DOWNTOWN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2009
San Diego Community Newspaper Group
The Del Cerro Baptist Christmas Story Tree on the Organ Pavilion stage is one of the highlights of Balboa Park’s December Nights.
Home for the holidays
COURTESY PHOTO
Balboa Park hosts annual December Nights festival December Nights, Balboa Park’s largest event of the year, is a San Diego tradition signaling the beginning of the holiday season. This year’s version will be held Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 10 p.m. Live entertainment will keep the spirits high as will the sparkling lights and decorations. Visitors will get a sample of what Balboa Park has to offer as many of the park’s museums will be open for free from 5 to 9 p.m. both nights. Visitors will also be able to sample a wide selection of food throughout the park. The International Christmas
DECEMBER NIGHTS Balboa Park • Friday, Dec. 4, 5 to 10 p.m. • Saturday, Dec. 5, noon to 10 p.m. www.balboapark.org Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages offers a variety of food from around the world, along with live music, crafts and dance performances. This year the Cohn Restaurant Group and The Prado at Balboa Park will operate the Holiday Spirit Lounge with food stations and drinks available. SEE NIGHTS, Page 6
Parade of Lights sails Dec. 13 and 20 More than 80 vessels decorated in colorful holiday lights are expected to participate in this year’s San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on Dec. 13 and 20. The event, now in its 38th year, begins each of the Sundays with a 5:30 start signaled by a fireworks show. Beginning at the east end of Shelter Island, the boats will parade into the downtown waterfront and Coronado areas. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Zoo.” The event’s presenting sponsor is the Unified Port of San Diego. For more inform a t i o n s e e s d p a radeoflights.org.
Best viewing • For boaters: Near the 10th Street Terminal. • Viewing on land: The north and south ends of the Embarcadero as well as the pathway along Coronado. • Harbor Island: Get there early and be aware that parking is at a premium. • The park behind Seaport Village. Parade arrival times Approximate arrival times are: Shelter Island (start of parade) 5:30 p.m. Harbor Island 6 p.m. The Embarcadero 6:30 p.m. Seaport Village 7 p.m.
BY SANDRA SIMMONS | DOWNTOWN NEWS
James and Sandy Newton, long time residents of downtown San Diego, recently moved from the Marina District to their new home on the 11th floor in The Grande Santa Fe South. As they prepared to spend the first Christmas in their new home, Sandy explained the concept of their stylish plan for the interior and showcased the effects of tastefully decorating for the holidays in a downtown condo. SEE HOME, Page 4
www.SDNEWS.com Volume 10, Number 12
A cruise ship in San Diego Bay is clearly visible from a window in the home of James and Sandy Newton as a Christmas tree glimmers inside.
Photos by Don Balch