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.Rapper led passionate crowd chanting Save Our Bolts for many live news cameras.Legions of local football fans waved banners of blue and gold.Handmade signs express hope that Chargers football remains in San Diego.These mega fans were proudly displaying a unique, patriotic Chargers flag.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.Lots of kids were excited to be part of the big event.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.
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Colorful splash of paint on a wall. THE END IS LATE… (AND I WAS PREPARED)
The other morning I took a stroll down Ninth Avenue in downtown San Diego, from the top of Cortez Hill south to hip East Village. My camera was out and ready. Here are a few fun photos that I took as I sauntered through East Village!
Big fuzzy pink gorilla in the Car2Go window.Art that opens eyes. COFFEE IS FOR CLOSERSMessage shouted from store’s rooftop. JUICE SAVESHiatt House, 1886. A tiny place with ample charm (and history).
The Hiatt House, located in East Village near Petco Park, used to contain a cool little eatery named Café Noir. That was a few years ago. According to an article I read, during the first part of the 20th century it was home to several generations of a Japanese-American family. The grounds have also been the site of horse stables and a blacksmith’s shop, and the Latonia Hotel, a modest room-and-board for colored people back in the days of racial segregation. Today the Hiatt House serves as a psychiatrist’s office.
Humulus lupulus (hops) gracefully drape green utility boxes.
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Putting up big Mardi Gras arches along Fifth Avenue in San Diego’s Gaslamp.
I won’t be going to Mardi Gras in downtown San Diego this evening. I suppose I’m a boring old party pooper. But I did walk through the Gaslamp Quarter this morning while preparations were underway. Check out a few photos!
Mardi Gras poster features Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg).Workers set up and test electronic video displays for the evening festivities.Three old firetrucks were decorated with Mardi Gras masks and ornaments.These firetrucks are ready for a big, happy carnival in the Gaslamp Quarter.And this cool guy told me he’s also ready for Mardi Gras!This fun pedicab is covered with Fat Tuesday ads and flashing lights.A table brimming with glittery colorful masks and beads.Guy getting banner ready for thousands of downtown revelers.Looking up Fifth Avenue, where people will celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego.
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Unusual street sign on Park Boulevard shows the road in someone’s hand.
A dozen very unusual, artistic street signs line Park Boulevard in the vicinity of Balboa Park. Drive north and you’ll see them standing at intervals, all the way from Presidents Way up to Upas Street. For many years I’ve noted them.
I’m not sure how passing drivers respond to all the crazy artwork. I’m pretty sure these unique signs aren’t included in the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test! I hope not!
UPDATE!
I’ve learned this installation of art is titled Night Visions, by artist Roberto Salas. They first appeared in 1988, a year our city hosted the Super Bowl. According to what I read, in 1989 Night Visions was the very first acquisition of public art by the City of San Diego.
This funny sign shows a magician pulling a rabbit from hat.Drivers might think the speed limit here is 11 miles per hour!Odd, speckled sign stands beside Balboa Park’s rose garden.This crazy sign is a meteoric explosion of creativity.Car near San Diego Zoo entrance heeds artistic street sign, I’m sure.Does this sign indicate that a lizard is crossing?This unofficial street sign is open for interpretation.
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The colorful new Barrio Logan gateway sign arches over Cesar Chavez Parkway.
A little over a week ago, the new Barrio Logan gateway sign had a dedication ceremony. The welcoming sign, arching over Cesar Chavez Parkway between Harbor Drive and Interstate 5, is similar to others that can be spotted in various communities around San Diego. Its design, however, is notably different. The cornice contains a variety of symbolic elements inspired by this neighborhood’s complex history.
The cornice contains a variety of combined symbols that represent the community.One of two displays on either column that explains the design.
Small displays near the base of each column can be read from either sidewalk. They explain the significance of the cornice design:
“This Barrio Logan sign was created with input from the local community. Their ideas resulted in this unique and relevant design, representative of one of San Diego’s oldest and most culturally rich urban neighborhoods.
The design pays homage to Kumeyaay, Aztec, Mayan and all other cultures, representing many concepts including creation, the cycle of life, and evolution into the modern world. The pyramids symbolize cultures coming together as one society. The fish and corn symbols refer to the reliance on the sea as a food source, and fertility of the lands.
The designs on the columns honor the kiosk in Chicano Park. The columns are also adorned with the Conch, Sky and Earth symbols, which were inspired by indigenous cultures.”
View of the gateway sign as one approaches from the Barrio Logan trolley station.
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Nostalgic advertising signs recall the past in what is now trendy, modern East Village.
I always enjoy walking along J Street, between Park Boulevard and 13th Street, in downtown San Diego’s East Village. This where you’ll find the old Wheel Works Building, which is now a hip multi-media incubator and special events venue. What makes the place most interesting to me is all the cool and creative stuff that surrounds it! Take a look at these pics!
Turning a bit left, gazing over bright red bougainvillea at the new Central Library.Large gears on nearby sidewalk with words Art and Industry.I believe this old structure adjacent to Wheel Works is called the Broom Works Building.Rusted parts of machinery on sidewalk are brimming with potted plants.Front door of Wheel Works Building has lots of cogs and gears around it.I believe 21st Century Bob used to be an antique store here.Various industrial contraptions decorate the outside wall of the old Wheel Works Building. UPDATE! I’ve learned these machines belong to the Bob Sinclair Collection. Bob Sinclair was an entrepreneur and visionary who purchased historic properties in East Village for his business enterprises. He collected many fascinating artifacts. He owned both the Wheel Works and Broom Works buildings.South side of nostalgic old building seen from the San Diego Library.
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Workers put up special venue for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con.
This afternoon, four days before the start of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con, I went for a walk around the Gaslamp and convention center and took a bunch of very unique pictures!
Check out some photos of construction workers assembling cool event venues, hanging banners, applying gigantic building wraps, and painting colorful advertising murals for the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con!
Enjoy!
This structure will promote the new Constantine television show.Blacklist site is by the convention center and Omni Hotel.Gaslamp’s Tin Fish restaurant to be taken over by the Blacklist.Hannibal poster with Comic-Con construction in background.Grimm ad by the Gaslamp trolley station.Emerald City will be a brand new NBC TV series.Brad Pitt’s Fury splashed on side of the Hard Rock Hotel.Workers take break while hanging big 2014 San Diego Comic-Con banner!Several Comic-Con banners already on San Diego Convention Center.Huge Legends building wrap on Marriott Hotel features Sean Bean.Workers on platform apply Legends graphic on building for Comic-Con!Magic 2015 table top gaming poster on Marriott Hotel parking wall.True Blood banners have been hung from San Diego trolley posts.Huge Simpsons wrap rises colorfully on the Marriott!
Looks like the left half of the Simpsons graphic is up so far.
Simpsons TV marathon to launch in August on FXX.Assassin’s Creed obstacle course being installed across Harbor Drive.Obstacle course includes lots of jumping and climbing.Ubisoft’s video game Assassin’s Creed Unity to debut at 2014 Comic-Con.New television show The Strain has mural painted on Gaslamp building.Worker paints worm dangling from a huge bulging eyeball!
Stay tuned! Many more pics are coming!
UPDATE!!!
Here come more pics that I took early Tuesday morning, with about 48 hours to go before 2014 Comic-Con officially opens…
The Strain building mural is finally completed.The Assassin’s Creed obstacle course looks half finished on Tuesday.The Interview on Hard Rock Hotel with James Franco and Seth Rogen.Large blue Constantine dome appears to be covered with strange runes.Constantine banners hang by the Gaslamp trolley station.The Tin Fish restaurant now completely covered with Blacklist graphics!History Channel mural on Petco Park advertises Vikings.Ascension building wrap being applied early Tuesday morning.Closer look at Ascension graphics on Gaslamp building.Goosebumps green face peers from Hard Rock Hotel.
Here’s one last cool pic which I altered a bit by increasing the contrast:
View from San Diego Convention Center as Gotham trolley passes.
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Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.
Here are a few pics of new Comic-Con related things I’ve spotted around the Gaslamp in the past two days. The 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is now just one week away! It seems that most of the important preparation will take place early next week, and perhaps over this weekend. I’ll post new stuff as I discover it!
Several long banners with faces advertise The Leftovers on HBO.
Several of these banners run along the trolley tracks opposite the convention center. I saw one being put up yesterday morning.
Jay and Silent Bob will eat Comic-Con!
Looks like The American Comedy Co. has a bunch of hilarious Comic-Con entertainment ready to go!
This unusual Hulk is on one window of Rockin’ Baja.Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!
I wonder if Spock would ever put on a sombrero. He probably would if it were logical.
Electric Dreams Factory sign applied to Hard Rock Hotel window.
Huge signs concerning an upcoming Adam Sandler movie called Pixels were going up all over the Hard Rock Hotel as I walked by early this morning. Sony will host a special event during Comic-Con called the Pixels Electric Dreams Factory Arcade, where gamers will be able to play classic arcade games from the 80’s!
San Diego Comic-Con logo being painted on a taco shop window.
Okay, I added the above photo from Little Italy on Friday afternoon. I was walking home from work. So now, technically, all these pics aren’t from the Gaslamp.
UPDATE!
I just learned I’ll probably be attending Preview Night this coming Wednesday, so stay tuned for (hopefully) a whole bunch of awesome stuff!
ANOTHER UPDATE!
Here come more pics… I snapped these in the days leading up to Comic-Con!
Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.
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Horton Plaza has display cases welcoming Comic-Con.
Two weeks to go until this year’s San Diego Comic-Con! During my walk downtown today I saw that a few shops, bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter have begun to get ready. A couple signs are up and a few windows are painted. Horton Plaza shops have many wares ready to sell. I suspect in the coming week, major preparations will seriously get underway. I’m looking forward to see what surprises pop up!
Batman and Star Wars showcased for coming shoppers.Bookstore in Horton Plaza has cool stickers and posters in their window.Justice League appears ready to fly off a shirt!
I altered the above photo a bit to make the superheroes really jump out!
Superman in Gaslamp window with Doctor Who salt and pepper set.The Dark Knight silently watches from a historic Gaslamp building.Gaslamp bar window painted with Superman and POW word balloon.The Chuck Jones Gallery really doesn’t need anything more.These San Diego Comic-Con signs will soon be everywhere!
UPDATE!
Here come more pics taken in the days leading up to Comic-Con! You’ll notice the Chuck Jones Gallery finally got a funny sign up!
Boom Shop seems to be created for San Diego Comic-Con.Even ACE Hardware is feeling heroic!Wile E. Coyote holds Chuck Jones Gallery sign!Batgirl costume on mannequin in a typical local shop.Yogurt sign with Hulk, Supergirl, Spidey and Batman!Wolverine comic book on a very cool t-shirt.
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Two workers put up large Padres banner at Petco Park.
A variety of workers were out on Sunday afternoon preparing Petco Park for Padres opening day, which is less than two weeks away. I got a few pics of the action…
Getting the outfield ready for baseball’s Opening Day.Watering lush new grass at the Park At The Park.Still no graphics on the back side of the scoreboard.Brand new street lamp banners announce the 2014 season.
Cool San Diego Sights! 