San Diego is My Home

01
May

Fleet Week

Author: HelenKay, Category: Beaches, Events & Happenings, Military, Special Shows

There was a Sex In The City episode dedicated to Fleet Week in NYC.  This is nothing like that.  This is San Diego’s Fleet Week Sea and Air Parade. I doubt Sarah Jessica Parker will be here, so don’t be disappointed about that. Instead, come and enjoy the salute to the military.

The U.S. Navy will display it’s ships and aircraft in a parade on the water. The event is this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This thing was crowded as…well, let’s just say it was really crowded last year. Shelter Island and Harbor Island are said to have the best views. Frankly, whenever 100,000 people gather, it’s going to be hard to see. So, get there early and enjoy.  

30
Apr

Red Bull

Author: HelenKay, Category: Beaches, Events & Happenings, Military, Special Shows

In this case, I’m not actually talking about the beverage.  I’m talking about the San Diego leg of the Red Bull Air Race World Series.  This is a competition where expert pilots fly an obstacle course and otherwise wow the crowd below.  It’s a test of speed and precision and, honestly, it’s so amazing that it doesn’t seem real. 

You have two chances to see the pilots in action.  Saturday is the qualifying day.  Sunday is the finals.  The pre-show starts at 1:00 p.m. and the races start at 2:00 p.m.  Head to the Embarcadero Marina Park close to the Seaport village.

22
Apr

News Wrap-Up

Author: HelenKay, Category: Military, News, People

I go out of town to a conference for a few days and miss all the fun.  The newlywed Marine couple who went missing, thus kicking off a nationwide search, is back at Camp Pendleton…and likely in some trouble.  She’s back at work and he’s in the brig.  No idea why only one of them is in trouble, but I’m sure we’ll get more information on that situation soon.

The Padres had a game that went something like 40 innings…okay, 22 but still.  That’s a loooong game.  I usually get the munchies and my mind starts to wander around the 5th inning.  I’d probably have to jump off the bleachers somewhere around the 15th.  

And Cindy Sommer, the military wife who was accused of killing her husband with arsenic has been released.  At the time of her conviction it seemed to many of us (except those on the jury) that Sommers only crime was one of bad judgment in sleeping around so soon after her husband died.  Since additional tests have shown zero arsenic in her deceased husband’s system, it appears that sleeping around was her only crime.  Good news is that it looks as if she won’t have to spend her life in prison paying for that.

01
Apr

The Superfrog

Author: HelenKay, Category: All For Charity, Beaches, Exercise, Military

Love Coronado?  Love the Navy SEALs?  Love exercise?  Love at least one of those…?

Sunday (April 6th) is the Superfrog Triathlon.  That’s just the best name ever. It stands for a triathlon consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 54-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.  The highlight, of course, is that you get to race along with the SEALs.  The other good news is that this benefits a great cause.  The proceeds go to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, an organization that honors those who have served in the sea commando services since WWII.

The event takes place at Silver Strand Beach.  You can register here.  Or, if you’re like me, just come out to watch people who are in such great shape get even more fit.

19
Mar

Wounded Marines

Author: HelenKay, Category: All For Charity, Exhibits, Military, Special Shows

The Wounded Marine Careers Foundation has established the The Wounded Marine Training Center for Careers in Media to help Marines wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan train for alternate careers in journalism and filmmaking. The Center then assists the program’s graduates in finding job placements in those industries.

The Center is newly opened and ready for business. The faculty and facilities are impressive. The idea behind this is pure genius.  We all talk about doing something for injured servicemembers.  This Foundation is doing something. 

The first class graduates soon. A student film festival showcasing their work takes place this afternoon at 4:00 pm at the Center (4705 Ruffin Road).

08
Oct

Look To The Skies

Author: HelenKay, Category: Events & Happenings, Military

Air shows are not unusual in our area.  A few weeks ago, San Diego hosted an international flying competition.  This weekend - October 12th through the 14th - the skies will be full once more.  The 2007 Miramar Air Show features military and civilian pilots as well as the USAF Thunderbirds.  The shows go from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. plus there’s a special Twilight Show starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

This is one of those events where the general admission seats are free.  The good seats (observation deck, grandstand, etc) cost some cash.  Order tickets here.