Tag: street photography

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.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 5, 202610:36 pm

Galaxy AI Presents Graffiti Garage

The Featured Image is several stories all intertwined over time. Let’s start with the past. In November 2024, my wife and I passed an excellent bookcase in an alley with some items placed on the shelves. We were ready to haul it off when a woman walked across the way and placed more things. We assumed that she owned the lot of stuff, and we decided to not interfere with how she wanted to put out giveaways.

We were mistaken, by the way. Nothing in that alley belonged to her.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 31, 20269:05 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Comet, Too

We reach into the more recent backlog for two in a row. First up: Comet, and, yes, that is his real name. He is the one-hundred eleventh kitty—out 641 profiled, including this one—seen on Alabama between boundaries Adams and Lincoln. Why so many? Population density. The street has more multi-unit dwellings than single-family homes.

The Featured Image comes from Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Vitals: f/3.4, ISO 32, 1/120 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 3:53 p.m. PDT, Oct. 9, 2025. Composed as shot.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 29, 202610:16 pm

Rodry, What Are You Doing Here?

At least a couple of times a week, I am surprised by what neighbors will deposit for someone else to take. Some of this stuff is quite nice and could be put up for sale.

Over the years, we’ve gleaned some valuables of significance, ranging from kitchen utensils to furniture. You never know what will turn up—from whom and why and who the takers might be.