Boulevard of Broken Dreams

I promise: No more photos of the iconic sign on El Cajon Blvd in San Diego neighborhood University Heights. But tonight, returning home with a gallon of organic whole milk (whoa, November 22 sell-by date), from Sprouts market, I came upon the structure from the other side of the street. Surprise! You can get closer to the thing from there. I never would have guessed.

The Featured Image is one of two captured using Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This one is straight from the smartphone: Composed as shot and no alterations. Vitals: f/2.4, ISO 1250, 1/40 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 8:54 p.m. PDT.

Something about The Boulevard is oh-so stereotypical California—of the past! Neon nights and cruising lowriders. Free expression and free speech. Non-conformity. Fearlessness. Film “American Graffiti“, released 50 years ago last month, is a good measure of what was.

The post’s title pays homage to Green Day song of the same name.