USA vs. Chile

After a 5 month break, the USA national soccer team returned to action for the finale of "Camp Cupcake" playing Chile at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. The team and the USA fans were ready for the game.
The crowd at the game this year was by far the largest pro-USA support group I have ever seen for the January friendly. Thanks largely to the organization of the American Outlaws, a group of around 200 USA fans marched into the stadium.
The chanting and cheering started well before the game...
...and the supporters were singing their guts out even before the action started.
It was a fun game, between the nation's two "B" sides; essentially a bunch of young players trying to impress their head coaches and make it onto the national team's roster.

Chile scored a goal early in the second half, to the dismay of the USA fans....
...but the cheers of the Chile fans that made it to the match.
But with the introduction of Juan Agudelo...
...and Teal Bunbury up top, the USA put the pressure on the Chile defense.
It finally cracked when Agudelo broke through the penalty box and was fouled by a Chilean defender.

And received congrats from his teammates.
The fans celebrated Bunbury's penalty goal and the game ended up a draw: 1-1.

A good result and a great chance to see some of the new talent on the USA Men's National Team. Afterwards Mikkel Diskerud said thanks to the fans who made it out for the friendly. A good showing for the team and the USA fans to start the new year. When is the next game again?

Lights on Market Street

It's not every day you get tipped off to a fun assignment to shoot but that happened to me yesterday. The news editor at the SF Gate pointed out an article about several new art installations that went on display in the Mid-Market area of San Francisco on Thursday evening.
The event, dubbed “Lights on Market Street,” is an initiative aimed at revitalizing the Central Market Street area, which is plagued with vacant storefronts and is not a friendly, or fun, place to hang out.
The artwork, including this piece by artist Robert James, made people in the area stop, touch and explore. It was interesting to watch.
During the ceremony there was a walk between the exhibits that was fun and full of lights.
I even saw Top Cat, who is a saxophonist player that was the subject of one of my first photo essays when I was in school at SF State.
But by far the coolest and biggest drawing instillation was Faces by artist Theodore Watson.
You just couldn't stop standing in front of the "capture station," wait a few seconds, and then see your face across the street.

A lot of fun. An interesting experiment, and well worth the time to check out!

For more of my photographs from the event, check out my photo gallery on SF Gate.

Union Square Menorah Lighting

I love photographing the annual Union Square Menorah lighting, commemorating the first night of Hanukkah.
The ceremony starts with the lighting of a large torch by Rabbi Yosef Langer which he brings around the crowd and lets everyone touch...
...although some don't want to get to close...
...and the Rabbi shows he can dance as well.
From there they climb the staircase behind the large menorah.
And from there its lighting the first candle.

As the crowd below watches.
At the end, the Rabbi gives his wishes and the celebration begins. If you happen to be in downtown San Francisco the next several days, there will be a nightly lighting ceremony for the remaining days of Hanukkah. Its an experience to remember!

You can view more of my photos in this SF Gate Photo Gallery

Giants Fans Celebrate the World Series Win

After 56 years, and never in San Francisco, Giants fans have waited to celebrate winning the World Series. All those years of pent up frustration burst out last night on the streets of San Francisco. It was insane...
Earlier fans by the thousands watched the game at the Civic Center
Fans were hoping for a celebration...
And when Edgar Renteria scored a 3-run home run it looked like the party was about to start.
At the end people were streaming around honking horns and hi-fiving..
Samba bands appeared out of nowhere...
And the party began..
Some San Francisans had to work and couldn't join the party...

A group of around 1000 fans marched from 5th and Market...

And celebrated on the steps of the old Mint at 5th and Mission.

Making their way to AT&T Park jumping on any car in the way...

Even if it was a police car.
And lit and jumped through bonfires at 3rd and King St.

Firefighters doused some of the bonfires.
And the party just kept going and going. Congrats Giants for an amazing run and bringing the party back to SF. Can't wait for the celebration parade on Wednesday!

Marin County Triathlon

One of my favorite yearly events to photograph for the Marin IJ is the Marin County Triathlon...
I am always amazed what people go through to compete in the race...
After the brutal 1.5 km swim there is a 22 mile bike ride...
22 miles...
At least it always helps to have a supporters section cheering you on.
Then at the end an "easy" 6.2 mile run...
Up...
and down hills to the finish line...
Where you raise your hands in triumph.
And celebrate with your loved ones. To see all my photos from the day click on the slideshow in the Marin IJ article .