civilization today has grown to include freeways, shopping malls, industrial parks and immense residential complexes. Like a gleaming thread of silver, the river flows through it all, eternally, west to the Pacific Ocean.

The health of this once-pristine river, crowded in many areas by human development, is threatened in challenging ways. Pollutants found in storm runoff, windblown litter, piles of garbage and human waste from homeless encampments, encroachment by non-native vegetation… These problems and others require the thoughtful involvement of the local community. Volunteers monitor the river; some help to pick up trash or report graffiti. Active, concerned residents attend special meetings to discuss improvements or make critical decisions.

Would you like to become involved? Click here, or check out my two photos of posters that include contact information.

Our careful stewardship of the San Diego River will ensure the survival of an important riparian ecosystem, and will allow future generations to walk down trails of spirit-nourishing beauty.

Gazing west along the San Diego River from Qualcomm Way.
Gazing west along the San Diego River from Qualcomm Way.
Bicycle and pedestrian paths follow the San Diego River through Mission Valley.
Bicycle and pedestrian paths follow the San Diego River through Mission Valley.
Litter carelessly dropped by a mile marker for The San Diego River Trail. It was picked up.
Litter carelessly dropped near a mile marker for The San Diego River Trail. It was picked up.
The community is working to restore and enhance this area while making an inviting living science center in the heart of our urban riparian environment.
The community is working to restore and enhance this area while making an inviting living science center in the heart of our urban riparian environment.  (Click image to enlarge.)
Make a difference with a fun group of people. Join the River Assessment Team! Help support a clean river and get some exercise!
Make a difference with a fun group of people. Join the River Assessment Team! Help support a clean river and get some exercise! (Click image to enlarge.)
A red San Diego Trolley passes over the life-filled river as it approaches the Rio Vista station.
A red San Diego Trolley passes over the life-filled river as it approaches the Rio Vista station.
A gathering of American coots (or mud hens) where the San Diego River passes beneath Camino del Este.
A gathering of American coots (or mud hens) where the San Diego River passes beneath Camino del Este.
Dark clouds and barren Fremont Cottonwoods minutes before a winter storm brings brief torrential rain.
Dark clouds and barren Fremont Cottonwoods minutes before a winter storm brings brief torrential rain.
Beautiful flowers can be seen at almost any time of year during a nature walk along The San Diego River Trail.
Beautiful flowers can be seen at almost any time of year during a nature walk along The San Diego River Trail.
A couple of bees collect pollen in the morning.
A couple of busy bees collect pollen in the morning.

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A warm morning glow in San Diego.

Gazing east through trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a dark spike inside a golden sunrise.
Gazing east through dark trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a small spike inside a golden sunrise.

Early yesterday morning, the weather was so pleasant that I decided to walk to work. It’s about a four and a half mile journey. I started from downtown San Diego up Sixth Avenue along the west edge of Balboa Park, walked from Bankers Hill into Hillcrest, then finally descended Bachman Place into Mission Valley.

These photos capture the golden glow of a cloudless sunrise. Moving through the warm morning light was a modest adventure in a magical world.

Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
A reddish splash in blue water. The fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
A reddish splash in blue water. Morning photo of the fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.

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A flock of friendly ducks waiting for a bus!

A flock of fearless San Diego River ducks. The curious birds seem to wait for a morning bus at the Fashion Valley Transit Center.
A flock of San Diego River ducks. The curious birds seem to wait for a morning bus at the Fashion Valley Transit Center.

Just a quick, fun post!

This morning, a flock of San Diego River ducks were happily waddling about the Fashion Valley Transit Center. They fearlessly mingled with the humans, who watched the proceedings with amusement. Perhaps those curious feathered friends were also waiting for a bus!

Photos of Mission Valley flooding from El Niño storm.

Car deep in the water. The flooded lower level of a Fashion Valley parking garage in San Diego's Mission Valley.
Car deep in the water. The flooded lower level of a Fashion Valley mall parking garage in San Diego’s Mission Valley.

Occasionally I post not-so-cool photos on my blog. Here are some that are noteworthy. I took these this morning while walking through a section of Mission Valley on my way to work. Because it lies right next to the San Diego River, the area is notorious for catastrophic flooding.

Yesterday we had a storm that brought intense rain to our region. It was the second winter storm of this El Nino year. Today we’re having our third storm, and it looks to be fairly rainy for many days to come.

Of course, after California’s long drought, we need the water. Unfortunately, the rain that falls in Mission Valley and many other parts of San Diego isn’t captured–it simply runs off into the ocean. I hope there isn’t too much damage caused this winter by El Nino. To my blog’s followers who are affected, take care!

The morning after an early winter storm during an El Nino year. The sun is out as people cross the San Diego River near the Fashion Valley Transit Center.
The morning after an early winter storm during an El Nino year. The sun is out as people cross the San Diego River near the Fashion Valley Transit Center.
Areas along the San Diego River are notorious for flooding. Yesterday a long deluge raised the water to an unusually high level.
Areas along the San Diego River are notorious for flooding. Yesterday a long deluge raised the water to an unusually high level.
A couple dozen cars were spotted flooded at the Fashion Valley shopping mall. This one was stranded not far from Macy's, which also suffered some flooding inside the store.
A couple dozen cars were spotted flooded at the Fashion Valley shopping mall. This one was stranded not far from Macy’s, which also suffered some flooding inside the store.
More cars abandoned in the flood. Many storms are in line to strike San Diego in the coming days during this El Nino year.
More cars abandoned in the flood. Many storms are in line to strike San Diego in the coming days during this El Nino year.
The bike and pedestrian pathway beneath Highway 163 flooded and was impassable. The nearby river was swollen with the recent rain.
The bike and pedestrian pathway beneath Highway 163 flooded and was impassable. The nearby river was swollen with the recent rain.
A beautiful morning photo of the San Diego River taken from Mission Center Road. This spot often floods and traffic must be diverted.
A beautiful morning photo of the San Diego River taken from Mission Center Road. This spot floods during severe storms and traffic must be diverted.
A barrier stands ready for the next storm. It looks to be a long, watery winter!
A barrier stands ready for the next storm. It looks to be a long, watery winter!

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San Diego’s early history at the Serra Museum.

The Junipero Serra Museum of the San Diego History Center was built in 1928 on Presidio Hill, where European civilization was established in Alta California.
The Junipero Serra Museum of the San Diego History Center was built in 1928 on Presidio Hill, where European civilization was established in Alta California.

I recently visited one of San Diego’s most fascinating museums. The Junipero Serra Museum is located atop Presidio Hill, in a distinctive Mission Revival architectural style building overlooking San Diego Bay and the San Diego River, just east of Old Town. It stands near the site of San Diego’s historic Spanish presidio, built in 1769. The presidio was the birthplace of European civilization in Alta California.

The Serra Museum is operated by the San Diego History Center, which is headquartered today in Balboa Park. Back in 1929, when the building was dedicated, it became home of what was then called the San Diego Historical Society. The important San Diego institution was established by civic leader George W. Marston.

Can you believe it? I’ve lived in San Diego for 15 years . . . and this was the very first time I ventured into the Serra Museum. (I can thank my blog for that!)

What I discovered was an absolutely amazing place that both residents and visitors to San Diego should definitely not miss.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll see…

People arrive at the Serra Museum, where San Diego's early Spanish history comes alive.
People arrive at the Serra Museum, where San Diego’s early Spanish history comes alive.
Junipero Serra Museum dedicated July 16, 1929 to the memory of the founder of the California missions. The original Mission San Diego de Alcalá was established nearby in 1769.
Junipero Serra Museum dedicated July 16, 1929 to the memory of the founder of the California missions. The original Mission San Diego de Alcalá was established nearby in 1769.
A quick look at the rear of the museum.
A quick look at the rear of the museum.
The Serra Museum building was designed by noted architect William Templeton Johnson. It reflects Spanish Revival architecture.
The Serra Museum building was designed by noted architect William Templeton Johnson. It reflects Mission Revival style architecture.
Large wine press in front of the museum was a gift from the Spanish island of Mallorca, Father Junipero Serra's birthplace.
Large wine press in front of the museum was a gift from the Spanish island of Mallorca, Father Junipero Serra’s birthplace.
Plaque near entrance reads George White Marston 1850-1946. FRIEND OF HIS FELLOW MEN - LOVER OF ALL GROWING THINGS. Piece by piece through many years he acquired these acres...
Plaque near entrance reads George White Marston 1850-1946. FRIEND OF HIS FELLOW MEN – LOVER OF ALL GROWING THINGS. Piece by piece through many years he acquired these acres…
Elegant interior of the Serra Museum contains many exhibits pertaining to San Diego's early Spanish history.
Elegant interior of the Serra Museum contains many exhibits pertaining to San Diego’s early Spanish history.
Researchers discovered this sketch of the Royal San Diego Presidio dated 1820. It shows the layout of the old buildings which no longer exist.
Researchers discovered this sketch of the Royal San Diego Presidio dated 1820. It shows the layout of the old buildings which no longer exist.
Modern graphic illustration of the fortified presidio, which was located a short distance below the Serra Museum's front entrance.
Modern graphic illustration of the fortified presidio, which was located a short distance below the Serra Museum’s front entrance.
Old Spanish cannon named El Jupiter, cast in Manila in the 18th century. El Jupiter stood in Fort Guijarros at Ballast Point, the first defensive fortifications for San Diego Bay
Old Spanish cannon named El Jupiter, cast in Manila in the 18th century. El Jupiter stood in Fort Guijarros at Ballast Point, the first defensive fortifications for San Diego Bay.
Leather armchair made in Catalan, Spain in the 17th century. This "friar's chair" was part of the original Serra Museum's furnishings.
Leather armchair made in Catalan, Spain in the 17th century. This “friar’s chair” was part of the original Serra Museum’s furnishings.
Old violin with bow, a branding iron used by rancheros to identify cattle, and iron spurs are among the many historical objects on display.
Old violin with bow, a branding iron used by rancheros to identify cattle, and iron spurs are among the many historical objects on display.
Another look at the beautiful interior of the Serra Museum in San Diego.
Another look at the beautiful interior of the Serra Museum in San Diego.
Large wooden beams in a truly amazing ceiling.
Large wooden beams in a truly amazing ceiling.
Stairs lead up to the Serra Museum's tower. Painted on the wall is a map showing the sea journey of the Spanish Expedition which founded San Diego in 1769.
Stairs lead up to the Serra Museum’s tower. Painted on the wall is a map showing the sea journey of the Spanish expedition which founded San Diego in 1769.
March 9-20, 1769. Desperate to replace drinking water which leaked from the ship's casks, Captain Vicente Vila commands the Spanish galleon San Carlos near Isla de Cedros.
March 9-20, 1769. Desperate to replace drinking water which leaked from the ship’s casks, Captain Vicente Vila commands the tacking Spanish galleon San Carlos near Isla de Cedros.
A room halfway up the tower. Numerous displays recall San Diego's history, most notably at the time when the Serra Museum was dedicated in 1929.
A room halfway up the tower. Numerous displays recall San Diego’s history, most notably around the time when the Serra Museum was dedicated in 1929.
Old photo of the crowd attending the Serra Museum's dedication ceremony on July 16, 1929.
Old photo of the crowd attending the Serra Museum’s dedication ceremony on July 16, 1929.
A fascinating look at Presidio Hill almost a century ago.
A fascinating look at Presidio Hill almost a century ago.
A lovely watercolor sketch of the Junipero Serra Museum atop Presidio Hill.
A lovely watercolor sketch of the Junipero Serra Museum atop Presidio Hill.
On the wall are many historical photos and artifacts, including an image from around 1930 of a cigar factory on 4th Street in San Diego.
On the wall are many historical photos and artifacts, including an image from around 1930 of a cigar factory on 4th Street in San Diego.
A reproduction of the west elevation drawing of the Serra Museum by architect William Templeton Johnson.
A reproduction of the west elevation drawing of the Serra Museum by architect William Templeton Johnson.
Now we're heading up to the very top of the tower.
Now we’re heading up to the very top of the tower.
Looking west from the Serra Museum tower along Interstate 8. Point Loma is on the left and Mission Bay is to the right.
Looking west from the Serra Museum tower along Interstate 8. Point Loma is on the left and Mission Bay is to the right.
Looking east into Mission Valley.
Looking east into Mission Valley.
Visitors at the Serra Museum head back down from the tower, after looking at old photos which show a less-developed surrounding landscape.
Visitors at the Serra Museum head back down from the tower, after looking at old photos which show a much less-developed surrounding landscape.
A small theater in the Serra Museum contains additional exhibits about life in and around the old Presidio.
A small theater in the Serra Museum contains additional exhibits about life in and around the old Presidio.
Examples of what life was like for the Native American Kumeyaay, who occupied this region long before it was discovered by the Spanish.
Examples of what life was like for the Native American Kumeyaay, who occupied this region long before it was discovered by the Spanish.
Stories of two people who lived on a local Rancho. Click the image to enlarge, if you'd like to read it.
Stories of two people who lived on a local Rancho. Click the image to enlarge, if you’d like to read it.
Map of the old Presidio's archaeological site. You can see where the fort was located in relation to the Serra Museum.
Map of the old Presidio’s archaeological site. You can see where the fort was located in relation to the Serra Museum.
Explanation of the excavation process utilized by researchers. Some artifacts that were unearthed are on display in the museum.
Explanation of the excavation process utilized by researchers. Some artifacts that were unearthed are on display in the museum.
Artistic rendition of a Mexican presidio soldier circa 1830, and a horse's bit.
Artistic rendition of a Mexican presidio soldier circa 1830, and a horse bit.
An olive press, granite mill stones, and an ox yoke.
An olive press, granite mill stones, and an ox yoke.
Small artifacts include this carved polychrome wood San Diego de Alcala Santo from 18th century Spain.
Small artifacts include this carved polychrome wood San Diego de Alcala Santo from 18th century Spain.
Sign describes the life of Franciscan missionary Father Junipero Serra, and his work to establish the California Missions under the flag of Spain. He was recently made a Catholic Saint.
Sign describes the life of Franciscan missionary Father Junipero Serra, and his work to establish the California Missions under the flag of Spain. He was recently made a Catholic Saint.
Painting. Oil on canvas. San Diego del Alcala de Henares. Mid 18th century, Spanish or Mexican.
Painting. Oil on canvas. San Diego del Alcala de Henares. Mid 18th century, Spanish or Mexican.
Olla and bowl. Kumeyaay or neighboring culture.
Olla and bowl. Kumeyaay or neighboring culture.
The Serra Museum in San Diego provides a fascinating look at our uniquely diverse city's very early history.
The Junipero Serra Museum in San Diego provides a fascinating look at our culturally diverse city’s very early history.

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