Balboa Park is known as the Jewel of San Diego.
Since the 1915 California-Panama Exposition and the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition brought people from around the country and other countries to Balboa Park, it has been a special place. With 1200 acres, it is said to be the largest urban-centered park in North America.
And having been there this week for the San Diego Press Club’s Excellence in Journalism Awards event, some of the talk was about wanting to spend more time there. And the many people who live in San Diego who have not spent a lot of time enjoying everything this local and historic jewel of San Diego has to offer and what it means.
The event was held at the House of Pacific Relations, the International Cottages, which represent more than 30 countries around the world.
Its stated purpose is this: “To create a spirit of understanding, tolerance and goodwill among the various national and ethnic groups.” As the president of the House of Pacific Relations puts it, “It has become a bastion of peace and hope to thousands of San Diegans while the rest of the world has been embroiled in conflict and mutual distrust.”
We all see that in the news every day. But when you see the House of Ukraine there with the many other countries represented, it makes you appreciate it in a way maybe you never have. And brings a glimmer of hope about an end to wars.
(Photo: House of Pacific Relations)