It’s difficult to stroll through Balboa Park’s Spanish Village without imaging what a life spent exploring your inner artistic child would be like. This trip I decided to focus (mostly) on Hand Blown Glass by Andy Cohn & Partners over at Studio 19, where Kevin Baker created a vase I ended up taking home. On the way out, I got to witness some miniature feather painting nearby. [Read more…]
Field of View: Politifest 2012
This year’s Politifest saw a smaller crowd than 2011 as people came to partake in some local political activity. The event, which ran Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2:30 a.m., showcased dozens of booths at the Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station, as well as debates among mayoral candidates Bob Filner and Carl Demaio, and also candidates for the San Diego Unified School District board.
While I missed the mayoral debate, Frank Gormlie reports that Demaio presented himself “as crazed as he ever was.” Gormlie says the quote of the day came from Filner: “Reform that Carl wants is real estate for Manchester.”
Field of View: Under the Boardwalk
OK, so the walk along the Mission Beach boardwalk doesn’t lead to under anything at all, but whenever I’m there that song by The Drifters always pops into my head.
Here are some pictures from two different trips. In addition to a surprisingly quiet Belmont Park, I was able to catch the sunset and — man, oh man! –what a sight. Putting politics aside for a moment, we live in a beautiful world.
All photos by Annie Lane [Read more…]
Field of View: Strut for Sobriety!
Hundreds including Congressman Bob Filner were in attendance at the eighth annual Strut for Sobriety! event―a fashion hosted by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing). PATH is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization of people working to increase awareness of drug addiction and increase access to treatment.
The fashion show featured seasonal styles from Macy’s, which were modeled by men and women of all ages–from veteram firefighters to one toddler who insisted on high-fiving everyone within reach as she bounced down the runway.
For those who know someone facing addiction or who has lost the battle, the following organizations might be of help:
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP)
All photos by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: What Happens In Vegas
Welp, I messed up. I forgot my fancy camera on a recent trip to Vegas over Labor Day weekend. It’s probably a blessing — nobody’s going to invite “the chick with the enormous camera” back to Sin City. Too risky. Plus, the clubs get so crowded there was barely room for me most of the time.
At nearly 30, this was my first trip to Vegas. Shocking, I know, as most Americans consider a trip there a rite of passage. The city is a series of contradictions: Glitz and glam contrasted by your average, everyday people. It was shiny, smokey and “trinkety,” if you will. Only these trinkets are utterly enormous — with the expansive casinos, Eiffel Tower, giant globe and intermittent Bellagio Fountain water shows, just to name a few.
There’s still so much more to be seen, which is perfect because it leaves an option for a “next time.”
All photos by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: Museum Roadshow at Cuyamaca College
Each year, the Heritage of the Americas Museum holds a “Museum Roadshow” on the Cuyamaca College campus. Craig Helm, a certified appraiser who has worked in the field for more than 50 years, specializes in Native American, pre-Columbian and Asian artifacts, as well as western memorabilia and antique pictures.
There was a $5 charge to have each multiple of three items appraised–the money was donated to children’s programs hosted by the nonprofit museum.
This museum is really worth a visit. The staff is not only extremely knowledgeable, but they are there because they want to be and that shows. If you go, don’t forget to ask to see Brutus, the very-docile female Chilean Rose-haired tarantula.
All photo by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: A Walk Along Harbor Drive
Even on a cloudy day, the walk along downtown Harbor Drive is a pleasure. While the public art that used to line the waterway is now gone, the installation of a large-scale sculpture recently began at Ruocco Park–a new public park scheduled for completion at the end of the year. A subject for a future Field of View!
All photos by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: OB Farmers Market
I arrived at the Farmers Market in Ocean Beach a little late, but there was still plenty to see and taste. The sinking sun set Newport Avenue aglow, and there was quite the bustling of activity even as vendors slowly began to close up shop.
The Farmers Market runs from 4 to 8 p.m. during the summer and 4 to 7 p.m. during the winter every Wednesday. It takes place on Newport Avenue between Cable and Bacon streets.
All photos by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: San Diego Free Press Meet-and-Greet
More than 30 people attended the San Diego Free Press meet-and-greet held Sunday in Lemon Grove. Presentations on the history of the internet, how to write a blog post and the original SDFP were given before opening up the floor to general introductions and collaboration. Food and drinks were shared as well as ideas about how those in attendance could best contribute to the SDFP.
Papa Doug, if your ears were burning yesterday, this was why.
All photos by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: Sweet Home Chicago
Tell anyone you’re headed to Chicago and you’ll get a list of must-sees and -dos. I couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface during my short stay, but here’s what I learned:
- They don’t call it the Windy City for nothing. A more appropriate name might be The Wrath of God.
- As soon as you feel one raindrop, no matter how small, run for f$%*ing cover. Whatever you do, don’t listen to the locals when they, “Should be nothing―just some scattered showers later.”
- People don’t honk a quick f$%* you in Chicago; they scream full-on sentences with their horn that’ll make you blush.
- The views are breathtaking, especially from the John Hancock Observatory and the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).
- If you can, load The Blues Brothers soundtrack onto whatever device you have. You’re going to want to listen to it.
- The buildings go all the way up, and the architecture is remarkable.
- Visit Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. I preferred the “Lou,” which had the freshest tomatoes that I have ever tasted. But if you’re a meat lover, the “Malnati Chicago Classic” is for you. Just beware that beneath the cheese is a layer of thinly-sliced sausage covering the entire pie.
- Oh, while visiting Lou Malnati’s you might see Trueblood actor Joe Manganiello and squeal like a little girl before calling your husband to get credit for not chasing the hottest werewolf on TV down the street. I’m just saying that might happen.
All photos by Annie Lane, except where noted. [Read more…]
Field of View: Saturday at Mariner’s Point
Mariner’s Point is a fun place to spend a Saturday, whether you want to picnic on the grass or venture out on the bay.
You’ll share the expansive spot with other families, and even the occasional event–like a recent USA Free Style Martial Arts performance that took place. Some of those kids scared me with their fierce looks and startling kiai. But after an intense demonstration, they cooled down with a squirt gun fight fitting of summer.
All photos by Annie Lane. [Read more…]
Field of View: San Diego’s Gay Pride Parade 2012
Tens of thousands gathered in Hillcrest on Saturday as this year’s gay pride parade traveled along University and Sixth avenues and beyond. The two-hour parade showcased more than 200 floats, and is currently the largest in nation.
This year marks the first that active duty military have participated, while the anti-gay group―standing stone-faced and dressed in black on the sidelines at one minute section of the parade line―continues to shrink in size. [Read more…]
