Old Town has been one of San Diego’s most popular places for tourists and residents for several decades. But on Thursday, something new made news in Old Town.
It was the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Old Town’s new gateway sign, located at the entrance to San Diego Avenue.
As described by a reporter who was there, the event “drew an enthusiastic crowd of local officials, community members, and Old Town advocates to celebrate this long-anticipated project that showcases the neighborhood’s cultural heritage and character.”
Old Town of course is where the city of San Diego began way back in the 1800’s. And ever since has been a place where Mexican culture and California culture come together in a very special way.
And also unveiled on Thursday was “Diane Powers Way”, an honorary street name at the corner of San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street dedicated to a woman who has been called San Diego’s most successful and longtime female entrepreneur.
The longtime operator of the longtime center court of Old Town, Bazaar del Mundo, that is still there today, though now next to one of her longtime restaurants in Old Town after the state decided some years ago, mistakenly to award a contract to a concessionaire.
But Diane Powers has been a powerful and driving force before and after that, in helping to preserve Old Town’s charm and historical significance for future generations.
And that’s something that no one will ever be able to take away from her.
(Photos Old Town Chamber of Commerce)