Johnny McDonald | Downtown News
Centennial Update
Balboa Park remains the centerpiece of the 2015 Centennial Celebration but the city planners have broadened the entertainment menu to include spectaculars in other locations to lure tourists to San Diego.
This was among proposals made by Los Angeles-based Autonomy, the firm enlisted to produce what Mayor Bob Filner joyfully described as a “365-day party.”
Adam Burke, co-owner of Autonomy, explained these ambitious plans before a standing-room-only audience sprinkled with city officials, interested citizens and media in The Old Globe’s Hattox Hall on June 18.
To a question about the price tag, Filner answered optimistically: “$25 million, $50 million, $100 million … that’s the range … whatever it takes.
“There will be all kinds of sponsorships, philanthropic involvement and corporate money in kind,” he said.
Filner envisions an “international powerhouse” that will draw millions of people to establish San Diego’s reputation as one of the great cities of the world.
“Balboa Park is one of the greatest urban parks in America with an emphasis on education and the city with its business opportunities,” Burke said.
Still to be addressed are issues of handling large numbers of people, parking and hotel tax money.
An example of potential problems, a half hour before the 3 p.m. meeting, visitors were waiting in a long line to enter the Museum of Man, others spilled into streets, dodging motorists who toured the area looking for parking spaces. In the summer, San Diegans flock to the park.
Burke said their planning approach stemmed from the inspirational efforts made in 1915 and again in 1935.
Two events will kick off the celebration. A major water and light show over San Diego Bay and a presentation by the Japanese Friendship Garden in the Park. Burke said the water spectacular will focus attention on the Port’s importance to the area and the military.
In addition, Burke proposed an internationally televised conference in Tijuana’s Friendship Park near the bullring. “Something that honors the relationship of the United States and Mexico,” he said.
Burke also discussed increasing the seating capacity of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for major entertainment and suggested museum involvement with occasional featured displays to be paraded around the park.
“It will be up to the museums to promote what they will be featuring,” he concluded, adding there would be no additional funding for the museums.
And elsewhere around the Park – At the meeting, Julie Dubick, one-time chief of staff for former Mayor Jerry Sanders, was introduced as the new CEO of the Centennial … In a roundabout way, the cars are gone in the Plaza de Panama. A resurfacing, with potted trees, shading tables and chairs will change the scene. Traffic will eventually resume through the park but valet service for El Prado restaurant may be affected … in another CEO change, Dr. Steven Snyder will take office July 1 at the Centro de Ciencias Reuben H. Fleet, replacing Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, who retired last month. Dr. Snyder comes to the Fleet from the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, where he served as vice president of exhibit and program development … Hunter Schwartz of Canyon Crest Academy and Annika Gullahorn of Pacific Ridge School, winners of The Old Globe’s high school musical competition in May, will participate in the July 1 National High School Musical Theater Awards competition held at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.
After an award winning, 38-year sports-writing career with the San Diego Union and authoring three books, Johnny McDonald now considers writing a hobby. He enjoys covering aspects of the port district, convention center, Balboa Park, zoo, and stories with a historical bent. You can reach him at [email protected].
