Downtown Crowns Blog

Downtown San Diego Animal Shelters

2012-02-03T12:00:50Z

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!

Downtown San Diego – February 2012 Events

2012-02-01T13:00:10Z

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.

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

2012-01-30T13:00:18Z

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.

All About Big Bay

2012-01-27T13:00:14Z

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.

5 Interesting Downtown San Diego Art Galleries

2012-01-25T12:00:11Z

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!

Downtown San Diego Parking Options

2012-01-23T13:00:17Z

With more than 55,000 parking spaces, downtown San Diego is very friendly to drivers. Unlike many other busy cities where parking is a nightmare, driving is a disaster and everyone is basically forced into taking public transportation, this is a city that breaks away from this cookie-cutter mold. Why shouldn’t you be able to drive where you want and have adequate parking opportunities? Why should you have to park a half mile away from your destination or circle the block three times, hovering like a bird-of-prey for someone to pull out? You won’t have to fight for that last parking spot here!

Prepaid Parking Cards

Most residents use a residential parking permit, but few visitors realize they can easily obtain a prepaid parking card. Rather than fumble with loose change, you can buy a card in increments of $10 or $45, and there are reloading terminals in abundance throughout the city.

You simply insert the cord into the slot which is right next to the coin slot, with the arrow side facing up. The dollar balance available will flash four times and then time increments will be displayed in six-minute segments. Choose your desired time, remove the card and you are all set. You can even credit your card back the unused amount.

Downtown San Diego: Chicago in the Snow or San Diego in the Sun?

2012-01-21T16:49:31Z

Where would you live? Chicago or San Diego?Is there any better compare and contrast to these two photos of Downtown Chicago and Downtown San Diego? As a native Californian, I can't imagine being at the mercy of the weather like this. We have a client from the UK who owns a condo in the San Diego Gaslamp District and he is on his way home from beautiful San Diego to cold UK via even colder Chicago.

Anyone looking for a second home/condo can look no farther than San Diego. For a Downtown Chicago condo owner, Downtown San Diego is the place to own a second home. Five minutes from San Diego Lindbergh Field, nine downtown San Diego Districts from Little Italy, Marina District, East Village, Embarcadero to Cortez Hill. Pricing from $300,000 combined with interest rates hovering around 4%, a little less, a little more. Homeowner fees ranging from $250 plus.

If you are tired of snow or rain or both, Downtown San Diego may very well be the escape you are thinking about right now. Contact us for a discussion about your choices and options. There is something for everyone in Downtown San Diego. Now may be the time because you might be frozen if you wait.

This is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego real estate agents.

Old Town San Diego – The Birthplace of California

2012-01-20T17:01:02Z

Dating back more than 9,000 years, Old Town San Diego really is the official birthplace of California. This is an area that literally transports you back in time and surrounds you with rich culture, history and beauty. It is a quaint location where you can explore nearly everything on foot. Anyone visiting downtown San Diego simply must spend some time in Old Town. With award-winning restaurants, free live entertainment, museums, historical sites and over 150 boutiques, you may find yourself wanting to spend a bit more time here than you originally planned!

A Little History

Father Junipero Serro made this the first permanent Spanish settlement in 1769. It was the first of 21 missions that eventually contributed to California’s colonization. His mission was built on a hillside, which overlooked today’s Old Town San Diego. A small Mexico community was established at the base of this hill in 1820 and by 1846, an American Flag was erected.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

This historic park was established in 1968 to protect buildings that were established here between 1820 and 1870. This area houses five natural buildings, made primarily from water, sand and clay. Top attractions here including these interesting natural structures include...

Get to Know the San Diego Unified School District

2012-01-18T12:00:20Z

Often referred to as the melting pot of the country, the diversity of residents here is what makes the Unified School District so unique. Downtown San Diego is not like other major cities where you don’t even want to think about raising a family. This is an inspiring city, rich in history, surrounded by culture and bursting with educational landmarks and museums to visit. Most parents only dream of exposing their children to such an array of opportunities.

About the District

On 1 July 1854, one teacher and a single rented school building began the educational system in the area. Today, the district boasts 107 elementary schools, 24 middle schools and 28 traditional high schools as well as specialty facilities, including 11 K-8 schools, 45 charter schools and 13 alternative schools. Nearly 132,000 attending students make this California’s second largest school district.

Downtown San Diego – Best Happy Hours

2012-01-16T13:00:30Z

Downtown San Diego is a haven for anyone who appreciates a good happy hour. Whether you are looking to unwind with friends after a long day, or if you are simply seeking out the best deals on food and drinks to stay within your budget, you will find an exhausting supply of establishments here. Below are just a few of the best happy hours, voted popular by locals and tourists.

Effin’s Pub n Grill

6161 El Cajon Boulevard

San Diego, CA

Whether you are a college student or you just like to party like you are, Effin’s Pub n Grill is the hottest happy hour to be at. Located within walking distance of San Diego State University, they offer food and drink specials anyone can afford. Every day has unique specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., but you always count on $3 drafts, $1 off wells and half-priced appetizers.