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Point Pinos Lighthouse

(Point Pinos Lighthouse)

The first light source was a whale oil lantern in which the oil was forced up from a tank by a gravity-operated piston. A falling weight mechanism rotated a metal shutter around the light causing the beam to be cut off to seaward for 10 out of every 30 seconds. Lard oil soon replaced whale oil, and in turn was replaced by kerosene in 1880. At the turn of the century, an incandescent vapor lamp was used, followed by electric lights in 1915.

Point Pinos Lighthouse

1. DEMO: Tree-lines wooden deck to park

(Gilroy Gardens: The family theme park in Silicon Valley)

Shaded and tree-lined wooden deck from main entrance entering to Gilroy Gardens family them park.

1. DEMO: Tree-lines wooden deck to park

3. DEMO: Railroad Train Ride at Gilroy Gardens

(Gilroy Gardens: The family theme park in Silicon Valley)

Coyote & Redwood Junctions Railroad Train Ride - Custom-designed roofs give you a full 180-degree view as you travel through the park on this authentic narrow-gauge railroad and learn a little something about what makes Gilroy Gardens so unique.

3. DEMO: Railroad Train Ride at Gilroy Gardens

2. DEMO: Balloon Flight at Gilroy Gardens

(Gilroy Gardens: The family theme park in Silicon Valley)

Balloon Flight at Gilroy Gardens- Feel like you are floating through the clouds in this ride for the whole family.

2. DEMO: Balloon Flight at Gilroy Gardens

4. DEMO: Imagine the wedding at Claudia Garden

(Gilroy Gardens: The family theme park in Silicon Valley)

Claudia's Garden is one of Gilroy Gardens Park's most serene areas. This garden is available to brides and grooms exclusively for a three hour time period and can accommodate up to 125 guests. Guests will be seated on a tranquil wooden deck as they view the bride and groom exchange vows on our bridal platform across the water and above a pristine, flowing waterfall. Location provides specialty seating for the bridal party & family.

4. DEMO: Imagine the wedding at Claudia Garden

1000's Celebrate "Little Saigon" in San Jose

(The Birth of San Jose's Little Saigon District.)

Thousands Vietnamese American immigrants reveled outside San Jose City Hall on Sunday May 18, 2008 to celebrate the day they called "Ngay Chao Mung Little Saigon - San Jose" after months of protests and hunger strike for the naming right of "Little Saigon" for 1-mile trip stretching on Story Rd. (from intersections of highway 101 and Senter Rd.) where hundreds of businesses thrive. Most are owned by and cater to San Jose's Vietnamese American residents, who number 100,000. Billed as a celebration of their "Little Saigon" victory, but the event also doubled as a kickoff to the attempted recall of embattled Councilwoman Madison Nguyen. (May 18, 2007)

1000's Celebrate "Little Saigon" in San Jose

"Little Saigon" Gateway in San Jose

(The Birth of San Jose's Little Saigon District.)

The intersection is essentially the gateway to a milelong strip of primarily Vietnamese restaurants and shops on Story Road between Highway 101 and Senter Road, a neighborhood that became a flash point for civic controversy after city leaders initially rejected the popular name "Little Saigon."

The mayor, joined by several council members, has pledged to recommend to the full City Council by Wednesday that San Jose's sign policy be amended to allow private groups to erect a temporary "Little Saigon" sign. It could remain in place for three years, which Reed said would allow ample time for backers to go through the city permit process to make the sign permanent.

The deal does not establish a formal district under the name "Little Saigon" or any other name, but it was enough to get activist Ly Tong, a 63-year-old former South Vietnamese Air Force pilot who had been fasting in support of the name "Little Saigon," to end his nearly one-month protest.

Among many Vietnamese Americans, the name "Little Saigon" carries with it both a sense of nostalgia and defiance. The Communist regime in Hanoi renamed the former capital of South Vietnam as Ho Chi Minh City in 1975 after the end of the Vietnam War. (Ref. John Coté at jcote@sfchronicle.com. )

"Little Saigon" Gateway in San Jose

Hunger strike at San Jose City Hall

(The Birth of San Jose's Little Saigon District.)

A day after the San Jose City Council rejected "Little Saigon" in Mar 3, 2008 for the second time, activists turned their focus to recalling Councilwoman Madison Nguyen, and hunger striker Ly Tong vowed to starve himself until he dies.

The council voted unanimously early Wednesday morning to rescind their Nov. 20 vote to call a Vietnamese retail area "Saigon Business District." But despite the pleas of thousands of people, council members rejected a proposal to call the strip "Little Saigon." Instead, by a 7-4 vote, they voted to set up a new process for naming business districts. After a controversy that has paralyzed the city for months, the council essentially wiped the slate clean

Ly Tong, a former Republic of Vietnam air force fighter pilot, began his hunger strike, is also an advocate for renaming a 1-mile stretch portion of Story Road "Little Saigon'' has been staging a hunger strike at San Jose City Hall to help get the point across. Tong entered the debate over the naming of the Vietnamese business area, people wish "Little Saigon" vs councilwoman Madison "Saigon Business Center", because he believes the will of the Vietnamese community has been thwarted by Madison Nguyen, the councilwoman who represents the area.

Hunger strike at San Jose City Hall

"Little Saigon" or "Vietnam Town"

(The Birth of San Jose's Little Saigon District.)

Panographed is the 20-acre Vietnam Town located on Story Rd.. It has been the center point of the conflict of naming "Little Saigon" that paralyzed San Jose city council for months. It is a private development on Story Road just west of McLaughlin Road, where Lap Thanh Tang plans a 275,000-square-foot commercial development. The site is currently fenced off. He said he plans a Santana Row-like development, a mini-city, an urban experience. He is selling the units rather than leasing them, in recognition of the immigrant's desire to own rather than rent.

The conflict seems causing the construction on Vietnam Town to be halted since the end of 2007 or so. The slow pace of work has apparently caused the lender, United Commercial Bank, to halt disbursements until the issues which have caused the delays and slow pace of work to be resolved. More troubles follow with the civil claim against TWN Investments -- the developer behind the 275,000 square-foot Vietnam Town retail complex -- and its general contractor is the latest signal of the development's ongoing troubles. Construction on the 915 Story Road job has been stopped since roughly October. Only the foundation has been laid.

The plaintiff, Pacific Concrete Specialties, of Atwater, is one of several subcontractors who have filed mechanic's liens with the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder against TWN. In total they claim about $2 million in unpaid balances. Also unpaid is the project's general contractor, Reeve-Knight Construction Inc. in Roseville, which says it is owed in excess of $3.7 million, according to its lien. (Mar 8, 2008)

"Little Saigon" or "Vietnam Town"

Junipero Serra's Grave

(Carmel Mission)

Father Junípero Serra (1713-1784) was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988 this being the first step towards canonization, or promotion to sainthood in the Catholic church. Some Native American groups are opposed to this, claiming that the missions seriously mistreated their people. On 28 August 1784 at the age of 70, Father Serra died at Mission Carmel and was interred there under the sanctuary as depicted on this VR panorama.

Junipero Serra's Grave

Ice Skating at The Circle of Palms

(San Jose Christmas in the Park 2009)

In the background of 2 giant sculptures of Nutcracker and Mouse King, there seen an 8,100 square-foot skating rink decorated with over 30 stately, lighted palms at Circle of Palms. It is the perfect setting in the renaissance downtown district that helped transform San Jose into an appealing family destination.

Ice Skating at The Circle of Palms

Community Giving Tree at Xmas in the Park

(San Jose Christmas in the Park 2009)

Community Giving Tree at Xmas in the Park

Community Giving Tree at Xmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park

(San Jose Christmas in the Park 2009)

Christmas in the Park filled with a toyland of statues, pine trees and lights.

Christmas in the Park

Food court at Christmas in the Park

(San Jose Christmas in the Park 2009)

Food court at Christmas in the Park

Food court at Christmas in the Park

TechMart in Santa Clara

(Around Santa Clara City)

Adjacent to Santa Clara Convention Center and the Hyatt Hotel , the Techmart Center provides clients with a professional and stylish corporate surrounding. An atrium is centrally located in the building providing beaming sunlight to flow through. The center features elegant windows with a view of the Santa Clara Golf Course and Tennis Club.

TechMart in Santa Clara

Intel World Headquarter

(Around Santa Clara City)

Robert Noyce Building at Intel world headquarter in Santa Clara city, California

Intel World Headquarter

Mission Santa Clara de Asís

(Santa Clara University (SCU))

Mission Santa Clara de Asís locates on the campus of the Santa Clara University. Mission Santa Clara de Asís was founded on January 12, 1777 and named for Clare of Assisi, the founder of the order of the Poor Clares. Although ruined and rebuilt six times, the settlement was never abandoned. It is open to visitors every day.

Mission Santa Clara de Asís

East side of Patterson House

(Ardenwood Historic Farm)

Patterson called his estate "Ardenwood". There were two subsequent additions to the house. The largest was in 1889 when Patterson and his wife Clara added the Queen Anne Victorian section to the House. The second addition came in 1915 when Patterson's son Henry and his wife remodeled the old farm house section, and added rooms including the kitchen, a large bedroom above the kitchen, the sun porch, nursery, and a bathroom with indoor plumbing

East side of Patterson House

George Washington Patterson Ranch - Ardenwood

(Ardenwood Historic Farm)

George Washington Patterson Ranch - Ardenwood is an U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It was officially opened to the public on July 28 1985, the entire park includes a farm, a large forest and a mansion now called the Patterson House which was first constructed in 1857 by the farm's original owner, George Washington Patterson.

George Washington Patterson Ranch - Ardenwood

Pumpkin Patch at Ardenwood Farm

(Ardenwood Historic Farm)

Pumpkin patch get prepared on the last week of September and ready for Halloween festival at Ardenwood Historical Farm in Fremont.

Pumpkin Patch at Ardenwood Farm

32-foot statue "Our Lady of Peace" at night

(Around Santa Clara City)

In 1982 a Charles Parks' statue of Our Lady of Peace was commissioned by Father John J. Sweeney, pastor of the Our Lady of Peace Parish in Santa Clara, California. This 32-foot stainless steel statue is the most notable feature of Santa Clara city, easily visible from the highway 101, surrounding area roads and its proximity to the Yahoo! building.

32-foot statue "Our Lady of Peace" at night

Mission San Jose church interior by altar.

(Mission San Jose & Fremont Cemetery)

Mission San Jose church interior by altar.

Mission San Jose church interior by altar.

Mission san Jose church interior by entrance

(Mission San Jose & Fremont Cemetery)

Mission san Jose church interior by front door entrance

Mission san Jose church interior by entrance

Reconstruced adobe church at Mission San Jose

(Mission San Jose & Fremont Cemetery)

The mission's permanent adobe church was dedicated with great ceremony on April 22, 1809. after the ontruction had started in 1805. It was a simple, solid building with walls 8 feet thick in some places on October 21, 1868, a giant earthquake centered on the Hayward fault shattered the walls of the mission church and broke open the roof. The site was cleared and a wood Gothic-style church was erected directly over the original red tiled mission floor, completed and rededicated on June 11, 1985 the a simple and forthright exterior.

Reconstruced adobe church at Mission San Jose

Mission San Jose's cemetery in Fremont

(Mission San Jose & Fremont Cemetery)

This one is an old, calming and small cemetery, with headstones reading the names of Fremont's forefathers & foremothers going back to the 1800's.

Mission San Jose's cemetery in Fremont

Milpitas High School

(Around Salinas City)

Salinas High School planted its roots in the community more than a hundred years ago. In 1920, the present campus was constructed on Main Street. The school’s tower has become a familiar profile to thousands of students who attended school there and to community members who helped improve the educational process. John Steinbeck as senior class president at Salinas High in 1919. His writings about the city and its people have been shared by many, both in the community and through out the country.

Milpitas High School

Main Street at Salinas Old Town

(Around Salinas City)

Main Street at Salinas Old Town

Main Street at Salinas Old Town

SJ Flea Market - Silk flowers & bouquet shop

(The San Jose Flea Market)

Silk or artificial flowers are free of pollen, hand made and shipped from China. They give you all the beauty and none of the hassle of watering.

SJ Flea Market - Silk flowers & bouquet shop

SJ Flea Market - MAS*H Store

(The San Jose Flea Market)

This Mash Store is filled up with G.I. stuff. They are real and not cheap. Here is also one stop shopping, comprehensive selection of official, nostalgic Classic TV, Film, and Legends collectibles at discount prices—vintage gifts, cards, novelties, dolls, tins, pocketbooks, apparel, memorabilia, fake AK47 and M16 combat rifles.

SJ Flea Market - M*A*S*H Store

SJ Flea Market - Chic and cheap fashion.

(The San Jose Flea Market)

This colorful place displays discounted women's clothing and apparel.

SJ Flea Market - Chic and cheap fashion.

SJ Flea Market - Farmer's market "Produce Row"

(The San Jose Flea Market)

Here is one of California's largest farmers' markets - the "Produce Row." It's a quarter-mile long, shaded marketplace packed with produce from around the world, as well as fruits and vegetables fresh from Northern California farms.

SJ Flea Market - Farmer's market "Produce Row"

SJ Flea Market - Beryessa Main Entrance

(The San Jose Flea Market)

This place is huge with more than 8 miles of colorful alleys and treasure-laden corridors. The admission is free, with a parking flat fee of $5. There's lots of places to eat, and for kids to play. The bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well-maintained. There's something for everyone here from the price of $1 for 2-lbs of apple to fine discount-price furniture of few hundred bucks.

SJ Flea Market - Beryessa Main Entrance

Robert Lake

(Around Seaside)

Robert lake with trails, picnic tables was established in 1987. It is great open space place for birding, lots of sea birds rest in these waters.

Laguna Grande Park & Lake

(Around Seaside)

Laguna Grande park with lake covers about 12 acres, and is more of a freshwater wetland than a real lake. It makes a pretty centerpiece to this popular park, with hiking/running trails all around it, and two picturesque bridges at either end. On its side of the park, Seaside has a bright playground and a large group picnic area; on the other side, Monterey has large grassy play areas and picnic areas as well.

Laguna Grande Park & Lake

Founder of Seaside city

(Seaside City Government)

This statue sitting on the bench next to the Seaside City Hall honors the founder of Seaside, California. There is a plaque on the bench, reading, Dr. JOHN L.D. ROBERTS
1862-1949, FOUNDER OF SEASIDE, CALIFORNIA. Dr. Roberts, a medical doctor came to the Monterey Peninsula in 1887 and bought 160 acres which is now Seaside and Sand City. He became a subdivider and also used every influence to forward the welfare of the Monterey Peninsula.

Founder of Seaside city

Seaside Veteran Memorial

(Seaside City Government)

Five American flags represented Seaside existed through 5 eras of American history.

Seaside Veteran Memorial

Downtown at Lighthouse &

(Pacific Grove Downtown)

Downtown at Lighthouse &

Downtown view from intersection of Lighthouse & Forest

(Pacific Grove Downtown)

Downtown view from intersection of Lighthouse & Forest

Downtown view from intersection of Lighthouse & Forest

Downtown at Lighthouse &

(Pacific Grove Downtown)

Downtown at Lighthouse &

Town of Victoria Houses

(Pacific Grove Downtown)

Pacific Grove is home to more Victorian houses per capita than anywhere else in America, many of which have been turned into tasteful B&B inns.

Town of Victoria Houses

Downtown view from Holman building

(Pacific Grove Downtown)

Downtown view from Holman building

Friendship garden in front of Colton Hall

(Colton Hall)

Friendship garden in front of Colton Hall

Colton Hall front facade

(Colton Hall)

Colton Hall front facade

California Grizzly Bears scuptures

(Colton Hall)

California Grizzly Bears scuptures

View from balcony

(Colton Hall)

View from balcony

From the back of town hall

(Colton Hall)

From the back of town hall

Colton Hall museum

(Colton Hall)

Soon after the American occupation of California in 1846, the Reverend Walter Colton was appointed to serve as Alcalde or Chief Magistrate of the Monterey district. Reverend Colton, a chaplain for the U.S. Navy, served as the first American Alcalde in California from 1846 until 1849.

Colton Hall museum

Garden before entering to Fisherman Wharf

(Fisherman Wharf)

Garden before entering to Fisherman Wharf

Maritime museum by the Fisherman Wharf

(Fisherman Wharf)

Maritime museum by the Fisherman Wharf

Fishernan Wharf viewed from marina sidewalk

(Fisherman Wharf)

Fishernan Wharf viewed from marina sidewalk

Fisherman Wharf entrance

(Fisherman Wharf)

Fisherman Wharf entrance

Inside a seafood grill restaurant

(Fisherman Wharf)

Inside a seafood grill restaurant

Restaurant

(Fisherman Wharf)

Fisherman Wharf street scene at late night

(Fisherman Wharf)

Fisherman Wharf street scene at late night

Inner side of Fishernan Wharf by night

(Fisherman Wharf)

Inner side of Fishernan Wharf by night

Holman Building

(Pacific Grove Downtown)

The Holman Building has a rich history here at the Monterey Peninsula. Originally constructed in 1924. It served as the premiere department store for the area. John Steinbeck bought his writing paper and ink at the Holman Department Store. Later, the building became Ford's Department Store. Currently, it is home of the Holman Antique Plaza, the finest and largest antique purveyor in the county.

Holman Building

Lover's Point Park

(Lover's Point)

.Lovers Point Park is located at the foot of 17th Street, and is a landscaped community park of 4.4 acres. It is used for picnicking, fishing, swimming, water sports, and surfing. Lovers Point's amenities include a large lawn area, a beach volleyball court, a children's swimming pool, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, a concrete pier structure, a restaurant, and a snack bar. It is popular for weddings, and is home of the annual Feast of Lanterns pageant and fireworks celebration.

Lover's Point Park

Facade of Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

(Museum of Natural History)

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History started as a small octagonal building c. 1900, then the Spanish-style building was erected in 1932 then was expanded in the 1980s (shown with public art "Sandy the Whale" out front in 2007). This building was dedicated on December 21, 1932, and in 1935 was named "Best of its size in the U.S." by the American Association of Museums. It is operated by the City of Pacific Grove, and houses a collection of over 400 local birds as well as displays of Peninsula flora and fauna.

Facade of Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Massive 2400-pound jade boulder

(Museum of Natural History)

At Pacific Grove Natural History Museum, you will find "Leucothes", a polished massive 2,400-pound jade boulder (from Jade Cove) which graces the main entrance of the Museum is a Don Wobber piece. Renowned jade sculptor Don Wobber, a Pacific Grove resident, has several pieces on display both in the exhibit and elsewhere in the Museum.

Massive 2400-pound jade boulder

Eagles, Hawks, Condors

(Museum of Natural History)

Eagles, Hawks, Condors

Whales

(Museum of Natural History)

Seagulls

(Museum of Natural History)

Extinct animals

(Museum of Natural History)

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum located on Central Avenue in Pacific Grove, California, USA. It incorporates permanent exhibits which display local plants, animals, geology, and native human populations, as well as a temporary exhibit which changes every few months.

Extinct animals

Santa Clara Convention Center

(Around Santa Clara City)

The Santa Clara Convention Center is located in northern Santa Clara, California. It serves as one of the large meeting and convention facilities in Silicon Valley, with 262,000 square feet (24,300 m2) of meeting space. It is located in the same complex with the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara and the Santa Clara TechMart conference center. It is adjacent to the VTA Great America light rail station and across the street from the Great America theme park.

Santa Clara Convention Center

Inside Phuoc Loc Tho Mall

(Little Saigon)

Phuoc Loc Tho Mall at Little Saigon, Orange county

Inside Phuoc Loc Tho Mall

Phuoc Loc Tho Mall

(Little Saigon)

Phuoc Loc Tho Mall at Little Saigon, Orange county

Phuoc Loc Tho Mall

Vietnam War Memorial @ Sid Goldstein Freedom Park

(Around Westminster)

The dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial in Westminster was held Sunday, April 27, 2003. The Vietnam War Memorial Project was initiated by Westminster City Councilman Frank G. Fry in 1997. A committee was formed to select a sculptor/designer.Tuan Nguyen, a renowned sculptor/designer was unanimously chosen to sculpt the statue and design the immediate surroundings

Vietnam War Memorial @ Sid Goldstein Freedom Park

New Mexico Vietnam Veteran Memorial

(New Mexico Attractions (on the way to Philmont))

New Mexico Vietnam Veteran Memorial

New Mexico Vietnam Veteran Memorial

The mega-high cliff walls of Palisades Sill

(New Mexico Attractions (on the way to Philmont))

US 64 goes through the Cimarron Canyon State Park and along each side are walls of rock. One wall is so steep they named it the Palisades Sill (intrusive igneous rock formation), rising 600 feet above the canyon floor, are especially spectacular. The canyon was cut by the Cimarron River which is one of the best fishing spots in the state. The canyon is about eight miles long and ends overlooking a breathtaking Eagle Nest, NMA valley near Eagle Nest, New Mexicovalley of green grass, surrounding pine covered mountains, and the Eagle Nest Lake.

The mega-high cliff walls of Palisades Sill

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

(New Mexico Attractions (on the way to Philmont))

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Taos, New Mexico, United States. At 650 feet (200 m) above the Rio Grande, it is the third highest bridge in the United States, after the Royal Gorge Bridge (1053 ft) over the Arkansas river in Colorado and the New River Gorge Bridge (876 ft) over the New River in West Virginia. The span is 1,280 feet (390 m): two 300-foot (91 m)-long approach spans with a 600-foot (180 m)-long main center span. The bridge was dedicated on September 10, 1965 and is a part of U.S. Route 64, a major east-west road. The bridge has appeared in several films, including Natural Born Killers, Twins, She's Having a Baby and Wild Hogs.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

(New Mexico Attractions (on the way to Philmont))

Located 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico (near Cochiti), is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed site that was established as a U.S. National Monument by President Bill Clinton in January 2001 shortly before leaving office. The area owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by a volcanic explosion. Over time, weathering and erosion of these layers has created canyons and tent rocks. The tent rocks themselves are cones of soft pumice and tuff beneath harder caprocks.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Fireworks explode into red color

(July 4th, 2008 Celebration in Monterey)

Enjoy the VR panorama of the Fourth of July in Monterey City . The spectacular July 4th fireworks display is a tradition of Monterey city -- and it has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Fireworks were launched from the boat moored not too far away from the beach and began at 9:15 pm with the first firework started to explode into color over the Monterey Bay.

Fireworks explode into red color

Waiting for firework at Monterey Beach

(July 4th, 2008 Celebration in Monterey)

Several ten thousands people gather at Monterey Beach waiting for the pyrotechnical evening extravaganza. The fireworks began at 9:15 pm and lasted about 20 minutes. The best place to view the show is Monterey Beach, along Del Monte Avenue, or at Wharf II (where this panoramic scene was taken, courtesy of KION 46's TV crew), at Del Monte and Figueroa Street. After the fireworks, traffic became extremely congested, and getting out the downtown area would take an hour that normally takes about few minutes.

Waiting for firework at Monterey Beach

Salt Pond at Alviso Marina County Park

(Alviso Township)

Beginning with the Ohlone people, who harvested salt for the local use and regional trade, small scale salt production on San Francisco Bay expanded into one of the largest industrial solar evaporation complexes in the world. Twenty-five square miles of former commercial salt ponts in the South Bay, now publicly owned, are being restored to a mix of wetland habitats designed to provide homes of a variety of wildlife.
By viewing Google satelite map, you will find the rectangular shapes around the South Bay are salt evaporation ponds. Their different colors reflect the type of algae and bacteria living in the varying concentrations of salt water. The color red indicates ponds with high levels of salinity while blue and green means low salinity.

Salt Pond at Alviso Marina County Park

Water Everywhere

(Alviso Township)

Water in Alviso is a complex issue that touches on the environment, economics, and life safety. Already susceptible to flooding, Alviso's situation was worsened by regional development. Hard paving, which prevented water absorption into the ground, and increased groundwater pumping cause water table to stop. As a result, the land subsided, and Aviso dropped 13 feet over the last 100 years. Situated below sea level, it became even more vulnerable to flooding. Plants seen at Alviso Marian County Park on this panorama include Common Tule Scirpus acutus, Corgrass Spartina patens, Pickleweed Salicornia pacifica, Salt Grass Distichlis spicata, etc.

Water Everywhere

Lowest elevation is San Jose

(Alviso Township)

The lowest point in San Jose is 13 feet (4 m) below sea level at the San Francisco Bay in Alviso. Panographed here is the former Laine's Grocery Store (by 1981, an antique shop and residence) in Alviso, California. Established as the Tilden General Store in 1880's by Susan Ortney Tilden and her daughter Minerva. Last operated by her grandson, Willis Laine, from 1940 - 1960. Continued as an antique shop until abandoned after severe flooding in 1983.

Lowest elevation is San Jose

DEMO: Natural Therapy at Garden Accents

(VR Panorama Presentation)

DEMO: Garden Accents is not just a nursery or garden center. It is a destination of who love gardening.

DEMO: Natural Therapy at Garden Accents

DEMO: Garden Accents Showroom

(VR Panorama Presentation)

DEMO: Garden Accents opened in April 2002, was a long-time dream in the making.

DEMO: Garden Accents Showroom

DEMO: PSP manufacturing area

(VR Panorama Presentation)

DEMO: Precision Swiss Products, Inc. (PSP) is an ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and AS 9100 certified, fully automated, turn-key AUTO FACTURING platform, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, USA. PSP was founded in 1974 and has established itself as the pioneer in the AUTO FACTURING Industry. With a state of the art, fully automated milling and screw machining centers, clean room 1,000 and 100 assembly capabilities and a one in a kind custom made environmental friendly, robotic, ultrasonic and passivating parts cleaning center, PSP is on its way to becoming a world class example of an environmentally friendly, paperless, fully integrated solution providing platform offering in-house engineering support.

DEMO: PSP manufacturing area

Summit Pointe Golf Course

(Around Milpitas)

Nestled in the foothills of Milpitas overlooking a spectacular view of the south bay, Summitpointe Golf Club offers a private club experience at a public golf value. Measuring 6,329 yards from the back tees with a slope of 71.3, this championship 18-hole course will challenge and delight all golfers with combination of hills, water hazards and undulating greens.

Summit Pointe Golf Course

Museum of Man (California Building)

(Balboa Park - Landcape of culture & art.)

To the right of the California Building, the California Tower rises 200 feet. At its top is a weather vane in the shape of a Spanish ship similar to Cabrillo's. Inside the tower, a 100-bell symphonic carillon plays the standard Westminster chimes every quarter hour and a five minute recital at noon. The bells are operated from two keyboards on the third floor of the California Building. Usually they are played automatically with reels similar to those of a player piano. Occasionally, however, a carillonneur presents a live recital.

With the help of the Smithsonian Institution, the School of American Archaeology, and other groups, the State of California provided the California Building with exhibits ranging from the pueblos of the Southwest to the Aztec and Mayan ruins of South America. Expeditions to these places returned with over 5000 specimens of pottery, clothing, and religious and decorative items. After the exposition, these collections became the foundation of the San Diego Museum of Man, which now occupies the building. The museum's collections have grown over the years and specialize in the anthropology and archaeology of the Indian cultures of the Americas.

Museum of Man (California Building)

Aztec Woman

(Balboa Park - Landcape of culture & art.)

Enter the arcade of the building, follow it to the left, and soon you will come to the entrance to a courtyard in the center of the building. Designed after the Museum of Guadalajara, Mexico, the courtyard is surrounded by Spanish arcades. In its center, a limestone sculpture of an Aztec woman of Tehuantepec gracefully pours water from an urn into a tiled pool. The woman is the work of noted San Diego sculptor Donal Hord.

On the north side of the courtyard, the Balboa Park Visitors Center contains brochures and information about attractions in both Balboa Park and the San Diego area. On the south side, you will find a restaurant, whose dining room overlooks a patio and small formal garden behind the building. In the summer months, meals are served on the patio. The garden closely resembles the one at a palace in Rhonda, Spain.

La Jolla Waterpark

(Around La Jolla)

The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres (24 km²) of ocean bottom and tidelands. The park has become a popular destination for snorklers and scuba divers. The park was created by the City of San Diego in 1970 and actually has two other parks within it: the Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.

Within the underwater park are two artificial reefs, created to attract and enhance marine life. The first was built in 1964 with Santa Catalina quarry rock dumped in 70 feet of water near Scripps Canyon. The second was started in 1975 and is located at a depth of 40 feet (12 m) just offshore from the Torrey Pines Glider Port.

From La Jolla Shores, the ocean bottom slopes gently out to sea. The reefs keep the waves minimal, making this an excellent entry point for divers and kayakers. Kelp beds on the outer edges of the slope are popular fishing spots and great for observing seals, dolphins, birds and fish. But beyond the slope the bottom takes a sudden and 500-foot (150 m)-deep plunge into the La Jolla Canyon. The canyon reaches depths of 600 feet (180 m) within the park. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life help to explain why migrating whales can often be spotted close to shore.

La Jolla Waterpark

Little Corona Delma Beach Vista Point

(Around Newport Beach City)

Located down steps or a path from Ocean Boulevard near Poppy Ave., the top of the cliff offers stunning views of the Newport Beach jetties and bay at Inspiration Point Park. Little Corona del Mar beach in Newport Beach, California extends to the south from the Corona del Mar Main Beach as the signs call it, or Corona del Mar State Beach as California State Parks signify it.

Little Corona Delma Beach Vista Point

Corona Del Mar State Beach

(Around Newport Beach City)

Corona del Mar State Beach is a popular place for swimming, sunning and picnicking. The half-mile long sandy beach framed by cliffs and a rock jetty that forms the east entrance to Newport Harbor. Big Corona it is called, a wide crescent-shaped beach just southeast of the jetty. Farther southeast and past a gully is Little Corona, a place for body surfing, snorkeling and skin diving. But the chief interest is the tidepool and beachcombing area for naturalists. You will have to rock-hop here; wear shoes that can take a pounding and wetting. Look for Arch Rock with its see-through opening to the ocean.

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Balboa Island boardwalk

(Around Balboa Island)

Take the approximate 2-mile walk of a lifetime, you will feel the gentleness and quiet of relaxed living steeped in tradition and history; smell the ocean; listen to the lap of the water. On one side of the boardwalk, you’ll see the pristine harbor, and on the other, you’ll view one beautiful home after another; the gardens, the pelicans, the architecture, and the designs are sites you may never forget, nor ever tire of.

Balboa Island boardwalk

View of Riverfront Old Sacramento from Tower Bridge

(Tower Bridge (Highway 275))

View of Riverfront Old Sacramento from Tower Bridge

View of Tower Bridge from the bridge sidewalk

(Tower Bridge (Highway 275))

This historic The Tower Bridge is on the state and federal historical registry, and has been the golden landmark for the capitol of the Golden State for nearly thirty years. For years the bridge was painted silver, but people complained about glare off the bridge. In June 1976 it was painted its current shade of gold to match the dome on the State Capitol. It is interesting fact to know that the Tower Bridge is going to take 15 months to paint in metallic gold color (to be completed in April 2003), and it only took about nine months and $994,000 to build.

View of Tower Bridge from the bridge sidewalk

Tower Bridge View from RiverFront Promemade

(Tower Bridge (Highway 275))

Tower Bridge is a vertical lift bridge that is a type of movable bridge in which a span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck.. Because Sacramento used to rely so heavily on river traffic any bridges that were built had to be able to accommodate shipping. This means having some means of getting the bridge out of the way. On the bridge's central section can be raised and lowered with chains and pulleys in the supporting towers.

Tower Bridge View from RiverFront Promemade

View of Tower Bridge from Delta King

(Old Sacramento)

This panoramic view of Tower Bridge spanned over Sacramento river is taken next to red stern wheel of the giant paddle steamer Delta King. She worked the Sacramento - San Francisco route from 1927 to 1940. After serving as a troop ship and barracks during WWII she was allowed to become derelict and sank in San Francisco. She was rescued in 1984, towed to Sacramento and renovated. Nowadays she works only as a hotel, restaurant and theater.

View of Tower Bridge from Delta King

Front St. at Old Sacramento

(Old Sacramento)

On the left of the panorama, viewed from the historic Central Pacific Railroad passenger station, is the the Booth Building (highest next to 3 flag poles) owned by Newton Booth, one of Sacramento's influential citizens. A shrewd businessman, he built one of the largest wholesale grocery business on the Pacific Coast. He installed a platform on the roof of his building so that incoming ships could signal the cargo's worth, giving him an advantage over competitors.

Front St. at Old Sacramento

Lodi Lake Park

(Around Lodi)

Since 1941, Lodi lake has drawn families to its shores to swim, fish, picnic and play. The Discovery Center offers a variety of educational programs about the lake and its wildlife. Park visitors can also rent boats and other water crafts, cycle or jog through the park, RV camp on weekends, boat down the Mokulmne River on a Camera Safari or take an interpretive tour through the park's 58-acre riparian habitat.

Lodi Park: Open daily, 8:00am - dark.
Beach: Open Tuesday - Sunday, 11:30am - 5:30pm. For more information of Lodi Lake Park, or reserve facilities including for group of 30 to 200, please call Lodi Parks & Recreation Office (209) 333-6742 and Lodi Lake Discovery Center (209) 333-6890

Lodi Mokelumme River

(Around Lodi)

The lake's natural wonder, the Mokelumne 58-acre riparian habitat is home to a great variety of wildlife. Walk along the nature trail on the northeast side of the lake, hikers will see many species of bird, mammals, reptiles and fish. This area have been preserved to protect the natural vegetation there, as well as the living creatures in the lake and river area.

Lodi Mokelumme River

Lodi Arch

(Around Lodi)

In the early 1900's Tokay grapes were introduced into the area, and the town was able to grow and prosper. In 1907 the first Tokay Carnival was held to promote this particular grape. The Lodi Arch was built to commemorate this first event, the Arch still stands today.

Entrance to Monterey Fisherman Wharf

(Around Monterey)

Monterey Fisherman Wharf is seen on the left of marina. To the left of Fisherman Wharf is a brick-roof long building, the historial Monterey Custom House, where John D. Sloat, Commodore in the United States Navy, raised the U.S. flag over and claimed California for the United States. Here is also the site of the July 7, 1846, Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War.

Entrance to Monterey Fisherman Wharf

Monterey Fisherman Wharf

(Around Monterey)

Here is the outer point of Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California. Used as an active wholesale fish market into the 1960s, the wharf eventually became a tourist attraction as commercial fishing tapered off in the area. Fisherman's Wharf is lined with seafood restaurants ranging from casual, open-air clam bars, to formal indoor dining with views of the bay. Sea Lions can be seen often sleeping on the pilings, buoys, and moored boats in the bay.

Monterey Fisherman Wharf

Monterey Municipal Wharf II

(Around Monterey)

The Municipal Wharf II was constructed in 1926. This panoramic scene depicts the eastern most structure in Monterey Harbor. Facilities located on Wharf II include five wholesale fish companies, a commercial abalone farm, public restrooms, snack bar, restaurants, boat hoist and the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club. This 700-foot fishing promenade extends out from Wharf II and covers the protective sea wall on the East side of the Marina. Anglers may fish from the East side of the wharf. A fishing license is not required for sport fishing from a public pier or wharf in California. No fishing is allowed around the commercial facilities and in the marina for safety reasons. These areas are clearly posted "No Fishing." Metered parking is available on the promenade.

Monterey Municipal Wharf II

View of Lexington reservoir from highway 17 North bound

(Town of Los Gatos)

Lexington Reservoir is located on Los Gatos Creek about three miles south of the town of Los Gatos. The reservoir capacity is 19,044 acre-feet of water. Its surface area is 412 acres.

View of Lexington reservoir from highway 17 North bound

Great Blue Heron at lake El Estero

(The Monterey Aquarium)

The sculpture public art of the Great Blue Heron came to rest at Lake El Estero as part of the City of Monterey's public art program. The inspiration for the project began several year ago from a Herald photography of a blue heron take flight from the lake. The sculpture was created and fabricated by local artist Larry Fisher in June 1995. The piece is made of bronze strengtened with stainless steel. It stands approximately six feet tall and has a wing span of twelve feet. The total weight of the sculpture is approximately 800 lbs.

Great Blue Heron at lake El Estero

A local shop at Boulder Creek downtown

(Town of Boulder Creek)

A local shop at Boulder Creek downtown

Bridge connecting Bear Creek St. to highway 9

(Town of Boulder Creek)

After passing the bridge that connects Bear Creek St. to highway 9, turning left leads to main street of Boulder Creek downtown with population of 4,081 at the 2000 census. Boulder Creek is the gateway town to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which is California's oldest State Park, founded in 1902.

Bridge connecting Bear Creek St. to highway 9

Boulder Creek, circa 1885

(Town of Boulder Creek)

The mural painting depicts this town dated back to 1860s, when Joseph W. Perry operated a sawmill on the San Lorenzo River. In 1885, the South Pacific Coast Railroad completed its narrow-gauge line from Felton. The last train left Boulder Creek in 1934.

Boulder Creek, circa 1885

Boulder Creek downtown

(Town of Boulder Creek)

Downtown Boulder Creek on Highway 9

Boulder Creek downtown

Intel museum's Moore's law section

(Intel Museum)

In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore saw the future. His prediction, now popularly known as Moore's Law, states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles about every two years. This observation about silicon integration, made a reality by Intel, the world's largest silicon supplier, has fueled the worldwide technology revolution.

Intel museum's Moore's law section

Intel museum's cameras section

(Intel Museum)

Intel museum's cameras section

Intel museum's chip design section

(Intel Museum)

Intel museum's chip design section

Carmel Mission's Cemetery

(Carmel Mission)

Depicted here is Carmel Mission's cemetery containing the graves of unknown number of Native Americans. They are buried with some special stones and Abalone shells and other items on top of the grave. Indians were buried with their arms crossed and knees towards the chest.

Carmel Mission's Cemetery

Cupertino City Center

(Around Cupertino City)

Cupertino City Center includes two 8-story office buildings (20400 and 20450 Stevens Creek Boulevard) totaling 365,337 square feet. Surrounding the two-building Class A office complex are over 375 luxury residential units and the 224 room Kimpton-owned Cypress Hotel, featuring the delicious Park Place Restaurant. Further complementing the project is an adjacent a one-acre Cali Mill Plaza Park, a private swimming pool complex, and a community amphitheater.

Cupertino City Center

360° "Perspective" at Cali Mill Plaza

(Around Cupertino City)

The focal point of the park at Cali Mill Plaza is stainless steel sculpture “Perspectives”. Created by the well-known artist Roger Berry, the sculpture is fixed to its base, but is ever changing as one walks around it.

Cali Mill Plaza was created by a unique public-private partnership between the City of Cupertino and the local development firm, Prometheus, to provide the residents of Cupertino a gathering place for entertainment and cultural events. Free wireless Internet access is also provided as a feature of the plaza.

360° "Perspective" at Cali Mill Plaza

Telescope "Leah"

(Chabot Space & Science Center)

In 1883, Anthony Chabot, a successful hydraulic engineer and provider of water to the city of Oakland, agreed to fund an 8-inch telescope. Mr. Chabot subsequently funded the new observatory as well, which opened in downtown Oakland on November 24th of the same year. This 8" refractor was named "Leah."

Telescope "Leah"

Genuine Russian Spacesuit

(Chabot Space & Science Center)

The VR scene depicts a genuine Russian space suit on which China's spacesuit modeled.

Genuine Russian Spacesuit

Mars Odyssey at Chabot Science Center

(Chabot Space & Science Center)

Visitors to Chabot Space & Science Center can see models of the Cassini, Stardust and Mars Odyssey spacecraft. The display also includes a model of a small rover, or nanorover, like one that may someday land on an asteroid or other solar system body.

Mars Odyssey at Chabot Science Center

Discovery Lab - For Age 7 & Under

(Chabot Space & Science Center)

A hands-on, open lab, an environment where you and your child can interact through play and inquiry.

Discovery Lab - For Age 7 & Under

Telescope "Rachel"

(Chabot Space & Science Center)

Chabot's 20-inch refracting telescope was commissioned in 1914 from Warner & Swasey, with optics by John Brashear. In June 1999, Rachel was removed from the site where she had served the public for 75 years. Extensive dismantling, cleaning, and refurbishment were performed. Early in 2000, Rachel was installed in her new dome at the new Chabot Space & Science Center.

Telescope "Rachel"

Carmel Mission's Basilica Interior

(Carmel Mission)

The original reredos was destroyed when the last portion of ceiling collapsed in 1851, and from the fragments and descriptions it was ascertained that it may have resembled the one at Mission Dolores which was constructed of earlier gilded portions of massive golden wood altarpieces being disassembled at the Mother Church of San Fernando in Mexico City due to the change in architectural fashions.

The present furnishings of the church are mainly the originals as far as the statues, paintings and other artifacts are concerned. They have being used at the Old Presidio Chapel when it was enlarged to serve as a parish church in 1856 and remained in place until their return here in the first half of the twentieth century.

Carmel Mission's Basilica Interior

Carmel Mission's Court Yard

(Carmel Mission)

The present stone church was planned by Blessed Junipero Serra during his administration as Father–Presidente of the California Mission Chain (1770-1784). However many factors contributed to its actual erection being delayed until years after his death.

Carmel Mission's Court Yard

Flying grey whales

(The Monterey Aquarium)

Here is the middle section of first floor where you can see 'Sea Otters', auditorium, and the bayview 'Portola Cafe and Restaurant offering daily self-serve and full-service dining, plus a full bar, and the restrooms. Overhead, there are 2 large figures of gray whales and a skeleton supended from the ceiling.

The location is great, and you can step outside and relax to the souds of surf. The building is spacious, beautifully laid out to blend in with the fabulous scenery.

Flying grey whales

View from aquarium's skywalk

(The Monterey Aquarium)

From the second floor's skywalk, you can see the Monterey Aquarium adventures desk, gift shop, and two awsome life-size figures of killer whales suspended from the ceiling.

View from aquarium's skywalk

9/11 Victim Bench Memorial

(Lover's Point)

This memorial bench of Suzanne Marie Calley in the park facing Pacific Grove’s most famous spot, the rocky outcrop of Lover’s Point is a great memorial. It has touched as many tourists, visitors as panographer of this VR panorama. The writing burned into the bench reads: “Suzanne Marie Calley 9/17/87-9/11/01, dedicated to the victims and those touched by the events of 9/11/01.” Wrapped around the miniature pink roses it read, “Merry Christmas, Zanna, ... Love Mom and Dad."

9/11 Victim Bench Memorial

Lover's Point

(Lover's Point)

The rocky point in Pacific Grove, CA was named "Lovers of Jesus Point," now known as "Lover's Point." This area was once a Methodist settlement. Anyway, today you will see much more lover activity in this area and no religious fervor.

The San Jose Community Giving Tree

(Christmas In The Park at San Jose)

The Community Giving Tree, a 57-foot noble fir harvested near Mount Shasta and decorated with 18,000 lights and a lighted star on the top, opens Christmas at the Park which runs until Jan 1, 2007.
Christmas in the Park draws over 450,000 people to downtown San Jose during the four-week holiday season. It is supported through fundraising efforts by the volunteer Board of Directors, is free to the public and is open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily. Children can have their photograph taken with Santa Claus, watch the nightly entertainment and enjoy refreshments.

The San Jose Community Giving Tree

Bakery at Christmas in The Park

(Christmas In The Park at San Jose)

Each year, the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 60 musical and animated exhibits and glittering lights and the 60-foot City Community Giving Tree.
Christmas in the Park draws over 450,000 people to downtown San Jose during the four-week holiday season. It is supported through fundraising efforts by the volunteer Board of Directors, is free to the public and is open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily. Children can have their photograph taken with Santa Claus, watch the nightly entertainment and enjoy refreshments.

Bakery at Christmas in The Park

Clownish Trash Can

(Christmas In The Park at San Jose)

Two public trash cans seen at Market Street Downtown during Christmas season, one clownish, one boring look at each other.

Clownish Trash Can

Mouse King & Nutcracker

(Christmas In The Park at San Jose)

Here are the oversized sculptures of the Mouse King and Nutcracker of Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley displayed in front of San Jose Fairmont Hotel on Dec 24, 2006.
Each December for the past 15 years, Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley has been presenting its annual production of the popular holiday ballet "The Nutcracker". Children and their families can enjoy a theater specially decorated for the event and in addition, children may have their picture taken with the Nutcracker doll and Mouse King characters from the ballet.

Mouse King & Nutcracker

Downtown Ice

(Christmas In The Park at San Jose)

Downtown Ice is located in a spectacular setting -- the Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art. The South Bay’s largest seasonal outdoor skating rink during Christmas season, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, is directly across Market Street from Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

Waterfall at Yuena Buena Garden

(Yerba Buena Gardens)

This spectacular Martin Luther King Jr. memorial is located behind the waterfall. The memorial consists of excerpts of Dr. King's speeches stched in glass in the different languages of San Francisco's sister cities. On the terrace level above the waterfall is the sister cities gardens, where visitors can see an expertly manicured garden with plants representing each of San Francisco's sister cities, as well as the best view of the downtown skyline to be seen from downtown.

Waterfall at Yuena Buena Garden

San Francisco City Hall

(Around San Francisco)

The present building is actually a replacement for an earlier City Hall that was completely destroyed during the 1906 Earthquake. The architect was Arthur Brown Jr whose attention to the finishing details extended to the doorknobs and the typeface to be used in signage. The building is vast, totalling over 500,000 square feet (46,000 m²) and occupying two full blocks of San Francisco. It is 390 feet (119 m) long on Van Ness Avenue and Polk Street, by 273 feet, 3 inches (83.25 m) on Grove and McAllister Streets. Its dome, which owes much to Mansart's Baroque dome of Les Invalides, Paris, is the fifth largest dome in the world, rising 307.5 feet (94 m) above the Civic Center Historic District. It is fourteen inches (35 cm) higher than the United States Capitol, and has a diameter of 66 feet (20 m), resting upon 4 x 50 ton (3.5 x 44.5 metric ton) and 4 x 20 ton girders (3.5 x 17.8 ton), each 9 feet (2.7 m) deep and 60 feet (18 m) long.

San Francisco City Hall

Golden Gate Bridge' 5-Acre Garden

(Around San Francisco)

Here seen a segment of GB suspend cable displayed next to Strauss statue. Follow the brick sidewalk located behind the Strauss Statue and continue to follow the bricks to the right until they join an asphalt walk, then follow that to the left to the overlook. Stepping back from the Strauss Statue, visitors are faced with yet another visual treat: the immaculate gardens and the GB bridge on the background. On less than five acres, the annual and perennial flower beds and manicured hedges accent the brick sidewalks inviting guests to wander up or down a path to view the Bridge from a different prospective.

Golden Gate Bridge' 5-Acre Garden

Golden Gate Bridge

(Around San Francisco)

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean. It connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937 and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. Since its completion, the span length has been surpassed by eight other bridges. It still has the second longest suspension bridge main span in the United States, after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City. In 2007, it was ranked fifth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.

Golden Gate Bridge

Lombardo St.: The Crookedest St. in the World

(Around San Francisco)

This famous section, beautifully landscaped with flowers and bushes. It runs through both Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill and is located between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets It was designed this way and completed in 1922 to reduce the hill's natural 27° slope which was too steep for most vehicles to climb and a serious hazard to pedestrians used to a more reasonable sixteen-degree incline. It is a huge tourist attraction, and this is a must see on your visit to San Francisco!

Lombardo St.: The Crookedest St. in the World

Ocean Institute

(Dana Point City)

Ocean Institute Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to ocean awareness and preservation. The Institute owns and operates the Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point, and the research vessel Sea Explorer

Ocean Institute

Dana Point Harbor

(Dana Point City)

Dana Point Harbor houses 2,500 boats within two marinas, inside a one-and-a-half mile jetty. Complete facilities include guest slips, fuel dock, shipyard, launch ramp, boat rentals, yacht sales, community class instruction, fishing, windsurfing, jetskiing, kayaking, boat charters, two yacht clubs, sailing association, ocean classroom labs, shops, restaurants, picnicking, and even a baby beach for young swimmers

Dana Point Harbor

View of under the San Clemente Pier

(San Clemente City)

The San Clemente Pier was once one of Orange County's entry points (Seal Beach was another) for smuggling of liquor during the U.S. prohibition era of the early 1900's. A hurricane in 1939 destroyed the pier which included a cafe, tackle shop and Owl Boat Co. Repairs in 1985 $1.4 million was spent to repair San Clemente Pier in 1985 with a higher end section and polyethylene-coated steel piles.

View of under the San Clemente Pier

San Clemente Pier Wheeler North Reef

(San Clemente City)

For anglers, you can be there at the break of dawn to get some quality fishing in. To the north is Dana Point Harbor where fishing trips run daily and to the south, you can take a boat excursions out of Oceanside in San Diego County. Oceanside offers another spectacular pier to enjoy. The view shown in the photograph above is from a Dana Point Harbor Cruise featured in nearby Dana Point.

San Clemente Pier Wheeler North Reef

San Clemente Pier

(San Clemente City)

San Clemente Pier is a 1,296-foot long pleasure pier featuring spectacular Pacific Ocean views. San Clemente Pier is located at 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, California. In addition to offering free fishing, the pier has indoor/outdoor restaurant dining and offers a wonderful location to watch surfing competitions, sports activities and the beach fun. There's nothing that can compare with strolling on the San Clemente Pier, which is open daily at 4 a.m. and closes around midnight.

San Clemente Pier

Marine Monument - “Past, Present and Future”

(San Clemente City)

If you have not been to Park Semper Fi, Marine Monument, San Clemente, you have missed one of the Landmarks in San Clemente. Standing tall silently, majestically on a hillside over looking the blue Pacific Ocean a twelve foot bronzed statue of a Marine in Dress Blues saluting the American Flag erected in the middle of Park Semper Fi. The artists are Bill Limebrook and Lauren St. Vincent. The Statue depiction is of an actual Marine from Camp Pendleton. Dedicated in November 2005 for Marines, “Past, Present and Future”, The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation created this endeavor.

Marine Monument - “Past, Present and Future”

San Diego Skyline

(Coronado City)

San Diego skyline panorama view from Coronado's Centennial Park -- an extension of Orange Avenue between First Street and San Diego Bay, the park is located at the foot of Orange Avenue, near the Landing condominiums. The park is 49,000 square feet.

San Diego Skyline

1. Historic Gilroy City Hall at Monterey Rd. & 6th St.

(Gilroy City)

Seen on this panorama, is the historic Gilroy City Hall built in 1905. It's remained a city hall until 1989. The clocks on the building were donated by a local benefactor in the 1920s.This restored and seismically upgraded building received an Annual Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation on February 11, 1995. The finished product, with new colors and all the trim details restored. Aaccording to Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, the building is currently leased by the city to a restaurant operator (Aug 2008)

1. Historic Gilroy City Hall at Monterey Rd. & 6th St.

4. St. Mary's Catholic Church

(Gilroy City)

Seen here is the sanctuary and interior view of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a block away from Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.

4. St. Mary's Catholic Church

7. How fast the swans can swim at Coyote Lake?

(Gilroy City)

How fast the swans and ducks can swim at Coyote Lake at Gilroy Gardens?
Depending how fast can you pedal. Relax on Coyote Lake in paddle boats designed like swans and ducks. The ducks and swans in this ride were manufactured in Switzerland. This ride is NOT open during November or December operating days.

7. How fast the swans can swim at Coyote Lake?

6. One of the Strangest Living Trees at Gilroy Gardens

(Gilroy City)

Virtually seen here is the "Basket Tree" at Gilroy Gardens (former Bonfante Gardens) in Gilroy, California. This tree is actually six American Sycamores grafted together in 42 different connections to give it its basket shape.
This botanical adventure began in Hilmar, California in the 1920's when Axel Erlandson, a farmer by trade, observed the natural grafting of two Sycamores. His first major project consisted of fusing four Sycamore saplings into a cupola that he named the "Four-Legged Giant." Using intricate grafting techniques, Erlandson wove his wonders with threads of living wood. Straight tree trunks became complex and compound designs in shapes like hearts, lightning bolts, basket weaves and rings.

6. One of the Strangest Living Trees at Gilroy Gardens

5. Wings of History at San Martin/Gilroy

(Gilroy City)

The Wings of History Museum is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of antique aircraft as well as other aviation artifacts. It's also a member of Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. Seen on this VR panorama is one-of-a-kind Homebuilt combining a Simca car with a 300hp Lycoming aircraft engine and crude welded structure to create a helicopter-car. The Simcopter was designed, constructed, and piloted by David Dobbins in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mr Dobbins flew his creation to a height of 5 feet as reported by the local newspaper, "El Occidental", on August 15, 1957. Scary!

5. Wings of History at San Martin/Gilroy

Chemical Fire Truck at Campbell City Museum

(Campbell City)

In order to help protect Campbell from fires, community members started a volunteer bucket brigade at the turn of the century. Imagine bringing buckets to fires on a small hand-draw cart! A volunteer fire department was established in 1913 with Ethan Lamphear as the first elected Fire Chief. Shortly after, community members voted to purchase a 1918 American La France Chemical Truck. This working chemical truck was reconstructed by the fire departement in 1957 and restored by Vacaville Prison Industries in 1989

Chemical Fire Truck at Campbell City Museum

Campbell historical downtown

(Campbell City)

Campbell is situated in the southern portion of the Santa Clara Valley, with Highway 17 passing through eastern Campbell and Highway 85 to its south. The historic downtown section sits just west of the railroad in the central area. The southwestern area of Campbell is known as the San Tomas neighborhood and varies somewhat from most of Campbell in the size of its lots and styles of housing. Hamilton Avenue is one the northernmost roads in Campbell.

Campbell historical downtown

General Store circa 1900 at Campbell City Museum

(Campbell City)

In the early 1900, a general store would have looked like this with a little bit of everything available for sale. The prices displayed are based on the 1896 Sears Roebuck & Co. catalog.

General Store circa 1900 at Campbell City Museum

Fountain at Chavez Plaza

(San Jose Nightlife)

Sunset at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, downtown Market Street.

Fountain at Chavez Plaza

San Pedro Square at Santa Clara St. by Night

(San Jose Nightlife)

San Pedro Square is located between Santa Clara St. and Saint John St. The oldest district in the city, San Pedro Square is home to two national historic landmarks, the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House. The Peralta Adobe was built in 1797 and is the oldest building in San Jose. The Fallon House is an Italianate mansion built in 1855 by Thomas Fallon, mayor of San Jose from 1859 to 1860. Today, San Pedro Square is a dining and nightlife destination in downtown San Jose, featuring a theater and many restaurants and bars.

San Pedro Square at Santa Clara St. by Night

HP Pavillion Arena by Night

(San Jose Nightlife)

The HP Pavilion at San Jose, formerly known as Compaq Center at San Jose and San Jose Arena is an indoor arena located at 525 West Santa Clara Street in San Jose, California. The arena is also commonly called The Shark Tank or The Tank, both of which come from its primary tenant, the San Jose Sharks.

HP Pavillion Arena by Night

The Tech Museum by Night

(San Jose Nightlife)

The Tech Museum of Innovation, or simply The Tech, is a museum located in the heart of Silicon Valley, in downtown San Jose, California USA. Focusing on technology and its effects, The Tech serves as an important educational and cultural resource for tourists and local residents alike.

The Tech Museum by Night

North First St. - San Jose Downtown

(San Jose Nightlife)

Sowntown North First St. San Jose by night.

North First St. - San Jose Downtown

Market St. - San Jose Downtown

(San Jose Nightlife)

Market St. by night - San Jose downtown

Market St. - San Jose Downtown

San Jose Rose Garden

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

There are always roses blooming in the San Jose Rose Garden. It is a world-class collection of almost 5,000 plants of more than 3,100 varieties of heritage, modern and miniature roses, initially planted by more than 750 volunteers in March 1995. Peak bloom times: Teas & Chinas - End of March; Modern Roses - End of April; European OGRs - Mid May; Fall Flush - mid October.

San Jose Rose Garden

Children's Discovery Museum Red Wall

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose would hardly exist, if there was not the generosity of the donors and sponsor. In the back of the musum building, there are several red walls engraved with donors names. The Children's Discovery Museum also provides a stimulating environment for private events and corporate functions. The spacious layout and over 100 interactive exhibits invite mixing, mingling, and merriment.

Children's Discovery Museum Red Wall

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose (CDM) is located on Woz Way in downtown San Jose. Woz Way is named after Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, whose nickname is "Woz," and who was the single largest private donor during the original capital campaign that funded the Museum. Children's Discovery Museum has been officially ranked by Child Magazine as one of the top 10 children’s museums in the U.S. and ranked by the London Observer as one of the top 5 science centers in the world.

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

SJ Veteran Memorial Flags at Park Ave

(SJ Parks & Trails :The Veteran Memorial)

SJ Veteran Memorial Flags at Park Ave

SJ Veteran Memorial at Sunset

(SJ Parks & Trails :The Veteran Memorial)

SJ Veteran Memorial at Sunset

Dance Synthesis Figurative Public Sculpture

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Three white figurative sculptures of 3 female dancers created by Brian Holt in 1988. This public art is being displayed by Performing Arts Center in San Jose

Dance Synthesis Figurative Public Sculpture

The Howling Coyote

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Sculpture "The Howling Coyote", a public art by artist Peter Schiffrin, is permanently displayed at Guadalupe park in San Jose, California.

The Howling Coyote

Public Art Bear at Performance Art

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Public Art Bear at Performance Art

Sculpture in front of Adobe West Building entrance

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Public Art in front of Adobe headquarter's West building entrance, San Jose, California

Sculpture in front of Adobe West Building entrance

Guadalupe River Trail at West San Carlos

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Guadalupe River Trail at West San Carlos

Guadalupe River Park at Park Ave

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Guadalupe River Park at Park Ave

Guadalupe RiverPark at Ancient Mamooth Site

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Guadalupe RiverPark at Ancient Mamooth Site

Guadalupe River Park at Adobe

(SJ Parks & Trails: Guadalupe River Park)

Guadalupe River Park at Adobe

Guadalupe River Park at Adobe

Veteran Memorial - Aerial view

(SJ Parks & Trails :The Veteran Memorial)

The white flags represent the anonymity of each who serves -- white is a sign of peace. The snapping fabric in the winds, contrasted with the serene canopy of white banners, reflects the military strength which preserves our peace.
The etched glass panels tell, through excerpts from letters home, the experiences of local veterans during the various wars. The figures in the panels cast shadows on the pavement in front of, or behind the panels, depending on the time of day. (Ref. grpg.org)

Veteran Memorial - Aerial view

Okayama Peach Boy Sister Cities Seating Areas

(Public Art in San Jose)

Several Sister Cities Seating Areas are at the south end of the park. These areas commemorate San Jose's special relationship with seven cities throughout the world: Okayama, Japan; Dublin, Ireland; Veracruz, Mexico; San Jose, Costa Rica; Tainan, Taiwan; Puné, India; and Ekaterinaberg, Russia. Each seating area is constructed with materials from the country being honored and features a bench, the country's flag, and other items particular to that city and country. Seen here is a public art, the "Peach Boy" sculpture, a gift from city of Okayama.

Okayama Peach Boy Sister Cities Seating Areas

Eagle Sculpture at The Park Bridge

(Public Art in San Jose)

This Eagle sculpture, a public art created by artist Tom Andrews, stands along with four flags that fly from atop the bridge and represent the past and present governments of the area: Spain, Mexico, California and the United States. The Coyote, Hummingbird and Eagle represent the Muwekma Ohlone creation story. Coyote was the father of the human race who was responsible for creating people and teaching them how to live properly. Hummingbird was wise and clever. Eagle was a leader.

Eagle Sculpture at The Park Bridge

The Coyote (NW corner of the bridge)

(Public Art in San Jose)

The Muwekma Ohlone people, Native Americans who once lived along the Guadalupe River, are honored with animal sculptures important to their tradition, on the Park Avenue Bridge. There are 4 coyotes sculptures created by artist Peter Schiffrin. These public art are displayed on about 10-foot high stands at 3 corners of the bridge. This coyote seen here is on the side and next to the Mammooth Site.

The Coyote (NW corner of the bridge)

Tony Ridder's Tennis Shoes

(Public Art in San Jose)

Located in the park of Children's Discovery Museum, this small memorial space was created as a tribute to Tony Ridder, a philanthropist and publisher of a local newspaper. This public art , two oversized and very worn tennis shoes made of bronze are a metaphor for his hard work and community service. Inscription on plaque: "Tony Ridder Publisher, philanthropist, and friend to San Jose. These shoes symbolize the long run that Tony Ridder made to support and improve San Jose. They are big shoes to fill. If others fill them by following his example of strength, selflessness and dedication, Tony Ridder will be happy indeed. People of San Jose" Fabricator: Artworks Foundry. (Ref. artonfile.com)

Tony Ridder's Tennis Shoes

"Man of Fire" at the paseo between Market & 4th St.

(Public Art in San Jose)

Artist Kim Yasuda's "Man of Fire", a public art, is commemoration to the great and influential teacher and civic leader Dr. Ernesto Galarza. It's located at the paseo between Market and 4th Streets linking Cesar Chavez Plaza and San José State University, San José.
The artwork references Dr. Galarza’s life-long pursuit of bridging academic and civil life. The design of this commemorative work seeks to physically and conceptually connect San Jose State University with Plaza de Cesar Chavez, in the heart of the City's downtown. There artwork is composed of 3 key elements: Library Table, Cast Bronze Chair and Ribbons of Terrazzo

"Man of Fire" at the paseo between Market & 4th St.

Downtown Doors "Zoom"

(Public Art in San Jose)

Young people take the lead in the Downtown Doors project. The program offers high school students an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic ability and showcase their craftsmanship within the community. “Zoom, a public art by Jessica Blaine (Lincoln High School), located on a three-panel utility door of the Fairmont Hotel facing Market Street.

Downtown Doors "Zoom"

Downtown Doors "Fountain Romance"

(Public Art in San Jose)

Downtown Doors is an outdoor public art exhibit sponsored by the San Jose Downtown Foundation. Artwork is selected through a design competition of student artists. “Fountain Romance,” by Emily Gliozzo (Lincoln Saturday Art Academy), located on a three-panel utility door of the Fairmont Hotel facing Market Street.

Downtown Doors "Fountain Romance"

"Figure Holding the Sun"

(Public Art in San Jose)

"Figure Holding the Sun" - a public art - made by fabricated steel and paints by Italy's Calabria-born artist/professor Italo Scanga (1932 to 2001) in 1988. It stands on the plaza in front of the San Jose Museum of Art, and next to the circle of palm trees, close to former Knight Ridder Headquater, and San Jose Fairmont Hotel. The San Jose Museum of Art operates partly out of a striking 1892 post-office building with a clock tower, and partly out of the adjacent modern building that opened in 1991. Bright red cloth paneling across the front of the new building announces the museum's name.

"Figure Holding the Sun"

El Carmelo Cemetery

(Around Pacific Grove)

The El Carmelo Cemetery has been part of Pacific Grove's history since the late 1800s. For nearly a century, the City of Pacific Grove continues to maintain and cherish this final resting place. The cemetery offers magnificent ocean views from almost any point on the grounds.

El Carmelo Cemetery

Pacific Grove Purple Carpet

(Around Pacific Grove)

The picture-postcard-perfect image of purple flowers that wrap the PG coastline in a blanket of bright lavender every spring. The plants go by many names: Rosea Ice Plant; Floribunda Purple; “Purple Carpet”; and the botanical name, Drosanthemum Floribundum.

Pacific Grove Purple Carpet

Asilomar State Beach

(Around Pacific Grove)

Asilomar State Beach is a narrow one-mile (1.6 km) strip of sandy beach and rocky coves. A one mile trail, which runs through the dunes, is open to pedestrians. This trail is wheelchair-accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available at Asilomar State Beach. Bicycling is allowed on the paved bike lane in proximity to the trail. Asilomar State Beach is part of the Asilomar Marine Reserve and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Asilomar State Beach

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

(Around San Jose Downtown)

Conveniently located in downtown San José in the San José McEnery Convention Center, the Visitor Information Center offers one-stop-shopping for your visitor needs. Stop by the Visitor Center for directions, reservations assistance (lodging and restaurants), calendars of events, and general information. The Visitor Information Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM. - 5:30 PM. For more information, contact the Visitor Center directly at (408) 792-4173.

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

San Jose Museum of Art

(Around San Jose Downtown)

Established in 1969, the San Jose Museum of Art is a distinct voice in the San Francisco Bay Area arts community. The Museum is recognized for its contemporary collection, which reflects the West Coast contextualized by national and international visual art. The collection exhibits the unique evolution of the institution from a small civic art gallery to a museum in the tenth largest city in the United States.

San Jose Museum of Art

At Intersection of Santa Clara St & Almaden Blvd.

(Around San Jose Downtown)

At Intersection of Santa Clara St & Almaden Blvd.

Almaden Blvd - San Jose Downtown

(Around San Jose Downtown)

Almaden Blvd - San Jose Downtown

Aerial View of San Jose Civic Center

(Around San Jose Downtown)

Aerial panoramic view of San Jose City Hall and its civic center.

Aerial View of San Jose Civic Center

HP Pavillion at Guadulape River Park

(Around San Jose Downtown)

The HP Pavilion at San Jose, formerly known as Compaq Center at San Jose and San Jose Arena is an indoor arena located at 525 West Santa Clara Street in San Jose, California. The arena is also commonly called The Shark Tank or The Tank, both of which come from its primary tenant, the San Jose Sharks. The arena opened in 1993 as the San Jose Arena. Later, naming rights were sold to Compaq, and the facility became Compaq Center at San Jose; the geographic identifier was needed because at the time, there was a Compaq Center in Houston. After HP purchased Compaq in 2002, the company chose to name the arena the HP Pavilion (as opposed to HP Center or HP Arena) after one of their computer models.

HP Pavillion at Guadulape River Park

Veterans Memorial

(Around San Jose Downtown)

The Veterans Memorial, located on Park Avenue at the Guadalupe River, is an enduring tribute to the men and women who have served our country in peacetime and in time of war. The Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1997. The Veterans Memorial consists of 76 flags on 30 ft. steel poles, representative of military personnel in formation. They also reflect the tiers of white headstones in a military cemetery. The white flags represent the anonymity of each who serves -- white is a sign of peace. The snapping fabric in the winds, contrasted with the serene canopy of white banners, reflects the military strength which preserves our peace.

Veterans Memorial

Horse Mounted Police

(Around San Jose Downtown)

Perched high above the streets, two San Jose's mounted police patrolled from the Arema Green of Guadalupe River Park, paused to get a good view of the city, and friendly posed for this panorama when the panographer approached the officers. Across the street, you can see five mosaic-tiled pillars. It's "The Five Skater's Artpiece" at Arena Green honors five Olympic champion ice skaters from the Bay Area: Peggy Fleming, Debbi Thomas, Brian Boitano, Kristy Yamaguchi, and Rudy Galindo.

Horse Mounted Police

California State Capitol at Dusk

(California State Capitol)

California State Capitol at Dusk

California State Capitol at Dusk

(California State Capitol)

California State Capitol at Dusk

California State Capitol East side

(California State Capitol)

California State Capitol East side

California State Capitol West site

(California State Capitol)

California State Capitol West site

California State Capitol West site

California State Capitol at Dusk

(California State Capitol)

California State Capitol at Dusk

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