Wednesday, December 21, 2016

THE BALLAD OF PACIFIC BEACH

Pelican  Brass statue Pelican Brown    

The ballad was written by Jan Phillips and is accompanied by a sculpture of a pelican wearing a vest. The sculpture is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. Crystal Pier is the name of the pier adjacent to this Lifeguard Station. Pacific Beach is usually shortened to the term P.B. by the locals and tourists.
The text of the poem is on a plaque attached to the Pacific Beach Lifeguard Station.
It reads:

"The Ballad of P.B.

Pelican Brown was in search of a home
where he could have fun and relax
he looked for a beach that was pretty
and a sea that was swimming with snacks.

He flew up and down the long coastline
looking both far and quite near
then one day he knew he had found it
when his eyes saw the great Crystal Pier.

On the end was a big crystal ballroom
dancers came from all over the west
and since Pelican Brown loved to tango
he dressed up in his best velvet vest.

He fit right in with the others
tangoed many a night until dawn
Pelican Brown loved the beat of the music
and danced until the others were gone.

Then he's fly out and find him some breakfast
the happiest bird all around
and everyone loved when they looked up
and caught sight of Pelican Brown.

The dancing bird soon became famous
people came from all over to see
the great crystal ballroom and dance hall
and the pelican known as P.B.

Poem by Jan Phillips copywright Jan Phillips
Concept and sculpture by T.J. Dixon & James Nelson"


Crystal Pier
 It is the only pier on the California coast to have cottages for short term rent.

CHRISTMAS IN SAN DIEGO



BALBOA PARK DURING THE HOLIDAYS



There are several things to enjoy in Balboa Park during the holiday season.  The Timken museum features an annual display of handcrafted ornaments made back in the 1930s. 

  About 500 ornaments are hung on a Christmas Tree of all shapes and sizes: made of beads, sequins and gems. The ceiling showcases more of the hanging ornaments  along with some ornaments in cases.



Outdoors in back of the organ pavilion in Balboa Park there is a display of several Nativity scenes that were made more than 70 years ago and were recently restored.  On Sunday afternoon Christmas music was played on the organ and visitors could also join in singing carols.  The nearby International Houses featured holiday cookies and treats.  Santa’s sleigh and reindeer are also on display.


During the holidays Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach is decorated with Christmas wreaths,  a tree and lights.  The pier was opened in 1927 in hopes of encouraging investors to buy  property in Pacific Beach.   The pier was repaired after  serious storm damage in 1983.  It is the only pier on the California coast to have cottages for short term rental. 


Another popular holiday activity is to see one of the 3 Nutcracker productions in San Diego.  We saw the San Diego Ballet Dance Company version that features in international cast of dancers and also spotlights San Diego School of Ballet’s children from all over the county.



The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is another holiday tradition by the boating community.  This year the boats were decorated to fit this year’s theme “It Began with a Roar-San Diego Zoo celebrates 100 Years.”