What's Happening In San Diego (So Far)

[Robbie Michaels]

Our peace vigil doesn't take place until 5:30 this evening, but I was curious to see what was going on in my neighborhood. Did today's protest have an economic impact? I had to find out.

I drove by two Wal-Marts, both in a notorious red part of the county. One is in a working-class neighborhood, and the other is in a more affluent section (it's possible, believe it or not). The first Wal-Mart's parking lot had plenty of available parking spots. I thought it was supposed to be Conservative Shopping Day? Where is everybody? I estimated that they had about half the shoppers they normally would.

A few miles away, the other Wal-Mart had a few parking spots available, which by itself is a minor miracle. Whenever I pass by, there are never parking spots available. Did the immigrants have an impact? I drove down the street to a car wash that employs immigrants. I got there and there were red traffic cones blocking the entrance. It was closed for the day, yet I saw two people sitting in chairs outside the office. I don't know why. No one's going to wash their car.

One small taco shop on a streetcorner near my home was closed, yet a popular chain of taco shops remained open.

I knew I had to go downtown and see more. Ten minutes later, I ended up at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, the site of this evening's candlelight vigil/peace protest at Balboa Park. Although it was three hours before the event starts, there were about fifty protesters camped out on the grass. They were waving Mexican and American flags and everyone had smiles on their faces. Kids were playing in the park while their parents held flags and waved to passing traffic. A San Diego Police patrol car was parked on one corner of the park, while a local news van was situated on another corner.

One sight made me smile. A Latino child had a polo shirt proudly displaying his country's flag. He had one of those shirts you'd find in the back of an old Cheyenne Outfitters catalog. That's right, amigos. He was wearing one of those shirts the 32% loves to parade around in on federal holidays.

I gave the crowd a wave as I drove along Sixth Avenue and it made me wish I ventured out of the house earlier this morning to see what was going on in San Ysidro.

Traffic going home was the lightest I've seen on a weekday in a very long time. I was able to drive through the heart of San Diego at the beginning of rush hour without touching my brake pedal.

[maveric]

1. Where is the vigil taking place?

I'm in San Diego and would love to attend and take some pics for DU.

[Robbie Michaels]

2. It's In Balboa Park

Corner of Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street between 5:30 and 8pm

[maveric]

5. I'll be there with my camera!

I'll be the long haired, mustachioed dude with a camera.
Thanks for the info!

[kaygore]

3. Thank you for this update on San Diego

It is my old stomping grounds and I have spent many hours at that same spot in Balboa Park protesting the war, etc. I wish I were there now!

A friend called me from Chicago so that I could experience the protest that was going on there. She had to duck into a doorway to call because there were so many people and so much noise on the street in downtown Chicago!

[Robbie Michaels]

4. I'd Like To Go @ 5:30

I don't know where to park. Parking spots were filled when I drove by there, and if you park on the street it's metered. I'm not spending a dime today. Hell, I even stiffed the water guy when he made his delivery this morning.

[maveric]

6. Take the trolley and get off @ City College.

Thats my plan.

[ronnykmarshall]

7. I used to live right by the park.

Did you notice the border crossing this morning? I saw a picture of the rush hour commute leaving Mexico and there were only two of three cars.

[Robbie Michaels]

8. Protesters Shut It Down @ 11:20

For a little bit, anyway.

Check this out!