Artist in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village tells visitors about her very unique work of art.
I discovered something very cool during my walk through Balboa Park this evening. Bonnie Chance, an artist in Spanish Village Art Center, was applying paint to a life size fiberglass racehorse!
This artfully painted horse will be displayed prominently in San Diego with various others during the upcoming Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar. The project is called Art of the Horse. The painted and decorated horses will be part of a dinner and auction prior to the Breeders’ Cup. Money raised will assist various local charities.
I believe the artist said her creation’s name is Biscuit.
Spanish Village Art Center is hosting two life size race horses being painted for the 2017 Breeders Cup at Del Mar.This impressive, lifelike horse sculpture is painted with images of underwater ocean life.A large seahorse on a horse named Biscuit. The legendary Sea Biscuit won a famous race at Del Mar in 1938.
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Dozens of Major League Baseball players are hanging out on Little Italy’s India Street! I saw them yesterday! I took their pictures!
One great thing about Little Italy is there are always lots of colorful street banners. They celebrate the neighborhood’s Italian culture and rich history. As baseball season gets underway, a bunch of banners have been hung along India Street that feature Italian American baseball players, past and present.
Joe GaragiolaTony ConigliaroBart GiamattiPhil RizuttoTommy LasordaJoe TorreAnthony RizzoJoe DiMaggioSan Diego Little Italy’s neighborhood boys who played baseball, circa 1938.Jason GrilliSal MaglieChristopher DenorfiaFrank TorreChristopher ColabelloJohn MontefuscoAlessandro LiddiJoey VottoNick PuntoFrank CrosettiDave GiustiGus MancusoFrank ViolaMike PiazzaDom DiMaggioPaul (Li Mandri) LattmanBarry ZitoJason GiambiDevin Mescoraco
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Skateboarder at end of G Street Pier looks out at Red Bull Air Race course about an hour before the cool event begins on Saturday in San Diego.
Have fun checking out these photos! I took them during a long walk up and down the Embarcadero, before and during today’s Red Bull Air Race.
What did I see? Read the captions!
And if you happen to be in San Diego, the event continues tomorrow! There’s lots of cool sights to see!
Smart people grabbed seats on the Seaport Village wall by the water before the air race began. The guys on the boat are there to rescue pilots should they crash into the water.Some aerial entertainment starts early! It appeared several pilots were practicing the course before the official time trials would begin.The little airplanes are awfully fast and super maneuverable. The pilots had to steer a twisty course between those inflatable pylons and avoid losing points.A crowd is gathering by my friend Mitchell’s spot–he plays didgeridoo. I held the fort while he bought a pretzel. That ice cream passing by looks pretty good.Near one paid entrance, at Embarcadero Marina Park North, a sign shows the event schedule and provided info about the Red Bull race planes and pilots.The public could purchase all sorts of Red Bull merchandise and souvenirs at a trailer by the boardwalk.And at nearby Seaport Village, kids could visit the Easter Bunny!These poor guys had to work during the big event. Superyachts docked behind the convention center need constant maintenance!I saw this below in the water and had to take a photo. Love the color.Then I had to climb to the top of the San Diego Convention Center……where I discovered a great view of the Marriott Marina and a good portion of the Red Bull Air Race course out on beautiful San Diego Bay!As I walked south toward the Hilton, more pilots were practicing out on the bay. Zoom! I see the Coronado Ferry Landing across the water.Lots of people were finding spots along the water to watch the action.Another guy who had to work today. But one couldn’t find a better workplace!A Red Bull pilot rolls in the blue sky high above marina masts!Meanwhile, this guy was testing out a water jetpack. A bunch of these daredevils entertained the crowd later, as you’ll see.Almost time to start the official racing! Lots of people got free seats on the grass. The Embarcadero was jammed with spectators!This line contained folks who paid to get an up close view. The paid area also featured videoboards, exhibits and special refreshments.Here’s that sign again. I’ve been walking my way back north.The San Diego course map for the Red Bull Air Race.The racing has officially begun! Those pilots are fast and super skilled! They probably drank some Red Bull, too! Because you need to be on edge!Planes make multiple passes through the difficult course.Just cleared that pylon!Uh, oh. One pylon deflated for some reason. Sometimes pilots would clip them and lose points. Anyway, now it’s being refilled with air.All of San Diego seems present for the big international race!Look at them go.This pair of pylons at the north end seemed the most difficult to clear. Pilots had to make a hairpin turn through them.Made it!Young flying enthusiast has pins from many aviation events and air shows.These kids simply like ice cream.Now I’m out on the pier just north of Seaport Village. A great view of the race can be enjoyed here, and for free!A big wake made this fishing vessel bob by the pier like crazy, causing a moment of excitement!During a lull in the aerial action, which allowed ships and boats to pass through the course, the paying crowd was entertained by a bunch of water jetpack guys.Coast Guard guys check with pilot rescue guys during a break in the action. The rescue guys had wetsuits and fins on, ready to be on the scene of a crash in seconds.The dog was enjoying the sunny San Diego day as much as the humans.The Red Bull Air Race has resumed! A pilot descends toward the starting pylons!Here he goes!Now to bank rapidly around a couple of single pylons…That’s pretty darn fast!
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Look! Up in the sky! A Red Bull Air Race plane is about to buzz the San Diego Convention Center!
Check out this cool sight that just went up in San Diego’s Gaslamp, right next to the trolley station and Tin Fish restaurant! A Red Bull Air Race plane appears to be flying low over downtown! I think it might buzz the nearby convention center!
This morning, when I took these photos, I spoke to friendly guys putting up some promotional banners and learned the cool “plane on a post” had just been installed. A couple cranes were nearby. It appears to be an actual plane that is flown during the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
The next big race comes to San Diego Bay in two weeks. The best pilots in the world will fly a few feet above the water through an insane aerial obstacle course. Some years back a Red Bull Air Race was held in San Diego, and I caught some of the incredible action from a distance. All I can say is those pilots must have amazing reflexes and nerves of steel!
This unique motorsport was devised by the people at Red Bull. The planes move at high speed and are extremely maneuverable. This year the Master Class category features fourteen of the world’s top pilots.
There are eight races around the globe, mostly in cities by water, and San Diego will be the second race. I hope to catch it! If I do, I’ll post photos!
The type of cool airplane flown at a Red Bull Air Race. The upcoming aerial race will be through a unique obstacle course above San Diego Bay.San Diego Trolley leaves the Gaslamp Station and passes a new banner advertising the Red Bull Air Race in mid-April.Poster promotes the upcoming Red Bull Air Race over San Diego Bay, on April 15 and 16.It might be small, but it can turn on a dime and is super fast!One can see some of the airplane’s inner workings. There doesn’t appear to be much room in the cockpit!Now the Red Bull Air Race plane seems to be banking toward the Gaslamp! Perhaps it will fly up Fifth Avenue!
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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!
It’s true! I have indisputable proof of what many in San Diego will never believe. I took the shocking photograph a couple days ago at Petco Park.
For the first time ever in recorded history, that outspoken, highly opinionated San Diego Padres and SDSU Aztecs play-by-play radio announcer Ted Leitner aka Uncle Teddy . . . was left . . . wordless!
For the first time ever in San Diego history, Padres and Aztecs play-by-play announcer Ted Leitner is left wordless!
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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!
Team USA fans in line to buy merchandise at Petco Park during the World Baseball Classic in San Diego.
Team USA beat Venezuela tonight in an exciting World Baseball Classic game in San Diego! The United States won 4-2 with an amazing come-from-behind victory! Today’s baseball game was the second in a round robin between four international teams– the Second Round’s Pool F.
I’ve got an assortment of fun photos! It was a perfect San Diego evening to take in the sights, sounds, pageantry and great play of what turned out to be classic baseball game!
Fans of the four different teams in the World Baseball Classic’s Second Round Pool F could be seen all around San Diego’s Petco Park.Baseball lovers of all ages were having fun before the game began in the Park at the Park.Some outrageous costumes and lots of patriotic clothing could be seen all about the baseball stadium. And many Padres fans, too!It’s approaching game time. Families walk up a ramp to the upper level.Fans at the World Baseball Classic in San Diego point to the outfield.Young supporters of Team USA watch their baseball heroes warm up on the field before the game.Players for Team USA come out of the dugout for the opening ceremony.Players for both Venezuela and the United States were given a rousing introduction.Team USA fans watching the opening ceremony hold up an American flag.The players for the United States and Venezuela shake hands at the end of the opening ceremony.The game has begun! It’s a beautiful evening for baseball in San Diego, of course! Even some Dodgers fans have come to Petco Park for the fun.Venezuela is at bat as the sun sets and Petco’s lights come on. Venezuela has a great team and was first to score.As I walked about Petco Park, which USA Today rated the finest stadium in Major League Baseball, I took a photo of the Chair of Honor. The empty chair represents Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.Team USA loaded the bases in the early innings, but unfortunately failed to score.These fans of Team USA scored, however, on the Kiss Cam!George Washington was in attendance, rooting on Team USA during the World Baseball Classic in San Diego! And his team won!
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If victory is your destination, make excellence your governing value and perform the work necessary to become great. Wisdom on a plaque outside Olympic archery training range in Chula Vista.
It’s not often you get to visit where Olympic athletes train!
Today, my favorite part of the Celebration of Champions event at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center was checking out where Olympic archers hone their skills. There was more to see than the immense indoor and outdoor archery ranges. My eyes and mind were captivated by a large museum-like display of the history of archery at the Olympic Games.
Please enjoy the following photos. To learn more, read the captions!
A special public event is held at the Easton Foundations Archery Center of Excellence, part of the U.S. Olympic Training Center, which is now called the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.Kids see what Olympic-level archery is like during the Celebration of Champions event.Outdoor archery targets in a row. Some of the world’s greatest athletes take aim at these!Words inside the archery building at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. To be disciplined athletes of great character; challenging ourselves to achieve excellence in the pursuit of glory.Photos on the wall inside the front door show Olympic archers together and in competition.Bows await inside the immense indoor archery range at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.Participants and spectators against the back wall of the indoor archery range.Youth learning archery skills check arrow positions on targets after a period of shooting.An Easton arrow flying through the air lit the Olympic flame at the 1992 Summer Games.A display case shows artifacts relating to the history of organized archery and Easton bows and arrows.Along a corridor running the length of the Archery Center of Excellence are museum-like displays concerning archery during past Olympic Games. (Click image to enlarge.)The first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens, Greece in 1896. Archery was featured in some of the early years.Photo of FITA President Mrs. Inger K. Frith who helped archery to become reestablished as an Olympic sport by the International Olympic Committee.Early year displays include a 1904 program for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and an early version of archery competition where the bird target sat atop a 31 meter pole.As one proceeds down the hallway, time moves forward. In 1972 John Williams became archery’s first male gold medalist and Doreen Wilbur won the first gold for women’s archery.Walk down this hallway and you might rub shoulders with Olympic athletes!The 1972 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada saw the United States set new archery records.In 1984, at the Los Angeles games, New Zealand’s Neroli Fairhall was the first paraplegic athlete to compete in Olympic archery.The 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta based the competition on head-to-head single elimination, a change that proved very popular.In 1996 American and crowd favorite Justin Huish became first male to win individual and team gold.In 2000 South Korea’s women dominated archery at the Sydney Summer Olympic Games.More fascinating Olympic Games history on display at the indoor archery range at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.In 2004 the Olympic Games returned to its birthplace: Athens, Greece. The archers competed in the marble Panathinaiko Stadium which is about 2300 years old!Beijing, China hosted the 2008 Olympic Games where many records were broken.And perhaps, one day, these young people will break world archery records!
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Kids get a chance to practice archery at an outdoor range where Olympians train! A special activity during the Celebration of Champions event at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center!
For 23 years the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista has been utilized by hundreds of Team USA athletes. It has now transfered ownership from the United States Olympic Committee to the City of Chula Vista. Although the large 155-acre facility is now called the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, it remains one of the most important U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training sites. And now non-Olympic athletes, including people who live in the community, will have a chance to develop their sporting skills here, too!
Today, a fun Celebration of Champions event was held to showcase this state-of-the-art facility to the public, and to honor local achievers. I’d never visited the place, so of course I had to go check it out!
And I took some photos! As usual, read the captions!
The colorful driveway into the 155-acre Elite Athlete Training Center complex includes graphics depicting many different Olympic sports.The state-of-the-art facilities at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center are located in the Eastlake community.Folks enter the Copley Visitor Center courtyard to enjoy a special celebration. The 23 year old Olympic Training Center today officially becomes the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center!While the adults checked out event tents, kids were playing with soccer balls on the nearby grass. Perhaps some of these youth will one day be Olympic medal winners!People sign up for a special tour of the elite athlete training complex, which includes grass fields, an indoor and outdoor archery range, a BMX track, and more. Future plans include a gymnasium and pool.One of two cool bronze sculptures near the main door to the Visitor Center. This male Olympic athlete appears to be a wrestler.The other bronze sculpture appears to be a female Olympic swimmer or diver.A large Olympic flame is blazing in the circular courtyard in front of the Visitor Center. Many outdoor booths were set up by various community organizations for the special event.Perhaps a future athlete will wear this baby clothing. Team USA had lots of cool stuff for sale.Several plaques are arranged around the courtyard. This one lists all the host cities of the Olympic Games–both Summer and Winter.Sign describes in detail how host cities are chosen for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. (Click image to enlarge.)The history of the Paralympic movement is described on this sign. Sport for athletes with an impairment has existed for more than 100 years.People slowly converge on an outdoor stage where a ceremony will celebrate the transfer of ownership of this training complex from the United States Olympic Committee to the City of Chula Vista.I spotted this plaque while heading over to join the audience.Ernest W. Hahn, 1919-1992. Visionary developer and philanthropist whose tireless efforts to fund and build the ARCO Training Center will inspire athletes from across America to pursue their Olympic dreams.While I had a chance, I should have headed over to take pics of the kids trying out the super awesome Olympic-level BMX track. You can see them with their bikes in the distance.Everyone prepares for the big ceremony, which will also honor local champions! Those are the champions assembled to the right!Chula Vista mayor Mary Salas kicks off speeches by gathered dignitaries.Nearby on the grass, these kids were more interested in sports. Talk is cheap–action is what matters!Representative from the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs speaks a few words. This training center in San Diego is used by a very large number of Team USA Olympians.To symbolize the transfer of the complex to the city of Chula Vista, a Paralympic track and field athlete who has won numerous medals carries a torch onto the stage!These walkers in the audience were recognized as champions during the ceremony!Many champions from San Diego’s South Bay head up onto the stage to be honored and given a medal by the mayor. Some excel in sports; others are teachers, coaches, community leaders, law enforcement officers, artists…About halfway through the ceremony, I sneaked off to check out the Visitor Center while few people were inside.Huge graphics greet visitors inside the front door. The Chula Vista Olympic Training Center is dedicated to the development of America’s future elite athletes.Today’s training center has sport venues and facilities for archery, beach volleyball, BMX, canoe and kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, rugby, soccer, tennis, plus track and field!Several displays inside the Visitor Center include a video of great Olympic athletic performances.A cool exhibit devoted to David Wagner, who plays Wheelchair Tennis. He is a champion at his sport!After the ceremony I walked around. I regret now that I didn’t sign up to take a tour. Here’s the BMX track. Looks like a bumpy ride!Here’s one of the grass fields. It appears to be used for rugby, field hockey or soccer.I was drawn toward the archery range, which was so cool I’m going to blog about it next! Here’s some outdoor action during the event.Walking toward the archery complex, I saw this inspirational quote concerning the Olympic Path by Conrad Hilton. Life’s journey is worthwhile. Choose a meaningful path.Kids try their hand at archery at the Celebration of Champions event at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista!
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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!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
Baseball fans check out cool historical exhibits inside the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame at Petco Park.
Lovers of baseball history and fans of the San Diego Padres would definitely enjoy visiting the new Padres Hall of Fame at Petco Park. Inside, one can see many great exhibits concerning baseball in San Diego.
I checked out the Padres Hall of Fame last weekend during the Celebrate San Diego event. Here’s just a small preview of what you’ll see…
Historical photo shows first recorded game of baseball in San Diego. It took place on May 6, 1871.The first box score in the San Diego Union in 1874, and a 1907 photo showing local team posing in front of the Pickwick Theatre in downtown San Diego.Old photo of baseball game being played in 1910 at Athletic Park near the shipyards.Babe Ruth poses with a bat during an exhibition tour at Balboa Stadium in 1927.Padres fans check out lots of photos and cool artifacts which recall the history of baseball in San Diego. On the left are photos of the first Padres team in 1936, and Lane Field.Photo of young Ted Williams, who joined the Padres after graduating from Hoover High School. He helped the Padres win the Pacific Coast League title in 1937.Souvenir program for the opening game of the 1939 season in the Pacific Coast League. San Diego Padres versus Oakland Oaks.1954 photo of big celebration parade along Broadway in downtown San Diego. The Padres finished first that year in the Pacific Coast League.Autographed Padres team ball from 1954, and the home run ball smashed by Bill Elliot in the one game playoff to win the PCL championship.Old baseball program from the 1959 Pacific Coast League All Star Game.Photos of legendary radio broadcaster Jerry Coleman, who began a 42-year career in 1972, and Nate Colbert who that year hit five home runs in a Padres baseball double header.The National League Cy Young Award, presented to Padres pitcher Randy Jones in 1976.Souvenir program for the 1978 All-Star Game played in San Diego Stadium.It’s the world famous mascot, the San Diego Chicken!1981 photo shows future superstar Tony Gwynn signing with the San Diego Padres.Memories from the 1984 season. I was a young man, who was very excited watching the Padres defeat the Chicago Cubs to win the National League pennant.Tony Gwynn baseball jersey that honored Ray Krok, beloved Padres owner, who passed away in 1984.1987 Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented to Tony Gwynn, The Finest in the Field.In 1994 Tony Gwynn won the Silver Slugger Award. He batted .394 in a season cut short by a player strike.In 1996 Ken Caminiti was voted National League MVP and Gwynn hit .353 to win a seventh batting title.Legendary reliever Trevor Hoffman’s jersey on display in the Padres Hall of Fame at Petco Park. He helped the Padres win the 1998 National League pennant.Trevor Hoffman becomes the all-time Major League Baseball saves leader in 2006.Photo of Ted Williams, member of the PCL San Diego Padres.Photos of two Padres legends. Dave Winfield and Jerry Coleman.A display board inside the Padres Hall of Fame shows the team’s all-time leaders in various categories.The San Diego Padres Hall of Fame at Petco Park will rekindle warm memories for dedicated hometown baseball fans.
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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!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
Fans of local sports teams pose with favorite mascots during the big Celebrate San Diego event at Petco Park!
Check out these fun photos! This morning I headed down to Petco Park to enjoy Celebrate San Diego, a big event today that thanks and promotes local sports teams, both professional and college. I believe the special event was designed to give a boost to local teams, now that the NFL Chargers have left San Diego. A great idea!
We’ve got lots of exciting sports action in San Diego, from baseball to hockey to soccer to college football and basketball . . . you name it! Teams strutting their stuff at the big event today included the San Diego Padres, the San Diego Gulls, the San Diego Sockers, and the athletic programs of local colleges SDSU, UCSD, USD, Point Loma Nazarene University, and California State University San Marcos. I hope I didn’t forget anybody!
The event was so cool and uplifting, why not do this every year?
Now, I suppose I need to go watch some of these teams play!
UPDATE! Wow! I just now saw that a summer Padres Blood Drive was announced during the event after I left! (Maybe somebody read my earlier blog post concerning the idea, or the Padres employee I spoke to while waiting for the gate to open relayed the idea. In any event–hooray! Lives will be saved!)
Heading toward Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres play major league baseball. An event today promoted many local pro and college teams, now that the NFL Chargers have left our city.A big crowd waits to enter the gates at Petco Park.Thousands came out today to Celebrate San Diego! We have some awesome sports teams!Many tents were set up in Petco’s Park at the Park by local radio stations and broadcasters. Lots of free stuff was given out. I got a cool MLB Padres cap!Lots of photos and selfies were being taken!The event had barely begun and already the Park at the Park was getting packed!I liked this fun balloon guy on stilts. It was hard to miss him!A table promoted the second round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, which takes place March 14 – 19 at Petco Park in San Diego.The ball field is seriously messed up with mounds of dirt and bulldozers. Oh–now I remember–Monster Jam is coming next weekend to Petco Park.The San Diego Padres happy mascot, the Swinging Friar, greets visitors to the popular local sports teams event.A city firetruck had a Padres flag flying from their ladder behind the Tony Gwynn statue.Kids were enjoying various sport-related activities at Park at the Park, including shooting hoops.A player from the legendary San Diego Sockers indoor soccer team defends a tiny goal as a young man prepares to shoot.Local colleges had tents up promoting their teams and schools. All sorts of games were scattered around the grass including table football.The small baseball diamond at Park at the Park was alive with excitement. This young fan smashed a line drive.Running the bases wearing an old Chargers team shirt. Now that those guys have “bolted” we can boost our support for other local teams!Posing for photos with Gulliver, the San Diego Gulls hockey mascot, and Sunny the Socker, the new mascot of the San Diego Sockers!According to a countdown clock on the Western Metal Supply Co. building, there are 55 days until baseball’s Opening Day!A family descends stairs near a thank you to Padres members.Diego Torero, mascot for the University of San Diego, hangs out with the crowd at Celebrate San Diego!Cheerleaders get the crowd pumped as free swag is thrown from the stage to the gathered sports fans!Cheer squads performed from UCSD, SDSU, USD, Point Loma Nazarene University and California State University San Marcos. I hope I didn’t forget anybody!King Triton, mascot of University of California San Diego, gives me a hearty greeting!Just good fun. The way sports is supposed to be.These kids seems a bit unimpressed by the Aztec Warrior, mascot of San Diego State University.UCSD cheerleaders start an energetic routine!What a perfect day. It’s a fine city with lots of great sports fans.San Diego came out today to celebrate and root on their local sports teams!
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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!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 