Tag: street photography

Photo by Joe WilcoxOct 17, 202610:00 am

The Cats of University Heights: Cutter

Today marks the tenth anniversary of this series, which I hadn’t planned on going beyond 30 days. How many cats could there possibly be in a neighborhood dominated by dogs? Six-hundred-forty-eight profiles later, including this one, partly answers that question.

The project started during a period of eyesight recovery following cataracts surgery in both eyes and ongoing treatment for my retinas, which suffered from Macular Edema. My retinas are long ago healed, and implants replaced my clouded natural lenses. Practice became permanent, and the feline street shooting continued. I sit on substantive backlog of unpublished kitties that need attention.

Photo by Joe WilcoxSep 6, 20269:41 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Choppy

On Sept. 4, 2026, I stopped to chat with one of my neighbors as she walked her dog on leash and pushed a mesh carrier carrying a cat. Choppy is his given name.

I used Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/1.4, ISO 25, 1/359 sec, 23mm; 6:47 p.m. PDT,

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 22, 20269:15 pm

Bring Your Own Mutt

I see plenty of self-serve car washes around San Diego. But a place to scrub your dog, in the open-air and just off the street? Who could imagine such a thing? Obviously, its owners for sure. Turns out there are four locations. I passed by the one in North Park on July 19, 2026.

“Each wash includes warm water, professional shampoo and conditioner, flea rinse treatment, and a powerful dog dryer—all for just $16”, according to the company’s website. You provide the muscle and put in the sweat equity.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 5, 20269:15 pm

Bacari, North Park

The trek through North Park yesterday took me past a most European—and completely out-of-place—building along 30th Street. When I pulled out Nikon Zf and NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 lens to shoot the Featured Image, I thought the structure might be a single or multi-unit residence.

Instead, the place, Bacari, is a restaurant. Judging from public photos, the interior is even more ornate and old-worldly than the exterior. But the European allure, at least as a stock shot, is lost to the double row of recycle and trash bins below the balcony.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 4, 20269:57 pm

“Happy Birthday!”

I remain amazed at the typically hostile reaction I receive to the flag t-shirt purchased from Costco several years ago. For example, few people will acknowledge or respond if I greet them when walking while wearing the tee, which differs from the cordiality that is otherwise common enough. But yesterday, one man yelled as we passed: “Happy Birthday!” Thank you.

Today, the United States of America turned 250, a remarkable feat for a Constitutional Republic. But, in San Diego, you wouldn’t know that it’s not just a holiday but the Semiquincentennial celebration. Mid-morning, I walked from Upas Street in North Park along 30th to Meade Ave and to our apartment in University Heights. Every business was open. Even the barbershops. I also counted only five American flags, two at businesses. That’s it!

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 3, 202610:33 pm

A Tragic Scene

The text message appeared at 6:29 p.m. PDT: “Crash at Florida and Monroe! Don’t know the scoop!” I responded to my good friend and neighbor: “I better go look!!” She owns kitties Guido and Little, who have appeared in my “Cats of University Heights” series.

Approaching the scene, I expected to see a couple of shattered and smashed cars in the intersection. As you can see from the Featured Image and companions, I came upon something more somber, and unsettling.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJul 2, 202611:03 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Pango

One-eyed Warrior and this blackie playfully chased one another on May 22, 2026. I have seen neither since. Both stopped and rested under the same car. They could easily be a bonded pair, for there was no territorial tension between them,

I used Nikon Zf and NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/8, ISO 100, 1/500 sec, 400mm; 9:58 a.m. PDT. Nickname: Pango, which is Māori for black.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 27, 20269:11 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Jolie

Happy Caturday! I held back this kitty, thinking that the Featured Image was Donuts, because of fur markings, size, and location seen. But on closer inspection, they are different animals.

The portrait comes from Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, on April 1, 2026. Vitals: f/2.9, ISO 25, 1/135 sec; 7:44 a.m. PDT. Nickname: Jolie, which is French for Pretty.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 21, 202610:13 pm

Godspeed, JB

This afternoon, as I walked along Mississippi Street, about a block-and-a-half South of El Cajon Blvd, a gentleman coming towards me wished a hearty “Happy Father’s Day!” He passed, I turned around, and I called, “Are you a dad??” So that I could return the sentiment. He isn’t one yet.

So, I asked how old he is. Thirty-one. He hopes to be a father someday, but he’s still single, and he is but six months into the current relationship; I heard hope in the man’s voice regarding the woman.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 14, 20269:40 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Gingerbread

This fine feline is the eighty-sixth found behind door or window. I spotted him on June 12, 2026, during an early morning walk, and used Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to shoot the Featured Image.

Vitals: f/2.9, ISO 25, 1/2000 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 8:17 a.m. PDT. Nickname: Gingerbread.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 13, 202610:42 pm

Happy Flag Day 2026

What better way to celebrate Flag Day (tomorrow) than with a parade of Old Glories. The Featured Image is part of a collection of photos taken on April 14, 2007, during the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.

I used Canon 20D and EF 135mm f/2 USM lens for the street shot, which is composed as captured. Vitals: f/5.6, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, 135mm; 9:32 a.m. EDT.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 6, 20269:49 pm

Aren’t We Lucky

I suppose rejoicing is the call to order. Gasoline prices are falling—at least where we fill up. Go back a month, we paid over $6 a gallon; the current price is 10 cents less per gallon than my March report. As recently as May 3, 2026, fuel cost 50 cents more a gallon—even as the war with Iran continues.

According to AAA, average price of gasoline nationwide: $4.19 per gallon. California is highest at $5.92. Aren’t we lucky here in San Diego for such a bargain: $5.60 per gallon.