The crossroads at 5th Avenue and L Street tells walkers that go under the historic gaslamp quarter sign the city's work enterprise done to revitalize the place lively deals are found was more than long, hard work. Neon lights show the modern patrons the genuine local history is alive again.
For the sake of saving the character on the streets Navy sailors picked their spots to spend their palmy days off, the Gaslamp Quarter Association made the avenues both real busy, and again beautiful. The frame works on the old buildings did not go away thanks to the productive work done to restore more than seven dozen buildings that makeup a collection that captures the imagination in the Victorian quarter that has been on the National Register for Historic Places for a long three decades. Revitalization plans that have added up to above par urban growth were a reason for a festive get together on the February 28th day city council president Todd Gloria was there at the crossroads to light the repainted sign that West Coast Signs had saved from the decades it took in the local weather and train vibrations, a sign that had an impressive energy efficient glow that proves there are no energy oversights in San Diego. Incandescent light bulbs have burned up their days and nights.
The Gaslamp Quarter still is full of surprises. Redevelopment work is getting polished off before its time. But, the grand history has never moved off the street lots.
Lights always catch the eye. Up above, the five globe gaslamps recently restored in lines to fill the short distance walks with light guarantee no patron loses their way.
The energy never eases off down on the street. Not while Padres fans relax in the bars and restaurants they can watch the excitement come off the glow of TV screens, and call out their order. Memories of the international soccer game seen on TV at Dublin Square catches more attention than the music shows during fine tasting and talk.
Winning events are not hard to find. There is a large set of brackets on the lamp poles, typically two a pole, that event promoters can fasten a banner sign in. The Association leaves the poles done up by the pole renters for ten to thirty days, or more.
The quarter that never sleeps will get crammed full of acres of green on St. Patrick's Day March 17th, 40,000 of them made out of artificial turf, just to make the ShamRock block party a hit. Under the lights, on green streets, Irish rock bands will face the close crowds.
Going the rounds takes only time. The distances make nothing risky.
Dark walkways filled with strays are out of place in the quarter. San Diegans can report any light that went out to the city, immediately. A call to the Street Light Report hotline will guarantee every spot, or turn, has the gaslamp touch.
The line continues next week.
To read earlier articles in Citizen Agenda Action Line on Tuesdays, read
Cycling for life in a growing town
Another opportunity to go forward on clean vehicles
IBEW 568 growing green job opportunities
A bigger solar energy mandate
Always in the running, non-stop
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