Tag: tourism

The Art of Music lives in San Diego!

The Art of Music is a cool exhibition now playing at the San Diego Museum of Art. Depicted in this poster is Fernando Botero's painting Dancing in Columbia, 1980.
The Art of Music is a cool exhibition “now playing” at the San Diego Museum of Art. Depicted in this poster is Fernando Botero’s painting Dancing in Columbia, 1980.

Do you love beautiful music? Do you appreciate fine art?

Answer yes to both questions, and you have two compelling reasons to visit an exhibition “now playing” at the San Diego Museum of Art!

The Art of Music explores the intersection of art and music throughout world history, from ancient times to the present. Visitors to the San Diego Museum of Art will experience a large variety of paintings, posters, sculptures and film, depicting musicians, dancers and various aspects of life that are splashed with the colors of music. Visitors will also enjoy seeing many extraordinarily beautiful musical instruments, historical objects related to music, and encounter surprising sounds at every turn.

My museum docent friend Catherine recently provided another great tour! There was so much to absorb, so many cool sights and sounds, that I hardly know how to translate my feelings into words. I could’ve spent many hours just lingering. The experience was almost like standing on stage during a symphony orchestra’s performance, and turning slowly around with eyes and ears wide open.

I was absolutely floored by the impressive sweep of this exhibit, and the number of pieces by important artists. I noted works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, Salvador Dalí, William Hogarth, Toulouse-Lautrec, Jasper Johns and John Baldessari, a highly regarded artist who grew up in National City in San Diego’s South Bay.

The very first piece visitors encounter is Baldessari’s Beethoven’s Trumpet (with Ear) Opus #127, a fun sculpture which perfectly captures the essence of what is to come. Press your own ear against the ear trumpet and you’ll hear musical notes penned centuries ago by Beethoven, as if they’re emerging from the famous composer’s brain!

In other rooms, visitors can listen to a statuette of a satyr playing the pipes of Pan, a qin from China dating from the 19th century, or an absolutely gorgeous 18th century harpsichord that was converted to a piano.

One amazing room in the exhibit contains the Microtonal Wall, created by Tristan Perich in 2011. A large section of wall contains 1,500 small speakers, which are tuned individually to create a complex and interesting continuum of pitch. The interactive experience was so fascinating, I ended up walking with my ear close to the wall bobbing up and down like a mesmerized chicken!

Another dazzling room is filled to the brim with psychedelic concert posters from the 1960s! Aficionados of this type of artwork will find themselves in heaven!

The Art of Music features so much cool stuff, and such variety, I couldn’t possibly describe it all here. You really have to go see for yourself. I’m no expert when it comes to either art or music, but I found myself completely enthralled!

Here are a few samples of what you’ll experience…

People head up steps from Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama to visit the wonderful San Diego Museum of Art.
People head up steps from Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama to visit the wonderful San Diego Museum of Art.
Neck-Amphora with Apollo Playing the Cithara, and Hermes, Athena and Dionysus. Greece, Attica, circa 510 B.C. Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Neck-Amphora with Apollo Playing the Cithara, and Hermes, Athena and Dionysus. Greece, Attica, circa 510 B.C. Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Shiv Chand, Madhumadhavi Ragini of Bhairav, ca. 1690. The San Diego Museum of Art.
Shiv Chand, Madhumadhavi Ragini of Bhairav, ca. 1690. The San Diego Museum of Art.
Lyre Guitar, early 19th century. The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lyre Guitar, early 19th century. The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Childe Hassam, The Sonata, 1893. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Childe Hassam, The Sonata, 1893. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's first poster, Moulin Rouge - La Goulue. Introduced into poster design a bold simplification of form, space and composition learned from Japanese woodblock prints.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s first poster, Moulin Rouge – La Goulue, which introduced into poster design a bold simplification of form, space and composition learned from Japanese woodblock prints.
Beauford Delaney, Marian Anderson, 1965. J. Harwood and Louise B. Cochrane Fund for American Art. Renowned singer was first African American artist to perform at the White House, in 1936.
Beauford Delaney, Marian Anderson, 1965. J. Harwood and Louise B. Cochrane Fund for American Art. Depicts renowned singer who was the first African American artist to perform at the White House, in 1936.
Hans Burkhardt, Sex Pistols, 1981. Courtesy Jack Rutberg Fine Arts Hans G. and Thordis W. Burkhardt Foundation.
Hans Burkhardt, Sex Pistols, 1981. Courtesy Jack Rutberg Fine Arts Hans G. and Thordis W. Burkhardt Foundation.
John Baldessari, Beethoven's Trumpet (with Ear) Opus #127, 2007. Beyer Projects.
John Baldessari, Beethoven’s Trumpet (with Ear) Opus #127, 2007. Beyer Projects.

The Art of Music lives in San Diego!

Go check it out! The Art of Music, at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, runs through February 7, 2016.

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Another day to be thankful in San Diego.

Two gulls take a nap in the San Diego sunshine the day after Thanksgiving. Many people were taking a pleasant, easy walk along the waterfront.
Two gulls take a nap in the San Diego sunshine the day after Thanksgiving. Many people were enjoying a pleasant, easy stroll along the waterfront.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving. I just took a walk along San Diego’s Embarcadero. If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 12,000 words that hint at why I’m thankful every day to live in this beautiful city. I could write volumes and volumes.

A sleepy sea lion doesn't care what sort of crazy, wild-eyed antics his buddy is engaged in.
A sleepy sea lion doesn’t care what sort of crazy, wild-eyed antics his buddy is engaged in.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego's historic ship Pilot crosses the bay as white clouds glow gloriously in a blue sky.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic Pilot boat crosses the bay as white clouds glow gloriously in a blue sky.
This seagull was watching me taking a walk around Tuna Harbor. I wonder what she thought I was up to.
This seagull was watching me taking a walk around Tuna Harbor. I wonder what she thought I was up to?
A couple snuggled on the rocks by Seaport Village watch a gull take flight from the nearby wall.
A couple snuggled on the rocks by Seaport Village watch a gull take flight from the nearby wall.
A busker magician comedian mime guy gets tied up in inescapable rope during his funny routine at Seaport Village.
A busker magician comedian mime guy gets tied up in inescapable rope during his funny routine at Seaport Village.
Mrs. Claus greets a child and mother at the Seaport Village's East Plaza Gazebo.
Mrs. Claus greets a child and mother at the Seaport Village’s East Plaza Gazebo.
A guy carrying a skateboard ambles past outdoor diners at Sally's Seafood on the Water.
A guy carrying a skateboard ambles past outdoor diners at Sally’s Seafood on the Water.
A helpful tot picks up a photographer's tripod after a photo shoot at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A helpful tot picks up a photographer’s tripod after a photo shoot at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A snowy egret checks out a small stone in the Marriott Marina on San Diego's waterfront.
A snowy egret checks out a small stone in the Marriott Marina on San Diego’s waterfront.
Magnificent clouds the day after Thanksgiving on San Diego's Embarcadero. Visible is a Dole cargo ship at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Magnificent clouds the day after Thanksgiving on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Visible is a Dole cargo ship at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Taking flight in the sunshine.
Taking flight in the sunshine.

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Marriott Marquis and a hidden parklike hollow.

The silvery curving towers of the Marriott Marquis as seen from across Harbor Drive. The cluster of trees on the right contain a wonderful secret.
The silvery curving towers of the Marriott Marquis as seen from across Harbor Drive. The cluster of trees on the right contains a wonderful secret.

I’ve lived in downtown San Diego for years and years. But apparently I still have much to discover. Because I had no idea that the Marriott Marquis on our waterfront has a hidden parklike hollow, in a place where seemingly few people venture.

The quiet green space, with a beautiful lawn, fountain, waterfalls, koi and ducks is partially concealed in an island of trees. You’ll find it set back a short distance from Harbor Drive, at the center of the looping driveway that leads to the Marriott’s front entrance.

There’s no clear footpath to the hollow. But there is a fish food dispenser and a couple of stone benches, and plenty of tranquil beauty. Hotel guests who’d like to unwind and quietly relax have their own secret garden, a place for meditation in the middle of bustling San Diego!

We've crossed Harbor Drive and are walking on the driveway, carefully watching for cars and buses.
We’ve crossed Harbor Drive and are walking on the driveway, carefully watching for cars and buses.
Within the trees there's a tranquil, inviting green space.
Within the trees there’s a tranquil, inviting green space.
Grass, rippling water, and a mixture of shade and sunshine fill a small parklike hollow in front of the Marriott Marquis in San Diego.
Grass, rippling water, and a mixture of shade and sunshine fill a parklike hollow in front of the Marriott Marquis in San Diego.
These ducks are enjoying a small artificial stream among some rocks.
These ducks are enjoying a small artificial stream among some rocks.
Two beautiful stone benches invite meditation.
Two beautiful stone benches invite meditation.
The koi wouldn't mind a bit of food thrown their way!
The koi wouldn’t mind a bit of food tossed their way!
A shining pond reflects the nearby hotel and flagpoles on another perfect San Diego day.
A shining pond reflects the nearby hotel and flagpoles on another pleasant San Diego day.

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A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.

Looking north at steps that lead down from the quiet, stately Balboa Park Administrative Building Courtyard.
Looking north at steps that lead down from the quiet, stately Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard.

A few weeks ago I meandered about Inspiration Point in Balboa Park. Walking slowly, pausing often, going nowhere in particular. Just seeing what I might see.

At the south edge of the Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard, I stood and gazed down the hill toward a corner of downtown San Diego. You might remember my blog about the courtyard. It’s a place that very few people know about. It’s peaceful, green, a bit of heaven. A place of solitude.

As I stood, I glanced down some steps leading toward a seemingly unremarkable patch of trees. A dusty lot next to the trees contained dozens of parked city Park and Recreation trucks. I wondered to myself if the public was permitted to walk down those steps, into what appeared to be a city work area.

This mysterious path seems to lead to a jumble of trees and a dusty parking lot full of city Park and Recreation trucks.
This mysterious path seems to lead to a jumble of trees and a dusty parking lot full of city Park and Recreation trucks.

Then I saw the blue among the trees. Was that water?

No sign indicated I couldn’t investigate. So I did.

And what I found took my breath away.

Beautiful Bird of Paradise in a section of Balboa Park where the public almost never goes.
Beautiful Bird of Paradise in a section of Balboa Park where the public almost never goes.
Entering a magical hollow in the trees, where a shining blue pool and small fountain await.
Entering a magical hollow in the trees, where a shining blue pool and small fountain await.

The trees seemed a forgotten oasis. At their center shined a lonely pool and a small fountain in the form of a child. The cherub seemed to be holding open the mouth of a carp, or perhaps reading a book–I don’t know.

The strange fountain appeared to occupy a magical place, entirely removed from the surrounding world.

What was it?

An email to the Friends of Balboa Park, an organization whose office is in the nearby Balboa Park Administration Building, provided a bit of information.

The person who replied parks her car in the lot not far from the pool and fountain, and she was completely amazed. She’d didn’t know of its existence.

Ranger Kim, who also works in the building, and who knows volumes about the history of Balboa Park, indicated that the fountain was left over from the 1920’s when the U.S. Navy built a large hospital campus in the immediate area.

In the 1980’s, the land was given to the city in exchange for acreage in Florida Canyon, where the new Naval Medical Center San Diego was built. The buildings from the 1920’s were eventually demolished, except for a Navy chapel, the administration building and its stately courtyard, and a nearby medical library and auditorium building. Today the chapel contains the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center; the administration building contains Balboa Park’s headquarters.

And, of course, magic remains where very few people go: a small fountain that healed spirits at the old Navy complex. A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.

The lonely fountain is in the form of a child. A few empty benches surround the tiled pool.
The lonely fountain is in the form of a child. A few empty benches surround the tiled pool.
This fountain is left over from the Navy hospital campus built in this area in the 1920's.
This fountain is left over from the Navy hospital campus built in this area in the 1920’s.
The figure seems to be holding open the jaws of a fish, or perhaps reading a book.
The figure seems to be holding open the jaws of a fish, or perhaps reading a book.
A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.
A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.

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Elegance and history at downtown San Diego hotel.

This astonishing ceiling impressed San Diego Trust and Savings Bank customers back in 1928, when it originally debuted.
This astonishing ceiling impressed San Diego Trust and Savings Bank customers back in 1928, when it originally debuted.

There are many amazing hotels around San Diego, especially downtown. Several of the hotels are located in historic old buildings. For several months, the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building (1928), now occupied by Courtyard by Marriott, has been undergoing outside restoration. A few days ago I noticed that much of the work has been completed, so I decided to go inside the lobby to ask a question or two. And wow!

This was my first time inside the truly eye-popping lobby. Look at the ceiling! The old bank hall, which now welcomes hotel guests, appears almost like the interior of some medieval church, with its arches, vaulted doors, medallions, bronze window grilles and a 32-foot high colorfully painted coffered ceiling. Also reflecting the building’s Italian Romanesque Revival architectural style, the grand interior contains 35 decorative columns with Corinthian capitals, chiseled from 19 different types of marble from around the world. Additionally, the walls, counters, pilasters and floor all feature rich imported marble.

The elegant building, which was constructed with the finest materials available at the time, was designed by notable architect William Templeton Johnson, who is also credited for the San Diego Museum of Art and Natural History Museum buildings in Balboa Park, the Serra Museum in Presidio Park, and the La Jolla Athenaeum. He is also one of the architects responsible for the San Diego County Administration Center.

I was told by a friendly front desk clerk that the restoration involved patching cracks in the building’s exterior. Looks to me like somebody did a good job!

Photo of the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building taken from one block east on Broadway. The 14-story structure is topped with a two-story penthouse and cupola.
Photo of the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building taken from one block east on Broadway. The 14-story structure is topped with a two-story penthouse and cupola.
Flag on stately exterior of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Flag on stately exterior of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Plaque at 530 Broadway. This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Plaque at 530 Broadway. This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Elegant bronze and glass entrance to the eye-popping lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Elegant bronze and glass entrance to the eye-popping lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Stand inside the old bank hall and gaze upward. You'll think your visiting a fantastic cathedral or medieval building in Europe.
Stand inside the old bank hall and gaze upward. You’ll think your visiting a fantastic cathedral or medieval building in Europe.
The welcoming interior of a modern hotel. An historical building smartly preserved and repurposed.
The welcoming interior of a modern hotel. An historical building smartly preserved and repurposed.
I like this cheerful painting of a girl lying on a turtle behind the hotel's front counter!
I like this cheerful painting of a girl lying on a turtle behind the hotel’s front counter!
Yet another cool sight in my neighborhood: downtown San Diego!
Yet another cool sight in my amazing neighborhood: downtown San Diego!

UPDATE!

When I stepped into the hotel during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s OPEN HOUSE 2017, I learned from a friendly event volunteer that I could head down to see the old bank’s vaults, which are now meeting rooms! Here are some photos!

Map near the ceiling where steps descend to the elevators.
Map near the ceiling where steps descend from the lobby to elevators.
The beautiful arched ceiling near the bank of elevators.
The beautiful arched ceiling near the hotel’s bank of elevators.
Elegant area near the entrance to The Safe Deposit Room.
Elegant area near the entrance to The Safe Deposit Room.
Formidable steel doors in a lower level hallway, leading to The Vault, a very unique meeting room. The San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building has unusual historic features that hotel guests can enjoy.
Formidable steel doors in a lower level hallway, leading to The Vault, a very unique meeting room. The San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building has unusual historic features that hotel guests can enjoy.
The Safe Deposit Room in the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown has a rather unusual entrance! The 1928 Mosler safe door weighs 47,000 pounds! Meetings can be held inside.
The Safe Deposit Room in the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown has a rather unusual entrance! The 1928 Mosler safe door weighs 47,000 pounds! Meetings can be held inside.

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Sunshine in paradise: a walk about Mission Bay.

The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.
The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.

Late this morning I headed to the Pacific Islander Festival, which took place in the grassy Ski Beach Park near the center of Mission Bay. I’ll get my photos ready and blog about it shortly!

On the way to the festival and afterward, I took a long, leisurely walk. Mission Bay might be the best place in San Diego for an easy saunter through sunshiny paradise.

When I say Mission Bay Park is a paradise, that’s no exaggeration. Grassy parkland, beaches, islands, resorts and marinas are found everywhere you go, whether by foot, bicycle, roller skate, car or boat. Its 4,235 acres make it the largest man-made aquatic park in the nation. Roughly half land and half water, what was originally a lagoon at the mouth of the San Diego River has been transformed into one of our city’s most popular destinations. Especially during the summer.

But summer is over and the crowds have thinned. Perfect for a quiet, thoughtful walk.

Here are a few random pics…

A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Looking down from the bridge. It's a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and few people are about. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Looking down from the bridge. It’s a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and many benches are empty. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Light reflected on water and shore rocks form a contrast.
Light reflected on water contrasted with shore rocks.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
Just fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay. Every type of small boat you can imagine can be spotted on any given day.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay.  Kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, sailboats, windsurfers and fishing boats can be spotted on any given day.

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Get out of jail free at old police headquarters!

People view photos and memorabilia in corridor of the old San Diego Police Headquarters located downtown near Seaport Village.
People view photos and memorabilia in corridor of the old San Diego Police Headquarters located near Seaport Village.

In downtown San Diego, one can enter a highly secure jail cell, then turn around and easily walk right out! How? Simply visit the old police headquarters!

The Headquarters at Seaport is the official name of a relatively new shopping center on Harbor Drive, located right next to Seaport Village. The unique complex features several fine restaurants and specialty shops, housed in a restored building that was originally built in 1939. For almost half a century–until its closure in 1987–the fortress-like building with its large courtyard was home to San Diego’s police headquarters.

Anyone visiting The Headquarters can enjoy a free glimpse of San Diego history by checking out a modest exhibit in a corridor that leads to the old cell block and some restrooms. I took photographs during one walk that you might find interesting.

This beautifully restored building now contains shops and restaurants on San Diego's waterfront. Built in 1939, it served for half a century as the city's central police station.
This beautifully restored building now contains shops and restaurants on San Diego’s waterfront. Built in 1939, it served for half a century as the city’s central police station.
People amble past a doorway which leads into the past. A bit of San Diego history beckons the curious.
People amble past a doorway which leads into the past. A bit of San Diego history beckons the curious.
Old jail cells and an interesting police department exhibit are inside!
Old jail cells and an interesting police department exhibit are inside!
Fascinating photographs on one corridor wall show scenes from the old police headquarters.
Fascinating photographs on one corridor wall show scenes from the old police headquarters.
Many operations were under one roof, including administrative offices, jails, a law library, crime lab, pistol range, and even a police car maintenance facility.
Many operations were under one roof, including administrative offices, jails, a law library, crime lab, pistol range, and even a police car maintenance facility.
This photo shows officers posing in front of the iconic tower. The historic building is a mixture of architectural styles often seen in San Diego and Southern California.
This photo shows officers posing in front of the iconic tower. The historic building is a mixture of architectural styles often seen in San Diego and Southern California.
Display cases in this preserved hallway contain artifacts from local law enforcement decades ago.
Display cases in this preserved hallway contain artifacts from local law enforcement decades ago.
Vintage police shields and badges are among the interesting items in this museum-like display.
Vintage police shields and badges are among the interesting items in this museum-like display.
Handcuffs, documents and law enforcement equipment educate visitors about police history in San Diego.
Handcuffs, documents and law enforcement equipment educate visitors about police history in San Diego.
Some patches that were worn proudly.
Some patches that were worn proudly.
Image shows original construction of the police headquarters in 1939.
Image shows original construction of the police headquarters in 1939.
I believe someone who was arrested is being photographed. I see a clock, calendar, lights and identifying placard.
I believe someone who was arrested is being photographed. I see a clock, calendar, lights and identifying placard.
The door of a holding cell in the old police headquarters corridor.
The door of a holding cell in the old police headquarters corridor.
Cells for prisoners and suspects were securely locked and unlocked using this mechanism.
Cells for prisoners and suspects were securely locked and unlocked using this mechanism.
A look inside the eight cell, two level jail block. If you want to see what life was like behind bars, that last door is wide open!
A look inside the eight cell, two level jail block. If you want to see what life was like behind bars, that last door is wide open!
These jail cells are very simple and primitive. Comfort is not a priority.
These jail cells are very simple and primitive. Comfort is not a priority.
A few bare essentials and a pretty face.
A few bare essentials and a pretty face.
Visitors to The Headquarters old cell block look at mug shots on one wall.
Visitors to The Headquarters old cell block look at mug shots on one wall.
Prisoner Information. Personal property is surrendered, necessities are provided, hours for lights out and visitors, and two telephone calls are granted at the time of booking.
Prisoner Information. Personal property is surrendered, necessities are provided, hours for lights out and visitors, and two telephone calls are granted at the time of booking.
Kids are photographed at the lineup wall. They look slightly suspicious!
Kids are photographed at the lineup wall. They look slightly suspicious!

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An easy walk along Shelter Island’s Shoreline Park.

At the southwest end of Shelter Island, near the end of Shoreline Park, are some works of art. The female life-size bronze sculpture is Pacific Spirit, by James Hubbell, 2002.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, near the end of Shoreline Park, are some works of art. The female life-size bronze sculpture is Pacific Spirit, by James Hubbell, 2002.

I was off from work yesterday. In the late morning I headed down to Shelter Island. It’s another of my favorite places. After a bite to eat, I enjoyed an easy, peaceful walk while gathering photos for future blog posts. Expect some cool sights in the coming weeks!

The path that extends the length of narrow Shoreline Park is just about perfect. The park itself is located at the very edge of the bay, stretching from one end of Shelter Island to the other. In one place the path traverses what seems to be more of a large parking lot than a park, but no matter. I love the place. It’s relaxed, usually non-crowded, and just beautiful. There are amazing views of San Diego Bay, sailboats and a large variety of ships, scenic Point Loma, a slice of ocean horizon, the distant Coronado Islands (when it isn’t hazy), busy Naval Air Station North Island and the skyline of downtown San Diego. I often see people sitting on lawn chairs with binoculars, just watching boats pass by, jets take off from North Island, and birds that wheel and dive through the blue sky.

People walk along the pathway which stretches down narrow Shoreline Park. Grass, benches and picnic tables invite both locals and tourists.
People walk along the pathway which stretches down narrow Shoreline Park. Grass, benches and picnic tables invite both locals and tourists.
Bougainvillea and lath provide shade on a sunny warm summer morning. Several of these structures are found along the park
Bougainvillea and lath provide shade on a sunny warm summer morning. Several of these structures are found along the park.
Bicyclist cruises past a raised Osprey nesting platform. A sign nearby provides an explanation.
Bicyclist cruises past a raised Osprey nesting platform. A sign nearby provides an explanation.
A large Navy warship entering San Diego harbor is seen beyond the Shelter Island pier. Downtown skyscrapers appear misty in the background.
A large Navy warship entering San Diego harbor is seen beyond the Shelter Island pier. Downtown skyscrapers appear misty in the background.
Fathom Bistro, Bait and Tackle sign at foot of Shelter Island fishing pier. They've been open a couple years now.
Fathom Bistro, Bait and Tackle sign at foot of Shelter Island fishing pier. They’ve been open a couple years now.
Someone next to the pathway along Shoreline Park balanced a bunch of rocks up on top of each other. Perhaps it was someone who was fishing.
Someone next to the pathway along Shoreline Park balanced a bunch of rocks up on top of each other. Perhaps it was someone who was fishing.
Another cool photo of Shelter Island's dinghy landing. I published a post with similar photos a year or two ago.
Another cool photo of Shelter Island’s dinghy landing. I published a post with similar photos a year or two ago.
Huge swaths of sand along the water are simply covered with gull tracks.
Huge swaths of sand along the water are simply covered with gull tracks.
Someone spreads a big bag of old bread along the small Shelter Island beach, sending the seagulls into a wild feeding frenzy!
Someone spreads a big bag of old bread along the small Shelter Island beach, sending the seagulls into a wild feeding frenzy!
It's a quiet weekday morning outside the Outboard Boating Club of San Diego's building near the Shelter Island boat ramp. A nearby flagpole is empty.
It’s a quiet weekday morning outside the Outboard Boating Club of San Diego’s building near the Shelter Island boat ramp. A nearby flagpole is empty.
At the base of the flagpole: The Holiday Express. This plaque cast of brass from the aircraft carrier USS Bunkerhill CV-17 is dedicated to that gallant ship and her courageous crew.
At the base of the flagpole: The Holiday Express. This plaque cast of brass from the aircraft carrier USS Bunkerhill CV-17 is dedicated to that gallant ship and her courageous crew.
Perhaps you remember my blog post "Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters". I saw him again during another walk at the same boat launching area!
Perhaps you remember my fun blog post “Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters.” I saw him again during another walk at the same boat launching area!
Floating peacefully along the edge of San Diego Bay, enjoying the calm water and bright sunshine.
Floating peacefully along the edge of San Diego Bay, enjoying the calm water and bright sunshine.
Someone ready to row off Shelter Island's dinghy landing, perhaps heading to a boat moored nearby.
Someone is ready to row off Shelter Island’s dinghy landing, perhaps heading to a boat moored nearby.

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Cool idea: San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway!

Conceptual art displayed by County of San Diego Supervisor Ron Roberts at CityFest shows proposed aerial skyway from downtown to Balboa Park.
Conceptual art displayed by County of San Diego Supervisor Ron Roberts at CityFest shows proposed aerial skyway from downtown to Balboa Park.

I just got back from walking through CityFest in Hillcrest. Lots of cool pics are coming! But first, I saw some conceptual artwork being displayed by San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts that has renewed my enthusiasm for a proposed transportation project.

The proposal, which I read about months ago, is for an aerial tramway, or skyway, which would connect downtown San Diego to Balboa Park. It’s an idea that’s both visionary and practical!

San Diego is an extremely popular tourist destination. There are many great things to see, including beautiful, amazing, enormous Balboa Park. Balboa Park, over a mile (to its center) from downtown, is often said to be one of the two best urban parks in America, along with New York City’s Central Park. But there’s one problem. If you don’t have a rental car, you must reach it on foot, by rented bicycle, taxi, or by city or tour bus. For some tourists this might be impractical, too time consuming, or unappealing. A skyway linking downtown’s many hotels, attractions and convenient trolley network to Balboa Park, I believe, would be wildly successful.

Can you imagine all the folks who work in offices downtown, easily heading up to Balboa Park during lunchtime? Can you imagine how visually unique and appealing such a project, tastefully designed, might be? Forget a Ferris wheel or tower on the waterfront, I say. That’s been done elsewhere.  Let’s create something that’s both fun and extremely useful!

Living atop Cortez Hill, directly between downtown and Balboa Park, I can’t tell you how often I’ve given directions to lost San Diego visitors. They drive north only to reach a dead end at Tweet Street Park. They have to navigate confusing one way streets to find their way across Interstate 5, then figure out how to enter Balboa Park and locate a parking place. An aerial tram would help solve that problem, as well!

According to some literature I picked up from Ron Roberts, the San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway, powered by a 500 horsepower electric engine, could carry up to 2400 people per hour.

The views of downtown, San Diego Bay and Balboa Park would be breathtaking.  The ride itself would almost certainly become one of San Diego’s top tourist attractions.

From what I’ve heard so far, the idea is awesome!

The cool San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway would travel from the Gaslamp up Sixth Avenue, covering two miles in 12 minutes.
The cool San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway would travel from the Gaslamp up Sixth Avenue, covering two miles in 12 minutes.

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The grand, extravagant Sheldon House in East Village.

The Sheldon House is a very cool sight at the corner of 13th and Island in San Diego's East Village.
The Sheldon House is a very cool sight at the corner of 13th and Island in San Diego’s East Village.

Like most cities, San Diego has its share of cool old houses. Here’s an example of one that’s located in downtown’s East Village neighborhood.

Standing at the corner of 13th Street and Island, the 1886 Sheldon House was designed by the famous architects Comstock and Trotsche, and is an amazing example of the flamboyant Queen Anne style. The grand, extravagant Victorian mansion was built for Dr. F. C. Sheldon and his family, and included a multiple-gabled roof, a large, elegant front porch, and stained glass features in every window. Unfortunately, the doctor died soon after the mansion’s construction. To support the large surviving family, his wife converted the home into a successful boarding house.

Lots of decorative details include an elaborate porch and stained glass crowning every window.
Lots of decorative details include an elaborate porch and stained glass crowning every window.
View of the sunlit Sheldon House from the east. A skeleton stands in one window!
View of the sunlit Sheldon House from the east. A skeleton stands in one window!
The 19th century Victorian mansion seen from the north, with modern residential buildings behind.
The 19th century Victorian mansion seen from the north, with modern residential buildings behind.

UPDATE!

Years later, I noticed this old photograph projected on a wall at the San Diego History Center. It is of the Sheldon Residence being moved by the Palmer Brother House Movers from 11th and D Streets to Island Street in 1913…

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