Thursday, April 29, 2010

Sunny San Diego

Last week, Kristin attended a math teaching conference in San Diego, so, since it was in San Diego, I decided to tag along. While she went and learned about smartboards and what not, I wandered through downtown San Diego, searching for photos while also fulfilling my duty of finding a restaurant for dinner that evening.

During my walkabout, I discovered a neighborhood called East Village that is just a few blocks from the Gas Lamp quarter. In my conversations with people in East Village, most agreed that about 10 years ago, you wouldn't have been caught dead there. It was really run down, had little prospects while being rife with crime and home to a large homeless population. Today, East Village is in the middle of a renaissance, ignited by the construction of Petco Park back in 2004. Following the stadium's opening, high-density residential construction boomed, attracting hipsters, artists, entrepeneurs and businesses. While the housing meltdown has slowed the neighborhood's growth over the past year or so, it is still buzzing with an energy that is truly unique. Several business owners live in their work spaces, most of which are remodeled warehouses. There is still a large homeless population living on the outskirts of East Village, but it is continuously shrinking as development takes over, giving rise to new growth in the neighborhood.

The following set of photos is just a few snaps, almost all of which I shot in East Village. If you're ever out there and want to get off the beaten path, head over there. I can't wait to get back sometime soon to experience the energy that is emanating from this wonderful neighborhood.

Enjoy the pics.

TSB2

Some of the cool architecture that is all over East Village...
San Diego

Che Bella Fiori, a high end florist in East Village has a wonderful open space that is welcoming to customers...with two or four legs...
San Diego

Carla, Che Bella Fiori's owner, hard at work...
San Diego

East Village Crossfit is an INCREDIBLE space to go get a workout in. You can check out their website here. Look at this light!
San Diego

I came across these guys just as they were moving into their new office. RKTEQU is a small, but very good architecture firm in San Diego. They do work for clients ranging from the government to PF Chang's. So, after they lugged in some computers and what not, I told them to get together for a portrait in their new space that they decked out themselves.
San Diego

The homeless still have a presence in East Village...
San Diego

Steak Tacos at Neighborhood. Wow, this restaurant is SOOO RAD! So much good beer, both on tap and in bottles and amazing food at reasonable prices. They play good music too...
San Diego

This isn't in East Village, but it's not far from it. I just thought this was so funny....
San Diego

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