This week I went to Little Italy's 9th Annual "State of Little Italy" Dinner. It was pretty interesting, both guests and topics. The guest list included Mayor Jerry Sanders, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith and his wife, Kevin Faulkner and the Honorary Mayor of Little Italy. We had dinner on the top of Nelson's Photography, Doesn't this food look fantastic? It tasted better than fantasticwhich truly made the evening worthwhile for location alone. Food was provided by Little Italy restaurants, and you can see from the photo that I did not starve. We did all the "smoozing" stuff that goes on at events like this. Everyone walked around and talked and then when the time came for the presentation, it was really interesting. Nelson's Photography where we held the meetingThe one thing you can say about Little Italy residents and merchants is that everyone works together for the betterment of the community. There are going to be some big changes around La Vita and Acqua Vista with some added public space as the ultimate goal. Did you know that 900 families live within a block range of these complexes? I admit I was really surprised at that. What do you think about closing some of the streets in Little Italy on Saturday nights? That would allow the restaurants to place tables and serve food and drinks in the street. The goal is fun and excitementsimilar to some areas in New York City and Miami. My partner, and my Mom, remembers when she first came to San Diego. Little Italy was so different. It was where the Italian and Portuguese fisherman lived. The fishing fleet used to be down near Anthonys. I guess it was a very different world. Time moves on and those who live and work in Little Italy are trying to keep some of the old and enhance the new. If you have any good restaurants or places you have visited in Little Italy, will you let me know. My goal is to share places and experiences with you.


By Sharyn & Victoria Crown, Coronado and Downtown San Diego real estate brokers

This is part of a series of articles entitled, Downtown San Diego Lifestyle

Sometimes art work can be amazing. There are a series of different sculptures along the walkway at the Embarcadero. These sculptures are called "urban trees." I guess you have to have a sense of humor to picture urban trees. This looks like an orange octopus with one eye

The Port of San Diego wants to "pretty up" the harbor, thus the concept of urban trees.  These urban trees are truly interesting and some of them cause you to take a second look. My favorite so far is this orange octopus. It is located next to Anthony's, which is a wonderful harbor-front restaurant.

My partner Sharyn, who is also my Mom, and I  went with  our client/friend  Claudia to lunch at Anthony's today. The restaurant was not really crowded even though it was at noon and should have been busy. I think part of the reason Anthonys was slow is because of the economy.  Another reason for the light restaurant attendance could be because the cruise ship Elation had all their passengers stuck on board instead of wandering around the harbor and downtown San Diego.  That is not normal but apparently some man got a little irritated at his wife and may have been the one to kill her.   However, I digress.

These "urban trees" are just neat. This one is close to the cruise ship terminal. I wanted my Mom to stop so I could get out and take a better photo, but you know how it goes.  Mom's do whatever they want, whether they are your real estate partner or not. Can you guess what this "urban tree" might be?  I suppose the next time I take some photos of the "urban trees" I should get a little closer so you can even recognize them.

Notice the "urban tree", News 10 vehicle and aforementioned cruise ship.

If you want to see all the 31 "Urban Tree" then visit the Port of San Diego website.  You can get the "tree map" and walk the Embarcedero yourself. 

By Sharyn & Victoria Crown, Coronado and Downtown San Diego real estate brokers

This is part of a series of articles entitled, Downtown San Diego Lifestyle