Autonomy, the Los Angeles firm laying out plans for Centennial 2015, indicated it intended to follow an approach similar to that set by the 1915 Expo organizers. The California Tower, still standing tall, is a 100-year old reminder of those early efforts. (Photo by Linda Hite).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStill to be addressed are issues of handling large numbers of people, parking and hotel tax money.<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0In the summer, San Diegans flock to the park.<\/p>\n
Burke said their planning approach stemmed from the inspirational efforts made in 1915 and again in 1935.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s importance to the area and the military.<\/p>\n
In addition, Burke proposed an internationally televised conference in Tijuana\u2019s Friendship Park near the bullring. \u201cSomething that honors the relationship of the United States and Mexico,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Burke also discussed increasing the seating capacity of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for major entertainment and suggested museum involvement with occasional featured\u00a0displays to be paraded around the park.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be up to the museums to promote what they will be featuring,\u201d he concluded, adding there would be no additional funding for the museums.<\/p>\n
And elsewhere around the Park<\/b> \u2013 At the meeting, Julie Dubick<\/b>, one-time chief of staff for former Mayor Jerry Sanders, was introduced as the new CEO of the Centennial<\/b> … In a roundabout way, the cars are gone in the Plaza de Panama<\/b>. 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<\/b> restaurant may be affected … in another CEO change, Dr. Steven Snyder<\/b> will\u00a0take office July 1 at the Centro de Ciencias Reuben H. Fleet<\/b>, replacing Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch<\/b>, 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<\/b> of Canyon Crest Academy and Annika Gullahorn<\/b> of Pacific Ridge School, winners of The Old Globe\u2019s<\/b> high school musical competition in May, will participate in the July 1 National High School Musical Theater Awards competition held at Broadway\u2019s Minskoff Theatre.<\/p>\n
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 johnny23@cox.net.<\/i><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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