Tag: streets

Searching for street art in Chula Vista.

Some cool street art near the corner of E Street and Woodlawn Avenue in Chula Vista.
Some cool street art near the corner of E Street and Woodlawn Avenue in Chula Vista.

Late this morning I took a walk through one section of Chula Vista. I headed east on E Street from the trolley station, south on Broadway, then back west on H Street. I drive through this commercial area once in a while and haven’t noticed much in the way of street art, but I hoped I’d find some fun examples during my walk.

I found almost none.

Chula Vista is the second largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area, with many neighborhoods that are beautiful. The section I walked through is bit more on the gritty side. The streets are lined with auto repair shops, tire stores, old strip malls, motels and trailer parks. Many utility boxes–and building walls–are spray painted not with murals but gang graffiti.

I did meet some very nice people during my walk. Others looked at me a bit strangely as I carried my camera down the sidewalk.

Another side of the same box, one block from the E Street station of the San Diego Trolley.
Another side of the same box, one block from the E Street station of the San Diego Trolley.
Hastily scrawled graffiti is more common on the electrical boxes in this gritty section of Chula Vista.
Hastily scrawled graffiti is more common on the electrical boxes in this part of Chula Vista.
Fading art on base of wall on Broadway, around the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers IAM Local 755 parking lot. I am defending our freedoms.
Fading art on base of wall on Broadway, around the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers IAM Local 755 parking lot. I am defending our freedoms.
An unusual rusted metal sculpture near the front of Fiesta Hall Chula Vista on H Street.
An unusual rusted metal sculpture near the front of Fiesta Hall Chula Vista on H Street.
This walk is just about completed. I've arrived near the H Street station of the San Diego Trolley.
This walk is just about completed. I’ve arrived near the H Street station of the San Diego Trolley.
A small plaque among some flowers. Chula Vista Transit Center. November 1981.
A small plaque among some flowers. Chula Vista Transit Center. November 1981.
A nearby utility box is painted with colorful designs.
A nearby utility box is painted with colorful designs.

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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!

Magical light while walking home.

Magic in this world is abundant. I sensed some of it this evening during my walk home.

As I headed west along Broadway, slanting sunlight touched downtown buildings in unexpected ways, as if cast by a wizard with a flashing wand. The sun rolled away and the moon brightened. And then a few city lights blinked on.

The magic was plainly visible to anyone with lifted eyes.

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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!

Walking forward through life, or a dream.

Color in the sky above downtown San Diego.
Color in the sky above downtown San Diego.

Here are photos from different walks the past couple of weeks.

It’s odd–how every living experience instantly vanishes, becomes intangible: an insubstantial memory. I look at these photographs and my days seem so ephemeral. Our walk through life is very much like a dream.

Garbage truck lifts dumpster in front of the San Diego Symphony's Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center.
Garbage truck lifts dumpster in front of the San Diego Symphony’s Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center.
Working on the street near Sixth and Broadway.
Guys working on the street near Sixth and Broadway.
Someone rides a dockless rental bike down the sidewalk after an early morning shower.
Someone rides a dockless rental bike down the sidewalk after an early morning shower.
Wichita State band members by downtown hotel gets instruments ready for their NCAA basketball tournament game that was held at SDSU's Viejas Arena.
Wichita State band members by downtown hotel, getting their instruments ready for an NCAA basketball tournament game held at SDSU’s Viejas Arena.
Having a friendly chat while walking the dog on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
Having a friendly chat while walking the dog on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
Picking up litter on railroad tracks.
Picking up litter on railroad tracks.
A tree's reflection in windows.
A tree’s mysterious, golden reflection in windows.
A gull soars above downtown San Diego buildings.
A gull soars above downtown San Diego buildings.
A TV news van is parked by the Hall of Justice one evening.
A TV news van is parked by the Hall of Justice one evening.
Walking along in the Gaslamp near Bub's.
Holding hands in the Gaslamp Quarter near Bub’s.
Homeless man walks through life with his stuff.
Homeless man walks through life with his stuff.
Man in kilt, smoking a pipe, relaxes in Seaport Village on St. Patrick's Day.
Man in kilt, smoking a pipe, relaxes in Seaport Village on St. Patrick’s Day.
Fishing in the Marriott Marina. A friendly wave from folks who work at Hookup Baits, my work neighbors.
Fishing in the Marriott Marina. A friendly smile and thumbs up from folks who work at Hookup Baits, my work neighbors.
Looking down from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge at the train and trolley yard.
Looking down from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge at the train and trolley yard.
People linger high above the city on the 9th floor of the Central Library.
People linger high above the city on the 9th floor of the Central Library.
A view over East Village construction toward mountains in San Diego's East County.
A view over East Village construction toward mountains in San Diego’s East County.
Feeding birds at the library one fine day.
Feeding birds at the library one fine day.

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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!

Fun art on the sidewalk for a rainy day.

A dapper gentleman with an elegant automobile looks at a lady with a bottle.
A dapper gentleman with an elegant automobile looks at a lady with a bottle.

According to this morning’s weather report, it’s supposed to rain in San Diego for most of the day. We can always use more water in dry Southern California. But rain, and a bit of a sore throat, means I probably won’t go out walking today.

Meanwhile, here’s some fun artwork that I discovered yesterday while walking through North Park. Both works of art were on the sidewalk in the vicinity of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street.

Enjoy!

I'm sorry love, the only rubbish I have time for is in this bin.
I’m sorry love, the only rubbish I have time for is in this bin.
Tile mosaic of a motorcycle and rider. A very cool sight in the sidewalk in front of Belching Beaver Brewery in North Park.
Tile mosaic of a motorcycle and rider. A very cool sight in the sidewalk in front of Belching Beaver Brewery in North Park.

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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!

LimeBike smart bicycles arrive in San Diego!

Rows of bright new LimeBike smart bicycles have appeared in downtown San Diego.
Bright new LimeBike smart bicycles have suddenly appeared in downtown San Diego!

Look what I discovered as I walked down Cedar Street to the Little Italy trolley station this morning. A bunch of identical lime green bicycles were waiting in a row on the sidewalk!

Upon closer inspection, I saw these bikes can be rented simply by unlocking them with a smartphone. And riders pay only one dollar per half hour! Very affordable!

LimeBike has just announced the introduction of their smart pedal bikes into downtown San Diego. That must explain why I’ve never them before.

In the future, I’ve learned they intend to introduce a fleet of Lime-E electric assist bikes and Lime-S scooters. Sounds like a great idea to me!

The 1st ride of a LimeBike is free! They cost is only one dollar per half hour!
The 1st ride of a LimeBike is free! Renting one of these smart bikes costs only $1 per half hour.
Instructions on a LimeBike show how to scan the QR code to unlock the bicycle.
Instructions on a LimeBike show how to scan the QR code to unlock the bicycle.
I found more LimeBikes parked on the sidewalk near some colorful public art at the Little Italy trolley station!
I found more LimeBikes parked on the sidewalk at the Little Italy trolley station!

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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!

Super cool street art in City Heights!

One side of a electrical box on University Avenue at Interstate 805. This particular art resembles other examples I once photographed in National City.
One side of an electrical box on University Avenue at Interstate 805. This particular art closely resembles other examples I once photographed in National City.

Check out a whole bunch of super cool photos! All this awesome street art was encountered during a short walk in City Heights.

I began on University Avenue near I-805, walking east along the sidewalk on the south side. Then I crossed at 35th Street and headed back west down the sidewalk on University Avenue’s north side.

Enjoy!

A second side. Weird humanoid figures seem composed of fluid ink.
Another side of the same box. Weird humanoid figures seem composed of fluid ink.
Urban art that seems both ancient and futuristic. Strange geometric patterns in these figures appear symbolic.
Urban artwork that seems both ancient and futuristic. Strange geometric patterns in these figures appear symbolic.
The fourth side of the same box.
The fourth side of the box.
Cool mural in City Heights on the side of a gallery. Journey Within Through the Sea of Soul, by Celeste Byers and Aaron Glasson, depicts the gallery owner riding a Chihuahua ship on a distant planet upstream into herself!
Cool mural in City Heights on the side of the Teros Gallery. Journey Within Through the Sea of Soul, by Celeste Byers and Aaron Glasson, depicts the gallery owner riding a Chihuahua ship on a distant planet upstream into herself!
Walking east down University Avenue I spied more street art on electrical boxes.
Walking east down University Avenue I spied more street art on electrical boxes.
A young girl, and a young boy with binoculars.
A young girl, and a young boy with binoculars.
A man and small child together ride a motorcycle.
A man and small child together ride a motorcycle.
A face looks upward.
A face looks upward.
Another young face, and a sitting girl.
Another young face, and a sitting girl reaching for what appears to be a pencil.
This trash can at a bus stop was brightly decorated by a street artist.
This trash can at a bus stop was brightly decorated by a street artist.
More fun street art, near the corner of University Avenue and 35th Street.
More fun street art, near the corner of University Avenue and 35th Street.
A funny dog appears to be assailed by a crazy bird.
A funny dog appears to be assailed by a crazy bird.
More humorous faces and birds.
More humorous faces and birds.
I've crossed the street and am heading back west. I noticed this colorful tower to the south features references to both City Heights and Cherokee Point, a neighborhood south of University Avenue.
I’ve crossed the street and am heading back west. I noticed this colorful tower to the south features references to both City Heights and Cherokee Point, a neighborhood south of University Avenue.
Before crossing this street I spied this fun street mural near another bus stop.
Before crossing the street I spied this fun street mural near another bus stop.
Now that I'm walking next to it, I can really enjoy this sun and pink flamingo. Both are wearing sunglasses. By artist Gilly Bee, created for #TheAvenueMuralProject.
Now that I’m walking next to it, I can really enjoy this sun and pink flamingo. Both are wearing sunglasses. By artist Gilly Bee, created for #TheAvenueMuralProject.
I found another cool mural on the side of The Kings Barbershop.
I found another super cool mural on the side of The Kings Barbershop.
The front of The Kings Barbershop was painted by DyseOne and Hasler.
The front of The Kings Barbershop was painted by DyseOne and Hasler.
A very colorful mural on University Avenue in City Heights! I believe this spray paint art is fairly new.
A very colorful mural on University Avenue in City Heights! I believe this bold spray paint art is fairly new.
It's the Tooth Fairy on the side of North Park Dental! By artist Sand One, a Latina street artist from East Los Angeles.
It’s the Tooth Fairy on the wall of North Park Dental! By artist Sand One, a Latina street artist from East Los Angeles.

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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!

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Colorful gifts and history at The Black in OB.

Windows at The Black contain all sorts of sights that fit right in with the laid-back, alternative OB lifestyle.
Windows at The Black contain all sorts of sights that fit right in with the laid-back, unconventional OB lifestyle.

Walk through Ocean Beach, particularly down Newport Avenue, and you’ll pass all sorts of weirdly wonderful shops. Look into some windows and you might think you traveled by time machine back to the 60’s.

I paused for a moment in front of The Black, a store that sells stuff that fits perfectly with OB’s alternative lifestyle. Coming down the sidewalk were surfers, retired hippies, free-spirited youth and sandal-wearing professionals. I looked into one window filled with dragon figurines and small toy robots.

My eye was then caught by a nearby historical sign. It explained that The Black’s rather plain-looking building, dating from 1918, has been home to a variety of more traditional grocery stores and markets selling meat, fruit and fresh produce. But that was decades ago. Long before the counterculture’s rise in the 1960’s.

One fascinating thing about history is that a community can change in ways that seem rather unexpected!

The Black in Ocean Beach occupies a building with a unique history. Greeson Hardware was once here, as were various markets, and the USO.
The Black in Ocean Beach occupies a building with a unique history. Greeson Hardware was once here, as were various markets, and the USO.
Old photo on the building at 5017 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach shows a couple of local markets. The Black's owner won the right to lease in the building after winning a card game across the street.
Historical photo on the building at 5017 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach shows past markets. The Black’s owner won the right to lease in the building after winning a card game across the street.
In the window of The Black I see Gumby, Mr. Bill, some drums, guitar strings and a Grateful Dead baby onesie.
In the window of The Black I see Gumby, Mr. Bill, some drums, guitar strings and a Grateful Dead baby onesie.
All sorts of cool, unconventional stuff can be seen in a store window at The Black.
Smoke shop items and other diverse gifts can be seen in the front windows of The Black in Ocean Beach.
I see some fun, nostalgic robot toys!
I see some fun, nostalgic robot toys!
I also see a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band tin tote and a Super Mario figure.
I also see a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band tin tote and a Super Mario figure.

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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!

Mysterious visions underfoot.

Blue face of a dog, afire with red nightmares, with eyes that are haunting.
A dog’s face–a small work of haunting chalk art.

As I journey through the city I often see mysterious visions underfoot, produced by unknown hands. They are the dreams of wandering souls, made visible.

Dreams of the searchers . . . the restless . . .

Wherever you happen to walk, countless others have walked.

Free Yourself, with a heart.
Free yourself, with a heart.
Grace, on a step among leaves.
Grace, one step up from fallen leaves.

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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!

Morning rain and umbrellas downtown.

Here are a few photos I captured this morning as I walked downtown through gusts of rain.

Keeping an eye on the direction of the wind and slanting raindrops, holding my camera at the ready under my umbrella, I headed down from Cortez Hill to the Gaslamp trolley station. I wasn’t the only one trying to cope with San Diego’s first real rainstorm of the winter.

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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!

An early January morning walk in Little Italy.

Holiday ribbons remain among flowers in front of a residence in Little Italy.
Holiday ribbons among flowers in front of a residence in Little Italy.

The holidays have ended. It’s January 2nd.

Early this morning I walked through Little Italy on my way to catch the trolley for work.

What did I see?

The holiday season is over in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. Leaves are falling. Time to head back to work.
The holiday season is over in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Leaves are falling. Time to head back to work.
A community Christmas tree is still lit, but abandoned. It stands behind a fence that surrounds the Piazza Famiglia construction site.
A community Christmas tree is still lit, but abandoned. It stands behind a fence that surrounds the Piazza Famiglia construction site.
Classic beauty is abundant in Little Italy in every season.
Classic beauty is always abundant in Little Italy, no matter the season.
Little Italy is famous for its restaurants and excellent food. This market on India Street sells locally grown produce.
Little Italy is famous for its restaurants and excellent dining. Even during winter, this establishment on India Street offers locally grown food.
The poinsettias might be fading, but other greenery in planters along the sidewalk is bright and fresh.
The poinsettias might be fading, but other greenery in planters along the sidewalk is bright and fresh.
More lingering Christmas lights among colorful leaves.
More lingering Christmas lights among colorful leaves.
A funny inflatable in a shop window. The holidays are over! Time for The Scream!
A funny sight in a shop window. The holidays are over! Now we must go back to work! Scream!

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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!