Downtown San Diego Animal Shelters

Whether you live in downtown San Diego and you are looking to adopt a four-legged friend, or if you happen to be visiting and find a lost or injured animal that needs to be taken somewhere, there are quite a few animal shelters in the area. In addition to these facilities, there are an abundance of rescues available in the city and the surrounded area. If you see an animal in need, please don’t look the other way.

San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

5500 Gaines Street

San Diego, CA

Adoptions and animal viewing begins at 11 am daily. This non-profit organization has been sheltering and adopting our animals since 1880. They also investigate neglect and animal cruelty, and rescue animals in emergency situations. The San Diego Humane Society offers positive reinforcement behavior training as well. If you live in the area, you may want to consider volunteering here or fostering an animal too!

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Downtown San Diego – February 2012 Events

February may be short in length but it is supersized when it comes to events in downtown San Diego. After all, this is a month with an average temperature of 58.6 degrees Fahrenheit and plenty of days full of sunshine that often exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit; this is the perfect temperature to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and the events. Of course, there are indoor activities scheduled too, ideal for those rainy days!

Brazil Carnival

On 18 February 2012, the 20^th annual San Diego Brazil Carnival takes place at the Showcase Theater. Visitors fly in from everywhere to participate in this Mardi Gras Ball! There is fun, fantasy, feathers, pulsating samba beats, nonstop music, exciting performances and an abundance of sexy samba dancers. This is one of the most authentic and certainly the largest Carnaval events in all of California. It serves as an effective vehicle to build a cultural bridge between the United States and Brazil, while also educating Americans who may not be familiar with the event.

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Did You Know These Movie Classics Were Shot in San Diego?

With nearly perfect weather every day, intriguing architecture and gorgeous beaches, it should come as no surprise that there is a long list of movies shot in downtown San Diego. Although the list is extensive, below are just some of the favorites where you can enjoy views of the city.

• It’s a Wonderful World (1939) – They don’t get any more classic than this, and the entire film was shot in the city! This romantic comedy starring James Stewart and Claudette Colbert is about a private detective who discovers a clue about the person who framed his client. To save his client from death row, he had to find a way to prove his innocence.

• Citizen Kane (1941) – Voted as one of the best American films of all time, Citizen Kane did some filming in the San Diego Zoo as well as Balboa Park. When the wealthiest man in the world says the words “rose bud” before he dies, journalists need to go on a hunt to discover its meaning.

• Diamonds are Forever (1971) – The seventh spy film starring Sean Connery as James Bond boasts its climatic oil rig sequence off the Oceanside shore. James Bond comes to Vegas after a diamond smuggler, and then goes on a mission to track the smuggler down.

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All About Big Bay

Nearly everyone moving to or visiting downtown San Diego, already have an opinion of the Big Bay area. Some assume that everyone is walking around with golden tans from lying at the beach all day while others have it in their mind that residents are all hipster/chic, to complement the trendy galleries and cafes. In all actuality, there is a lot more to Big Bay than you probably think!

Location
If you are like many others, you may be confused about which areas are considered to be part of the Big Bay area. This natural harbor runs adjacent to San Diego, and not only is it one of North America’s best natural harbors; it offers 34 miles of waterfront, decorated with marinas, parks, hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants. The bay is spanned by the Coronado Bridge, which rises to 200 feet above the water, allowing the pass of Navy ships.

Parks and Wildlife
When you want to escape the crowds of downtown San Diego, escape to the bay where you can appreciate plenty of natural beauty. Wildlife refuges and parks are in abundance with walkways, lush gardens and even endangered and threatened species. You don’t even have to be a diehard nature enthusiast to appreciate the bayside salt ponds, salt marshes and a preserve full of resident and migratory birds, eel grove beds and more.

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5 Interesting Downtown San Diego Art Galleries

When you are ready to step away from the cool breeze coming off the warm waters at Black’s or Pacific Beach, head to downtown San Diego to enjoy one of the most many art galleries. You will find a special blend of many interpretations. Of course, with such a melting pot of races, one can only expect such a diverse collection when it comes to the arts.

Gallery 23

1770 Village Pl,

San Diego, CA

Founded in 1848, Gallery 23 maintains an exhibit of original fine paintings that is ever-evolving. Every month they display work from more than 50 local artists. There are always two featured artists, which change bimonthly to ensure there is constantly a fresh collaboration.  The gallery’s gift shop offers unique handcrafted items including glasswork, jewelry, polymer clay, bakery, painted eggs, carved gourds, cards and miniature paintings.

If you are in the area on the first Monday of the month looking for something to do, membership meetings are followed by a demonstration, which is given by one of their local artists; this is open to the public and free!

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