Johnny McDonald | Downtown News
21 years of friendship
The Japanese Friendship Garden’s nine-acre expansion has been a work in progress for 21 years and it has finally reached bottom — of the canyon, that is.
A winding and railed path will traverse past a beautiful display of 1,000 azaleas and camellias and 100 cherry tree, a waterfall and streams.
But, sometimes good things take longer. First phase for rough grading, underground utilities, removal of boulders and irrigation started in 1991, the second phase for landscaping, walkways, fencing and gates was in 1999 and the third began in 2010.
Private donor funding will be needed for the construction of a tea house, garden workshop and a 300 seat auditorium. Completion target: 2014.
“Because of the funding, we’re building the canyon in two parts, 80 percent done with the landscaping,” said Executive Director Luanne Kanzaws. “In March next year we’re going to finish the water future. Next phase will be the buildings. There will be some parking down there, where there will be another entrance.”
This completed Garden will be a major cultural addition to Balboa Park, incorporating the highest principles, values, and traditions of the art of the Japanese garden.
Hall’s sailing exhibit
San Diego’s leading sailors and sail makers will be featured in the Hall of Champions’ new exhibit, which opens in mid November.
“A full size Star boat’s sail will expand from the basement to the third floor,” said Drew Muser, senior film executive. “There will be many half models and photos on the wall.”
The 4,000 square foot exhibit will feature several champion yachtsmen, including Dennis Conner, Gerry Driscoll, Malin Burnham, Lowell North, Olympians and one of the key donors, Bill Koch. He provided a large gift to start this million-dollar project. .
Worldwide training
San Diego Zoo Global is launching an internet-based training program for animal care staffs at zoos around the world.
The program will share the knowledge of experienced zoological professionals from the Birmingham Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Reid Park Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo and San Diego Zoo Global.
“Managing rare and endangered species is, by its nature, a collaborative effort,” said Gary Priest, curator of applied behavior for San Diego Zoo Global. “Experienced professionals are often asked to share their knowledge and teach others.
“By using the reach of new technologies, we are able to make this experience accessible to more people in more places throughout the world.”
Online services offer nine courses in animal care and more than 200 courses and on other subjects. The animal care courses cover animal training, disease prevention, species nutrition, and elephant management systems.
Zoo charge center
Smart City San Diego and the Zoo will install a solar photovoltaic canopy that will charge electric vehicles in the Zoo parking lot. The collaboration combines the resources of San Diego Gas & Electric, City of San Diego, GE, University of California, San Diego and Clean TECH San Diego to drive projects forward that improve the region’s energy independence.
“The Smart City San Diego Solar-to-EV project is a prime example of what can be achieved by combining the talent, resources and commitment of a diverse group of public and private sector organizations,” said Mayor Jerry Sanders. “Housed at the San Diego Zoo, one of our region’s most celebrated landmarks, this project will further demonstrate our clean energy leadership to the rest of the world.”
At peak production, the Solar-to-EV project will produce enough energy to power 59 homes.
Small image art
The 38th Annual Small Image Show, which is open to all artists, will run Jan. 23 to Feb. 25 at Spanish Village.
“The purpose is to provide a unique challenge for the artist by utilizing a small image concept in the widest range of visual expression,” reports Advertising and PR Director Chris Stell. “Artwork must measure 10 inches in any direction, including frame, base and display. Sponsorships are also available for Purchase Awards and Gift Certificates.”
Stell explained that the Small Image Show dates back to 1976 when James Brown, a founding father of Gallery 21 in the Spanish Village Art Center, envisioned a multimedia competition to expand exhibition opportunities for local artists and as an additional outreach for cultural experiences.
Globe reaches out
Old Globe Community Voices is a workshop series launched by the theater dedicated to the creation and presentation of short plays by adult residents of San Diego County. This program will continue through December 2013.
Community Voices is the centerpiece of The Old Globe Residency Project, an artistic initiative offering three avenues of engagement for underserved communities. Funded by a two-year, $500,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation, the Residency Project builds upon the Globe’s earlier Southeastern San Diego Residency Project by expanding the definition of “community.” The Residency Project also provides free admission to Globe productions for underserved communities and paid internships for young adults.
“Due to the generous support of The James Irvine Foundation, first with the Southeastern San Diego Residency Project and now The Old Globe Residency Project, the Globe has been able to connect with our San Diego community in unique ways, creating powerful and meaningful experiences,” said Managing Director Michael G. Murphy. “As the county’s largest arts organization, we want to invite San Diegans not only to experience and learn about live theater, but also to gain the tools to create theatrical art themselves and to use the arts to enhance their lives and their communities.”
Taught by an Old Globe Teaching Artist, the workshops are comprised of eight sessions each and emphasize building skills in playwriting and performance, and result in the writing, rehearsing and presentation of 10-minute plays.
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].
