Supporting our San Diego Chargers is a must…read more Rain or shine, my wife and I and a few friends make it out here to scream, shout and get signatures. It's great to drop in and see the talent and players trying to make the team. The Chargers Park is small but adequate. There's limited parking in the area so be prepared to walk a bit. There's bleachers available but most of the fans tend to wait along the fences for an opportunity to meet and greet their favorite players. Today we were able to get signatures from Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon. We ended up buying a few pieces of memorabilia as well. It's great being out in the sun and rubbing elbows with other die hard fans. There's a food truck and a drink stand as well as a few Charger Stores. We'll make it out each year as long as they stay! Bolt Up!

Training went well and the roster looked good. Phillip…read moreRivers looking great. Antonio Gates caught a good pass and hopefully stays healthy. I'm going to this Thursday training and try to get some more Autographs. I was lucky to get #77 King Dunlap!_! Lets go Chargers 2016'')

Terrible event.. They misrepresented this experience and their bouncers were in terrible shape and…read moreunsafe... I was lassoed into the event through Girl Scouts (we were able to buy"discounted" tickets but apparently everyone gets the same discounted price ) $14 for adults and $1 for kids.. If you wanted the buy the festival pass it was a substantial increase. Keep in mind that the 5k bouncer run is a cheap side attraction, and the festival is probably where your kids will gravitate towards. Though, both experiences combined don't justify the price. Issue 1- long lines. Luckily the San Diego event wasn't as bad as other cities where the reported wait time was 45 minutes per bouncer. Today the wait was anywhere from walking on ( the first little kids inflatable) to an hour wait for the last tall climb and slide.. The other two inflatables were anywhere from 15 - 25 minutes. The main reason for the long lines was because of issue number 2. Issue 2 - Only 4 bouncer stations. This event claims to be a 5k bouncer obstacle course where there would be a bouncer every 500 feet. It was actually around 1200 feet meaning they had half the obstacle stations as advertised. What a ripoff. Issue 3 - Crappy unsafe bouncers. Not only did they cut costs by only having a few bouncers, what they did have were very old, torn up, and unsafe (see pictures). Looking at other review pictures on Yelp, it's clear that broken bouncers are nothing new and never repaired. At one point a concerned volunteer was so upset that small kids were falling off the broken large rope climbing bouncer that she physically blocked the entrance for safety. Also, this event claims that all bouncer are open to all age groups "we are also the ONLY obstacle race in the United States without any age, height or weight restrictions, so nobody is left out of the fun!" That's not true. On the last bouncer of the track "no adults are allowed". And to be honest, little kids shouldn't have been allowed on the tall rope climber. Seriously, the hour long wait was because 4 year olds kept trying to climb a 15 foot rope but just kept falling down over and over. Staff didn't tell those climbing challenged toddlers to use the kid sized climber instead. That leads to issue 4. Issue 4 - This event was entirely staffed by young volunteers. Not really an issue, but there were no people identified as official organizers or paid staff of this event. Absolutely no visible security. The volunteers were pretty good but had no authority to do anything. If there was a serious accident or emergency I'd have no confidence that these kid volunteers would have known what to do. Issue 5 - They really sell themselves as a charitable event. But look deeper. There are actually two different events going on here, one is the charitable 5k, and the other is the for-profit festival. It's import to know why they only charge $1 for the 5k, and charge $20 for the festival. They really aren't as charitable as they claim to be. Issues 6 - They claim a perfect Yelp Score, but clearly that's a lie based on all the 1 star reviews. In summation, this is a poorly run event with very few 5k bouncers that are not maintained and half were broken. The negative reviews are spot on. Tips - They don't tell you this, but you don't have to pay the huge fee for the festival pass. You CAN buy individual tickets ( like a carnival) and ride something that looks fun. There are better family-friendly event out there. The color run was pretty good.

I want to do different things at this stage in my life so in decided to do this race. What I…read morethought would be easy was actually challenging. The course looks easy from a distance but when you start doing it you will struggle a big. They're are about 8 big inflatables and you will wonder why there aren't more, but when you start going over them you will actually wish there were less. Kids as little as three were going over the obstacles with help. It's a lot of fun especially in groups you can race each other. But be prepared to be exhausted for a few days after. I enjoyed myself and would go again.

Last year was our first year attending the Petco Park, Dog Days of Summer. We knew it wouldn't be…read moreour last. Today was every bit as fun as the first! This event co-sponsored by the Padres is one of the few times two legged persons can bring their four legged friends! There are a few steps that one must go through to get approved (in advance) to attend with your dog in tow. Applications to attend are available approximately one to two months in advance (online at a local Unleashed or Petco store). Approvals are sent out to attendees two or three weeks prior to the event date.Some things you need to provide with the application include; a city or county license for your dog and current vaccinations records certified by your vet. We like the idea of taking our fur ball to several dog friendly events each year. Let's face it, not all dogs are home bodies! This event provides owners and their "approved" man's best friends free tickets for the day, a free goody bag upon entry (often includes a new toy and coupons). Vendor booths have giveaways and sample sized products for your pet to enjoy! There is a pet photo booth with photos taken by a professional photographer, cariauture art opportunities (we had one made of our baby boy)! Pet contests usually consist of: best costume or look alike, best Padres spirit and best pet trick. Last year, our boy swept the awards...the hightlight is when he barked to: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". He won by audience applause. ! One of the funnest of things is having the opportunity to circle the field where the Padres play in the Dog Days of Summer Pet Parade (many dogs in costume and some not)! The staff at Petco Park seem so happy to work on this day too, it brings out the best in everyone (and breaks the routine of a typical day). After all, isn't it relaxing to pet a happy dog? The dogs and owners are generally polite and spread out at Park in the Park on blankets to watch the pet related activities and to watch the game via video screen afterwards. Our boy, Kindle met a new Aussie friend this year, her name is Marley (they hit it off instantly). Her owners and her may join us for another pet event later this year! Or, maybe we will book one of the new "Backyard" box sections that seat up to four people and up to two dogs. Applications are required to purchase tickets in this limited six box area. However, we are bow-wow ready! If you have never attended this event, make a trip of it! It's really a wonderful way to spend a special day in San Diego with you and your best bud! Now, "Let's Play Ball"! #PetcoPark #DogDaysofSummer #SanDiegoPadres #LetsPlayBall

When I visited San Diego I spent almost every night in Old Town. Partially because parking is easy…read moreand I could never find anything downtown...but it also is a charming little place to be, especially at night time. It was fun to walk around everywhere and it felt safe. The little shops light up the neighborhood and the aroma of many Mexican restaurants (that have way over priced margaritas) draw you in. I found that during the day the place gets pretty clogged with school kids on field trips...so go during the night when it sparkles and is easy to find parking.

I like Old Town for the Mexican food and margaritas, but I'm not a fan of the shops. This is a very…read moreunique neighborhood in San Diego, but it is a little inauthentic, especially compared to Little Italy. I did go to a wedding in Old Town and it was truly a charming event. There are certain parts of the neighborhood where you can see sweeping views of San Diego. They look especially beautiful after a couple of margaritas.

One of my favorite car events in San Diego…read more Always free admission which is awesome. Usually tons of vendors, nice cars and food. They have drag races too. You can either be in the show, or just throw your own party or gathering in the parking lot with you and your friends rides. I always have a fun time here, although it does seem the car show scene in SD is slowly dying. Just went this past weekend and it wasn't as exciting as to how it used to be. But still, it's free and you can check out all the nice cars.

My husband and I went to the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the first time in several years. We had…read moreenjoyed it in years past, so we were happy to return. We found a shady spot on 5th Avenue just a block or so away from the park for prime parade viewing. We did not bring chairs, as hadn't wanted to carry them, though several groups set up chairs along the street. Perhaps we will next year. We chatted with a few other happy parade goers while waiting for festivities to begin. There was a large group sitting on a balcony above us throwing green beads down to the kids below. We brought our dog who very much enjoyed a lot of attention. She also enjoyed watching the Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Setters, and the Pugs on Parade. There were a couple of fabulous floats and many cool classic cars. I give props to the children who were super talented and did Irish dancing throughout. It's always fun to see the Friendly Son's of St. Patrick, regulars in the parade. I wan't as big of a fan of some parts of the parade, as some seem to have just paid for a spot to advertise their business and were not Irish nor a public service. We did not go to the festival this time. It used to be a free festival and all were welcome, but no longer. It used to be right as you enter the park from 6th Avenue. Now there is a $10 fee to get in. It is further away in the park, no dogs are allowed, and with more parking regulations the festival no longer feels easy and accessible. I would have like to check it out, but for these reasons we left as soon as the parade was over. All in all, we had a great time at the parade. Hope to return next year!

St Patrick's Day Parade (2023)…read more "How's the craic?" One of the most enjoyable outdoor events in San Diego every year for the past 40 years. You haven't been? It's always free, what are you waiting for. And it matters none if it rains will shine. Somehow the rain waits until the parade is over. It is adorable to see puppies and babies dressed up like Lucky Charms. Or low riders and local school bands make the crowd engaged. Many cultures have established San Diego as their "other" cultural home. And the Irish have deep roots in this community. Don't be fooled, because many cultures have blended in San Diego you may possibly see, African-American Irish representation or Asian Irish. I found this quite interesting how people now integrate themselves in others cultures. The day begins with a 1-2 hour parade on the west side of Balboa Park and ends with families in the park. Or have fun with friends in the beer garden listening, frolicking and drinking to live bands. I would recommend you come at least once if you are a San Diego resident or visiting. This parade is low key with a medley of Irish representation since the 1900's. People are calm and chilled spectators. I like how there were many Irish traditions of clothing, music, instruments, dance, and garb. Although I didn't see any Irish twins. Heck from cadet to retirees, I really dig seeing our community heroes (firemen, military, sheriff's, etc.) in uniform and proud to serve. BYOC (Bring your own seat) or stand. The parade is only 1-2 hours. Parking is a complete nightmare. If you park at Balboa Park the trek is about 30 minutes. And usually the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese friendship garden is the same weekend. You can go to the parade and go to the Cherry Festival. No competition. Just two wow experiences . What is really cool... the paradees talk and give shout outs to the spectators. And I was able to get some beads with only a smile, unlike the Mardi Gras :) "Cheers to the men and may the women live forever - Sláinte na bhfear agus go maire na mná go deo!"

San Diego's first ever Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest recently held it's event at The Waterfront (next to…read morethe County Assessor's building). I am a huge garlic lover freak AND I love tart lemons so I was excited about the event. Unfortunately, San Diego got hit with one of the worst July thunderstorms I can remember. The weather was humid, the skies were dark, and I was scared out of bed around 6:30a from Zeus like lightening. I immediately wondered if the Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest was still going to happen. There's no controlling the weather so I just tried to make the best of it (& my attitude) that day. I'm a foodie so here's a list of food items we tried that day: - ceviche from Spike Africa's (BEST savory sample of day) - garlic lemon mashed potatoes from Haritna - chicken slider : Fuddruckers - seafood salad cracker : George's Fish Bucket - turkey sandwich sample from Rubicon - garlic fried rice: Chesa Kusina - macarons & quiche from Parfait Paris - chocolate popcorn (3 kinds) from Roy's Famous - lemon cupcake: The London Bakery (BEST LEMON CURD!! ever) - bundt muffins : Corner Bakery - chimichanga & ahi chip: Miguel's - meatball from Safehouse - lemon garlic sorbet: Leucadia Liscious (super unique and fun sorbet actually) Fat Cat Brew supplied a variety of beers that day (draft and cans). You get a small plastic mug to use for the sample. There were also wines to sample but the volunteers (?) distributing the wines didn't know much about the selection. I need to say how tough the conditions were for vendors that day. They were total troopers (as were the patrons who attended) for still participating despite the rain. I think most people will remember the event due to the torrential rain which is a shame as the food samples were plentiful and each food vendor worked diligently that day. I expected more food vendors but that's just me. Overall, it was a fine/ok tasting event for what it took to put on during the thunderstorm. I can imagine how much better the event would have been had there been fairer weather.

I walk into this event expecting rain. Well it rained raindrops on my head!…read more My husband and I were vendors at the event. We arrived and were greeted with a group of volunteers that swiftly wisked our items to our assigned space. There was such a flow going so much so that I found myself being proud to have my business associated with theirs. The organization was well thought out. From the handwashing stations to the parking...everything was perfect! The only thing that could of made this event better is RAIN and RAINBOWS Sometimes in life you just have to go with the flow....I know I did and I had a completely complete blast!! Our smiles say it all!

I just love this annual event that goes on across the nation and San Diego is no exception…read more We are a town filled with colleges, academics and reading is fun for all! At least it's a nice relaxing thing to do. The crawl has awards at different levels. We usually make it to at least five indie stores in one day. If you do, you earn a commerative tote. Go to more than five shops and you earn raffle tickets for gift cards and such. Some regular stores with a few new one's added each year. There are book signings with local authors, entertainment at some locations and if you make a purchase many have a pre-released book offer. Crawl for indie bookstores and keep the spirit of small businesses alive! #SanDiego #IndependentBookstores #CrawlforBooks #GetSmart #ReadingIsFun