The last week marks a visible atmospheric mood change here in University Heights. For example, some of the more obviously patriotic homes have turned their flying flags upside down, joining this one seen in March of 2025 that hasn’t changed direction. These are people who had appeared to support Donald Trump, but who oppose his administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, among other things.
But there is something else going on locally that has residents complaining and protesting. Earlier this month, San Diego implemented paid parking at Balboa Park, which is widely unpopular among the locals and has dramatically reduced attendance to the destination and the museums within. According to San Diego Union-Tribune, museum attendance is down 20 percent to 50 percent. Annual revenue declines are projected to be between $20 million to $50 million, which is far greater than what the city hoped to generate from paid parking.
While there are anti-ICE protests locally, select groups also are protesting the parking fees. Feeling of oppression and helplessness binds together the two disparate groups. Hence, the upside-down American flags, as a symbol of real, or perceived, lost freedoms.
What does any of this have to do with the Featured Image? I wanted to lighten up the mood, for a bit. The sign can be found outside a bar on Adams Ave. near Park Blvd. I have never been a drinker or watcher of the TV show of the same name. But I do like the sign and the sentiment: Cheers, as in friendly and encouraging greeting. We need some cheers, cheer, and cheering up right now to diffuse some of the anger floating about.
Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 80, 1/1250 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 11:13 a.m. PST, Jan. 22, 2026; Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.