Tag: news

Rivelino’s Our Silences sculptures head to San Francisco.

Bronze sculptures of Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, are loaded onto a truck for transport from San Diego to San Francisco. Each figure weighs about a ton.
Bronze sculptures of Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, are loaded onto a truck for transport from San Diego to San Francisco. Each figure weighs about a ton.

Last January I posted the blog: Our Silences and precious freedom of speech. I had walked down to Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village, to investigate an eye-popping new installation of public art titled Nuestros Silencios (which translated from Spanish means Our Silences).

The mysterious, monumental bronze sculptures, created by noted Mexican artist José Rivelino Moreno Valle, convey the importance of freedom of speech. The mouths of the huge anthropomorphic figures are each blocked by a metal plate; voices are censored and silenced. The emotional reaction the artwork produces is quite strong. In the past six months millions of San Diegans and visiting tourists have had the opportunity to be directly influenced by Rivelino’s thought-provoking artwork.

This morning I made another discovery! I was walking along San Diego’s waterfront when I noticed a crane lifting large objects near Tuna Harbor. I thought it was some sort of boating equipment being loaded onto a truck. As I approached, I suddenly saw the large objects were Rivelino’s sculptures!

I soon learned that Our Silences is on its way to San Francisco! (The sculptures were supposed to move to Los Angeles in March, but those plans changed.) The amazing public artwork will soon be situated on the north end of Harry Bridges Plaza, on San Francisco’s Embarcadero in front of the Ferry Building! They should arrive in time to take part in San Francisco’s Mex I Am festival, which showcases performing arts, culture, and ideas from Mexico.

Our Silences has been traveling around the world for about 4 years, making its potent statement in San Diego, Mexico City, and in numerous major cities throughout Europe.

But wait! Would you believe it? I was fortunate this morning to meet the artist himself! He was hanging out at Seward Johnson’s famous Unconditional Surrender statue just across the Fish Market’s parking lot, and I was graciously introduced and allowed to take a photograph!

Rivelino, smiling, showed me on his smartphone a new piece of public art that he’s been working on. Called Equality, it’s going to be installed in historic Trafalgar Square, at the center of London, England! Equality will consist of two huge sculpted index fingers, each pointing at the other. It seems that each massive finger is blaming the other. But people can stand in a space between the two sculptures, reach out and touch the tips of each finger, uniting both! I can’t wait to see photos when Equality is finally installed!

Very cool, indeed!

Rivelino smiles broadly as he supervises the movement of his monumental works of art!
Rivelino smiles broadly as he supervises the movement of his monumental works of art!
Our Silences will soon be exhibited at Harry Bridges Plaza, in front of San Francisco's landmark Ferry Building.
Our Silences will soon be exhibited at Harry Bridges Plaza, in front of San Francisco’s landmark Ferry Building.

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Rumor: Conan O’Brien to be superhero at Conan-Con.

Conan O'Brien Live at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, advertised on marquee of the Spreckels Theater Building in downtown San Diego.
Conan O’Brien Live at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, advertised on marquee of the Spreckels Theater Building in downtown San Diego.

With this important blog post I’d like to address an astonishing rumor.  It concerns popular television personality Conan O’Brien, and his impending visit to San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con.  An interpretation of the strange clues and suggestive images photographed on the sign below has produced a startling rumor.

It's rumored that Conan O'Brien, who now possesses vast powers, will once again boldly address The People of Earth from this bus stop next to the NBC building.
It’s rumored that Conan O’Brien, who now possesses vast powers, will once again boldly address The People of Earth from this bus stop strategically located next to the NBC building.
Upon closer inspection, the orange bus stop sign appears to contain fascinating and possibly meaningful markings.
Upon closer inspection, the orange bus stop sign appears to contain fascinating and possibly meaningful markings.
Conan, it is rumored, will emerge at the San Diego Comic-Con as a full fledged superhero, battling for the justice of all humankind.
Conan, it is thought, will emerge at the San Diego Comic-Con as a full fledged superhero, battling for the justice of all humankind.
Fans have begun to wonder what form the nascent superhero will assume. Perhaps he'll resemble a bat.
Fans have begun to wonder what form the nascent superhero will assume. Perhaps he’ll resemble a bat.
Or perhaps Conan O'Brien will wear a Superman-style emblem that warns all villains of his heightened powers, which include flaming hair.
Or perhaps Conan O’Brien will wear a Superman-style emblem that warns all troublemakers of his amazing superpowers, which include flaming hair.
Odds are he'll style himself as Conanman, as that's generally the thing a godlike superhero will do when presented with the opportunity. Please disregard the word immediately below.
Odds are he’ll style himself as Conanman, as that’s generally the thing a godlike superhero will do when presented with the opportunity.
All shall bow down before him. And San Diego Comic-Con, to loud acclamation, will immediately be renamed Conan-Con.
All shall bow down before him. And San Diego Comic-Con, to loud and universal acclamation, will immediately be renamed Conan-Con.
Hopefully the newborn superhero won't suffer a meltdown.
Hopefully the newborn superhero won’t suffer a meltdown.
Or perhaps he'll just remain plain old Conan. And remain happily on TBS.
Or perhaps he’ll just remain plain old funny Conan. And remain happily on TBS.

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Japanese Self-Defense Force ships visit San Diego.

Three Japanese warships are visiting downtown San Diego's waterfront.
Three Japanese warships are visiting downtown San Diego’s waterfront.

This afternoon I spotted three ships of the Japanese Self-Defense Force in San Diego. They were docked at the downtown Cruise Ship Terminal on the busy Embarcadero. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force must be training with the US Navy off our coast, although I find nothing about any joint naval exercises when I do a quick search of Google News.

A year ago I spotted three warships belonging to Japan docked in the same spot. I see the big training ship Kashima, of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, has returned. (Last year an article I researched referred to it as a landing ship.)  I suspect the other two are destroyers, like last time.

It’s an interesting sight you don’t often see up close, so I took a few pics!

A sailboat on San Diego Bay checks out an unusual sight on a cloudy day.
A sailboat on San Diego Bay checks out an unusual sight on a cloudy day.
Bow of big training ship Kashima, of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Bow of big training ship Kashima, of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

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Faces of victory at Rock ‘n Roll run in San Diego.

Mickey hands greet runners at the 2015 San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon.
Mickey hands greet runners at the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.

This morning I headed down through East Village to view the finish of the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon. I was rooting for our local running legend Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi, who many years ago went to San Diego High School about a mile from where I live. At 40 years old he’s one of the greatest long distance runners on planet Earth! He was running the half marathon this time. For 2015, United States Track & Field chose this popular San Diego race to be the home of its Masters Half Marathon National Championships.

As I headed over to Park Boulevard and then wound my way south, I saw that the marathoners were well underway. At about the 4 mile mark, their course curled through downtown before heading back up north. Both the full and half marathons ended near Petco Park, and I eventually planted myself one block short of the finish line, at the corner of 13th and J Street. Would Meb win?

Please enjoy some cool photos!

Marathon participants at the mile 4 marker, racing through downtown San Diego.
Marathon participants at the mile 4 marker, racing through downtown San Diego.
Someone is holding up a big Meb face!
Someone is holding up a big Meb face!
Many flags, signs and costumes were seen all along the race course.
Many flags, signs and costumes were seen all along the race course.
Less than a mile from the finish line, no runners have arrived yet.
Less than a mile from the finish line, no runners have arrived yet.
The runners will be crossing this cool Rock 'n Roll Marathon graphic on 13th Avenue.
The runners will be crossing this cool Rock ‘n Roll Marathon graphic on 13th Avenue.
Some photographers sit idle, waiting for the race to come their way.
Some photographers sit idle, waiting for the race to come their way.
LUCK is created in the mind. A crowd has begun to gather not far from the finish line.
LUCK is created in the mind. A crowd has begun to gather not far from the finish line.
One block from the finish, and the half marathon runners should be here in a couple minutes!
One block from the finish, and the half marathon runners should be here in a couple minutes!
Here come Meb Keflezighi and Jordan Chipangama side-by-side! Who will win.
Here come Meb Keflezighi and Jordan Chipangama side-by-side! Who will win?
The top half marathon runners are now arriving on this cloudy San Diego morning.
The top half marathon runners are now arriving on this cloudy San Diego morning.
Faces contain strain, determination and elation as the finish line nears.
Faces contain strain, determination and elation as the finish line nears.
Meanwhile, flowers are being sold to onlookers beside the race route.
Meanwhile, flowers are being sold to onlookers beside the race route.
Here come more runners. Is it the top women's finisher.
Here come more runners. Is it the top women’s finisher?
It's the women's half marathon winner, Eri Hayakawa!
It’s the women’s half marathon winner, Eri Hayakawa!
Triumphant faces at the 2015 San Diego Rock 'n Roll runs.
Many triumphant faces at the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘n Roll runs!

The winner of the men’s half marathon, with a final burst of speed, was Jordan Chipangama at 01:02:24. Meb Keflezighi came in second at 01:02:26, just two seconds behind!

The women’s half marathon winner was Eri Hayakawa at 01:10:47.

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More welcome rain has begun on Cortez Hill!

More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!
More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!

A large storm cell is passing through downtown this morning!

Rain is such a rare and beautiful thing in San Diego I had to jump outside with my camera for a couple quick pics! At the time, a few drops had just begun to fall.

Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on sidewalk in Tweet Street park.
Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on the sidewalk in Tweet Street park.

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Photos of International Drone Day in San Diego.

Someone displays a cool-looking drone for event attendees.
Someone displays a cool-looking drone and describes its operation.

While drones might not be delivering pizzas anytime soon, they do make for an interesting hobby. I could clearly see that when I wandered into a cool event by sheer chance. International Drone Day was celebrated today at the Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego field near Mission Bay.

I was walking along the San Diego River Trail when I glimpsed something strange flying about behind a line of trees. Whatever it was didn’t behave like a bird. I had to go investigate!

What I discovered was a large gathering of electric drone hobbyists. They were flying their unique propeller aircraft, checking out different equipment, and enjoying hot dogs out in the San Diego sunshine!

In the event you pass by one day, the small field is located on the north side of Sea World Drive, just east of SeaWorld. I had visited once before, the day I blogged about birdwatching along the river estuary. On that day RC model aircraft were circling in the sky. I’ve added one pic from that visit, as you’ll see.

International Drone Day in San Diego brought out a bunch of serious hobbyists.
International Drone Day in San Diego brought out a bunch of serious hobbyists.
A quad hovers above the special flying area on a breezy day near Mission Bay.
A quad hovers above the special flying area on a breezy day near Mission Bay.
People checked out drones of every size and description.
People checked out drones of every size and description.
A smaller drone displayed on a table.
A smaller drone displayed on a table.
This larger drone was designed to be aerodynamic.
This larger drone was designed to be aerodynamic.
Drone builders and enthusiasts were in heaven in San Diego today.
Drone builders and enthusiasts were in heaven in San Diego today.
It looks like high-tech drones have replaced humans already!
It looks like high-tech drones have replaced humans already!
This field is used by the Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego, and their radio-controlled aircraft.
This field is used by Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego, and their radio-controlled aircraft.
Guy sets his drone down in preparation for a demonstration.
Guy sets his drone down in preparation for a demonstration.
A crowd was watching the action. My camera barely captures one distant craft in flight.
A crowd watches the action. My camera barely captured one distant craft in flight.
On other days, electric-powered RC model airplanes take off and glide from this field.
Other days, electric-powered RC model airplanes take off and glide from this field.
I took this photo on a prior occasion. That radio-controlled plane is huge!
I took this photo on a prior occasion. That radio-controlled plane is huge!
Drone on the ground makes for a cool pic.
Drone on the ground makes for a cool, futuristic pic.
Club members prepare their drones for the High Noon All Up!
Club members prepare their drones for the High Noon “All Up”!

At noon, all the drones took to the air at once! Unfortunately, my pics of the spectacle came out pretty lousy. So use your mind’s eye! According to the announcer, 32 drones hovered above the field at one time. The San Diego team’s High Noon “All Up” took place simultaneously with 150 other teams celebrating International Drone Day around the world.

What will I discover next?  It seems that anything is possible!

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Chargers fans rally for new San Diego stadium.

Thousands of Chargers fans head toward Qualcomm Stadium for a special public hearing.
Thousands of Chargers fans head toward the entrance of Qualcomm Stadium for a special public hearing.

Many San Diegans are passionate about their Chargers. The very real possibility that the much-loved NFL team might leave our city has energized the loyal fan base.

This evening a big rally and special public hearing concerning the possible construction of a new stadium in San Diego took place at venerable but decaying (almost half a century old) Qualcomm Stadium.

I work in Mission Valley very close to The Q, so after I clocked out I headed over to check out what was going on in the parking lot. Loads of fans turned out–thousands! Some arrived early and tailgated as if it were a Sunday football game.

Here are some colorful pics before it got dark outside!

Social media driven Save Our Bolts rally attracted a huge crowd of diehard fans.
Social media driven Save Our Bolts rally attracted a huge crowd of diehard fans.
Rapper helped the passionate crowd chant Save Our Bolts for multiple live news cameras.
Rapper led passionate crowd chanting Save Our Bolts for many live news cameras.
Legions of local football fans waved banners of blue and gold.
Legions of local football fans waved banners of blue and gold.
Handmade signs express hope that Chargers football remains in San Diego.
Handmade signs express hope that Chargers football remains in San Diego.
These mega fans were proudly displaying a unique, patriotic Chargers flag.
These mega fans were proudly displaying a unique, patriotic Chargers flag.
Check out this super cool Chargers custom pickup truck!
Check out this super cool Chargers custom pickup truck!
A long line of people waited to enter Qualcomm Stadium to attend or watch the public hearing.
A long line of people waited to enter Qualcomm Stadium to attend or watch the public hearing.
Lots of kids were excited to be part of the big event.
Lots of kids were excited to be part of the big event.
Many fans, once inside, would observe the proceedings on the old stadium's Jumbotron.
Many fans, with hearts full of hope, would observe the proceedings on the old stadium’s Jumbotron.
Ladies thank Mayor Faulconer for expediting the process to hopefully keep our much-loved NFL team in San Diego.
Ladies thank Mayor Faulconer for expediting the process to hopefully keep our much-loved NFL team in San Diego.

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San Diego Padres load up, head to Spring Training!

San Diego Padres baseball mascot Swinging Friar near truck about to leave for Peoria.
San Diego Padres baseball mascot Swinging Friar near a big truck about to leave for Spring Training in Peoria.

Early this morning the Padres began their move to Peoria, Arizona for 2015 Spring Training. An absolutely huge amount of baseball equipment was loaded onto several trucks, and fans, the Pad Squad and television reporters gathered to witness the send-off.

Petco Park, where the Padres play and are headquartered, is not far from where I live, so I walked by to take some photos before catching the trolley to work! Glad I did!

The Padres have loaded up on talent this year, and the coming season looks extremely promising!

Television news people, the Pad Squad and fans watch Padres begin move to Spring Training.
Television news people, the Pad Squad and some very devoted fans watch the Padres begin their move to Spring Training.
Diehard fans enjoy morning donuts and other goodies courtesy of the Padres.
Hungry fans enjoy morning donuts and other goodies courtesy of the Padres.
The final crates full of baseball equipment are loaded into one of the big trucks.
The final crates full of baseball equipment are loaded into one of the big trucks.
The truck pulls away from Petco Park, heading for the Peoria, Arizona Sports Complex.
The truck pulls away from Petco Park, heading for the Peoria, Arizona Sports Complex.
Guy in truck cab waves for the cameras and first stage of a promising season begins!
Guy in cab waves for cameras and the first stage of a promising season begins!

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Bay Cafe makes way for new observation platform.

The Bay Cafe is making way for an observation platform on San Diego Bay.
The Bay Cafe is making way for an observation platform on San Diego Bay.

The Bay Cafe is almost gone.

Many years ago, I loved to grab some food in the small waterfront cafe and bring it up onto the rooftop. From a table beneath an umbrella, I’d gaze out at the sparkling water.  I’d observe passing sailboats, people on the Broadway Pier, and cruise ships docked at the nearby terminal. When two or more huge cruise ships were in port, I’d watch with interest as the departing Coronado ferry and harbor tour boats navigated the narrow space between them. In those days, the Bay Cafe also served as an embarkation hub for San Diego Harbor Excursion, now called Flagship. A ramp from inside the deli plunged down to a floating dock, where a gift shop was housed in a special boat. On this small dock a harbor cruise photographer asked guests to pose by a life preserver.

Up on the roof, if I wanted a change of view, I’d grab another table where I could gaze back toward downtown and watch tourists flow along Harbor Drive. There were almost always several empty tables. Few people seemed to realize the rooftop was open.

The Bay Cafe’s roof was also used for many years by broadcasters covering parades down Harbor Drive. From up there you could see everything.

My walk this morning brought back those memories. And a bit of sadness. The Bay Cafe is being demolished as I type these very words. The structure will be removed, but the concrete pad and pilings will remain, as part of an observation platform jutting over the water. It’s just one small part of the Embarcadero’s recent renovation. I’m sure the change will be great. I believe there are supposed to be benches where folks can just sit and enjoy the views. If there are, I’ll surely enjoy them. But time and progress march on. The Bay Cafe is almost just a memory.

Demolition of the old waterfront cafe and harbor tour embarkation hub is underway.
Demolition of the old waterfront cafe and harbor tour embarkation hub is underway.
Many years ago dining could be enjoyed on the sunny roof, with views of the water, sailboats and downtown skyscrapers.
Many years ago dining could be enjoyed on the sunny roof, with views of the water, sailboats and downtown skyscrapers.
Improvements on the Embarcadero consign this wonderful place to memory.
Improvements on the Embarcadero consign this wonderful place to memory.

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Priest sprinkles startled pets with holy water!

Many animals were blessed in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Many animals were blessed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

The animals were blessed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Dozens of beloved pets received a sprinkling of holy water at the annual Benediction of the Beasts, a long-time local tradition.

Monsignor Mark Campbell, Catholic priest of Our Mother of Confidence Parish in University City, administered the blessings. The traditional church ritual, which dates back to ancient times, invokes St. Anthony of the Desert, the Patron Saint of Animals. In the very early years of San Diego, livestock were blessed for an abundant harvest.

I watched for livestock but, alas, didn’t see any.

After today’s blessings, the fun event included a mid-afternoon costume and animal trick contest, which I missed. The male human ritual of watching football could not be violated.

Front row dogs wait patiently for the ceremony to begin.
Front row dogs wait patiently for the religious ceremony to begin.
Monsignor Mark Campbell reads from Genesis and praises faithful pets.
Monsignor Mark Campbell reads from Genesis and praises faithful pets.
Holy water is cast by the Catholic priest upon animals to bestow health and blessings.
Holy water is cast by the Catholic priest upon animals to bestow health and blessings.
Animals lined up for blessings included dogs, cats and rabbits.
Animals lined up for blessings included dogs, cats and rabbits.
These two guys seemed to enjoy the proceedings.
These two guys seemed to enjoy the proceedings.
Bunny rabbits need blessings as much as any other creature.
Cute, furry bunny rabbits need blessings as much as any other creature.
Here comes Chopper, the motorcycle-riding dog, a local celebrity.
Here comes Chopper, the motorcycle-riding dog, a big time celebrity.

Chopper, the canine motorcyclist, is quite the sensation in San Diego. I must’ve seen him on local television news a dozen times. He’s even made a cameo appearance on TMZ!

Chopper rides his motorcycle up to the priest for a sprinkling of holy water.
Chopper rides his motorcycle up to the priest for a sprinkling of holy water.
This dog was a bit spooked and didn't know what to make of things.
This dog was a bit spooked and didn’t know what to make of this craziness.
A cat is fascinated by the shiny aspergillum waving about.
A cat is fascinated by the shiny aspergillum waving about.
One dog seems bored while the other appears suspicious!
One dog seems bored while the other appears suspicious!
A long line of pet owners waited in Old Town during the Benediction of the Beasts.
A long line of pet owners waited in Old Town during the Benediction of the Beasts.

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