Home Depot brought a bunch of colorful flowers to the Jacaranda Spring Thing community event on Cortez Hill.
On my way home from Balboa Park, I walked through the Jacaranda Spring Thing neighborhood event being held this afternoon on Cortez Hill. I saw a relaxed gathering of people out in the sunshine, enjoying some food, live music and other fun activities. Home Depot was on hand demonstrating some gardening and patio ideas for anyone interested. It’s still going on as I post this–until 4 o’clock!
I saw folks setting up the Jacaranda Spring Thing on Date Street this morning, as I set out on my walk.Purple blooms of jacaranda trees can be seen around downtown San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood.A neighbor learns about outdoor and indoor gardening during the special Cortez Hill event.Someone tries their hand at a fun bean bag toss game.A colorful book truck operated by a Mexican publisher could be found at the Jacaranda Spring Thing.Live music, food and good times in the spring sunshine on a Saturday afternoon.
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One of San Diego’s oldest surviving landmarks, the 1910 Broadway Fountain, designed by Irving Gill, will be an iconic part of the new Horton Plaza Park.
I walked by the Horton Plaza Park construction site this morning. The huge project appears to be almost finished!
Horton Plaza Park’s Grand Opening Celebration will be held on May 4, 2016, from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Located at the center of downtown San Diego, on the south side of Broadway between the historic U.S. Grant Hotel and the popular Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall, the park will surely be jammed that evening with people wanting to check things out!
Cool features of the new urban park include a large amphitheater, three pavilions featuring food and beverages, an interactive fountain that folks are welcome to splash in, and some very unique 23-foot high luminaries–cool metal sculptures with lights that change colors!
There are plans to host hundreds of events at this large outdoor venue every year, including concerts, civic celebrations and gatherings, and even special movie screenings.
As a downtown resident, I can’t wait!
The elaborate Horton Plaza Park will celebrate its Grand Opening on the evening of May 4, 2016.Construction of this new downtown San Diego park has been ongoing for a couple years. The original public plaza on this city block dates from 1895.The cool 23-foot tall luminary sculptures are visible rising behind the construction fence. The NBC building reflects the morning sun in the background.Workers are getting the new park ready for its early May opening. There will be an amphitheater, food pavilions and an interactive water fountain that people can splash in!The walkway next to the Balboa Theatre leading from Fourth Avenue to the Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall is also being improved, with many new trees and benches.Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego promises to be a fun and spectacular urban gathering place!
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Cheerful blooms cover Pink Trumpet Trees in Tweet Street Park. The neighborhood park is site of an upcoming spring festival!
This morning, when I saw a large temporary sign on the street outside my front door, I went to investigate. And look what I discovered! A neighborhood spring festival is going to take place on Cortez Hill!
It’s called Jacaranda Spring Thing! (Yes, there are lots of beautiful Jacaranda trees on Cortez Hill. Many can be found in Tweet Street Park where the festival will take place.)
The free outdoor event will feature food trucks, a special Home Depot workshop (about fixing up your outdoor patio), live music, a book truck, a photo booth . . . all sorts of fun stuff!
Okay, are you interested? It takes place on April 16 at Tweet Street Park, along Date Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, from noon to 4pm. Here’s a link with more info. (By registering at that link, the organizers at the Downtown San Diego Partnership can get an idea of how many people might show up.)
A special neighborhood event is coming to beautiful Cortez Hill. The Jacaranda Spring Thing takes place Saturday, April 16, from 12pm-4pm.I love walking along Date Street through sunny Tweet Street, a park dedicated to city birds.Spring is in the air on Cortez Hill. The gentle season brings new life and great natural beauty.
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Dinghy landing’s colorful boats by San Diego Bay. One end of Coronado Tidelands Park’s popular beach.
Yesterday I took another fun, leisurely walk! I went from the Coronado Bay Bridge end of Tidelands Park up the sunny Bayshore Bikeway to the Coronado Ferry Landing. And I took lots of pics, naturally!
Perhaps you can see why Coronado is one of my favorite places.
I feel very fortunate to live in San Diego. There are so many cool and beautiful sights. And I swear every day is amazing.
A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you’d go under the Coronado Bridge, then along Glorietta Boulevard and the Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water. (A cool glint of light is reflecting off a skyscraper downtown!)Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry is coming in!Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very, very favorite places! I’m so thankful to live nearby!That big group of people in kayaks is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe’s.Now we’re finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.Some more kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe’s, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.
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Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.
A friendly Mariachi band smiles as photos are taken!
Today I rode the trolley down to the South Bay to enjoy the big 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition.
The annual cultural event takes place in Pepper Park, which is located close to where the Sweetwater River empties into San Diego Bay.
I was absolutely amazed by the color, the energy, the sheer happiness of those participating and watching. Hopefully my photos provide a taste…
A colorful arch welcomes visitors to Pepper Park and the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival!The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation has benefited many music-loving students in San Diego County.Fantastic sombreros attracted my camera at the festival’s Mariachi Scholarship Foundation table.The grand stage drew the largest crowd. Many excellent Mariachi groups and baile folklorico dancers wowed the audience.A smiling senorita at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City.Members of Danza Folklorico Las Florecitas perform Mexican folk dances in Pepper Park.Mariachi musicians perform on the main stage at the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition. They received loud cheers.A cheerful dress on a beautiful day in San Diego’s South Bay. A nearby boat ramp leads into the channel of the Sweetwater River.Colorful, energetic folklorico dancing on a smaller, non-competitive stage.A diverse audience from San Diego, Tijuana and the surrounding region. Many of the participants also enjoyed the non-stop entertainment.Taking a break to stretch my legs, I walked out onto the short pier in National City’s Pepper Park. Visible is a huge car carrier ship docked in San Diego Bay. It transported imported vehicles from Asia.Looking back at the rear of the smaller stage. Some dancers wearing bright yellow are getting ready for their turn to perform.Young dancers on stage whirled, stepped smartly, then whirled again.Mexican culture is warm, happy and lots of fun.These ladies in traditional costume were taking their turns at one of the festival’s many prize wheels!Dancing with joy.A typical scene from the annual Mariachi festival in National City.
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Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.
My long walk yesterday around Mission Bay yielded lots of photos. I started at Vacation Isle, then headed slowly and somewhat aimlessly to the jetty at the end of Hospitality Point. It was a journey through a tranquil San Diego paradise, on a warm winter day.
My photos feature relatively few people. But I can assure you thousands of folks were out enjoying the sunshine. They were fishing, boating, picnicking, reading, walking, playing sports on the grass… Mission Bay is a really big place.
Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.A casual seat on the dirt with great views.A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California’s Coastal Treasure.Kicking back with a best friend among boats on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near an entrance to Mission Bay Marina.A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies very popular South Mission Beach.Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It’s a beautiful day. One can see forever.
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I wrote another short story! I penned it yesterday, during my walk along the bay.
It’s a bittersweet, philosophical, tiny piece of fiction. The sort of thing I like to write. There’s some sadness in the sunshine. The title is Light on the Restless and Small.
A “live steam” enthusiast watches families ride a small train through Rohr Park, in San Diego’s South Bay.
This is beyond cool!
The Chula Vista Live Steamers is a club in San Diego’s South Bay. Members build and operate their own small “live steam” trains that people can actually ride!
These friendly hobbyists utilize an elaborate network of miniature train tracks in a public park; the layout is called the Sweetwater and Rohr Park Railroad. During public run days, which take place in Bonita’s grassy Rohr Park one Saturday and Sunday of each month, anyone can watch or ride the small trains! Or if you’re inclined, join and become a member! If you have kids, visit their website, and you can schedule birthday parties!
Today I spotted one steam and one diesel locomotive (which is actually powered by gasoline). It’s winter, so things are bit slow. On Labor Day, I was told, a gigantic railroading extravaganza takes places, with many different trains running simultaneously! If you’re a kid (or a kid at heart), I can only imagine how utterly fantastic it would be!
Whether you’re a railfan, a model train enthusiast, a maker, a dreamer, or just like to see something really unique and fun, head down to join in the action and you’ll have a great time!
Should you walk down this path through Rohr Park in Bonita, you’ll eventually come upon something really cool and amazing.Run days for The Chula Vista Live Steamers are usually the 2nd Saturday and Sunday of each month. On Labor Day there’s a huge event with many trains operating.Adults love riding the trains just as much as kids. Hobbyists build and maintain the rail cars and working locomotives, and haul them to the park for some fun.Thrilled kids ride behind a small “diesel locomotive”, which is actually powered by gasoline. The tracks looping through the park provide a fun, scenic ride.Here comes the same train. The Bonita Golf Course is in the distance, beyond the tracks.This working steam locomotive is a very cool sight. But it’s so small that folks at a nearby picnic table seem to be giants.This tiny train is part of the National City and Otay Railway!A close-up photo of the live steam locomotive. In every detail, it seems a perfect reproduction of a full-size engine.Dedicated train hobbyists have gathered on the surprisingly large rail yard to enjoy the steam locomotive.This caboose in the rail yard seems to be occupied by the Creature from the Black Lagoon!A pair of tracks head for a good quarter mile along the edge of the Bonita Golf Course. You can see railroad crossings and a few small bridges!Occasionally, trains will run down the side of the golf course to another loop.An actual working railway turntable! This area is where steam locomotives build up steam pressure before running. The turntable is very busy on Labor Day!Checking out a super cool locomotive operated by a member of the Chula Vista Live Steamers!
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Neighbors gather in San Diego’s East Village to learn how to make cool mosaic planters!
This morning, residents of San Diego gathered at Fault Line Park in East Village to learn how to make mosaic planters! The neighborhood event was put together by the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Home Depot.
To make your own cool mosaic planter, you need a clay pot, ceramic tile adhesive, and broken bits of tile, colored glass or mirror. Apply a generous coat of adhesive to the outside of the pot, then press in the colorful, shiny mosaic bits! I was told it takes a good 24 hours for the white adhesive to thoroughly dry and harden.
What a fun DIY gift idea! Or a cool craft project for a downtown apartment or condo!
I think I heard that events like this will be happening at different parks around downtown San Diego every first Saturday of the month!
An event held Saturday morning at Fault Line Park taught participants how to produce an easy, artistic craft.Home Depot sponsored the Do-it-Yourself Workshop. Everyone learned how to piece together beautiful mosaics!A layer of ceramic tile adhesive is applied to the exterior of clay pots.Lots of broken bits of tile are spread out on the table like jigsaw puzzle pieces!Art is easy! You just gotta do it!
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In the newsletter, they are calling for donations to the Friends of Balboa Park Endowment Fund. One generous donor has offered to match gifts made to the endowment during 2015, up to $500,000. That means every dollar you give before the end of this year will likely be doubled.
If you’ve ever been to Balboa Park, you know how special it is. Please consider giving a donation. To do so, click here.
Over the past hundred years, countless millions of people from around the world have enjoyed visiting the park. They have experienced so much joy. Let’s make sure the next hundred years are just as wonderful.
Plaque at east end of Cabrillo Bridge. To commemorate the foresight and civic wisdom of the founders of Balboa Park this tablet is erected by the people of San Diego.View of the Natural History Museum from a point near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.History comes alive in one small section of the Casa del Prado’s fantastic facade.People enjoy the grass near the Botanical Building.Exploring life and beauty in Balboa Park’s reflecting pool.More natural beauty along Sixth Avenue, the west edge of immense Balboa Park.A view of the Alcazar Garden from above.An artistic face in a fountain by the Old Globe Theatre.The House of Charm and California Tower in silhouette as day ends.It’s the holiday season. Make a donation to the Friends of Balboa Park, and it will be an enduring gift to the entire world.
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Tourists are given a magic show by a busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.
I took a Sunday stroll through Balboa Park. Here are some fun pics!
Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art’s outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.Who doesn’t love colorful twisted balloons and soaring bubbles?
Cool San Diego Sights! 