[San Diego Union-Tribune] Under gray, misty skies in the Gaslamp Quarter on Saturday morning, there were joggers, babies in strollers, tourists, homeless people, cops and cows. Lots and lots of cows.Just after 7:30 a.m., a herd of 200 American Longhorn and Mexican Corriente cattle began making its way down Harbor Drive under the guidance of 48 cowpokes on horseback and a small but fast-moving fleet of herding dogs. The cattle drive, said to be first in 100 years in downtown San Diego, was organized by the San Diego County Fair, which opened its annual run Friday with a "Where the West is Fun" theme.
Thousands of delighted spectators lined the 2½-mile route, which began at Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. Moving at a rate of 3 to 4 mph, the cattle drive moved southeast past the San Diego Convention Center, then turned north on Fifth Avenue and west on Market Street before returning to its staging ground in Ruocco Park near Seaport Village.
Moments before the drive began, Jim Marshall of San Diego stood near the starting point with his cellphone camera poised for action, just in case an unexpected stampede occurred.
No attempt at disrespect regarding recent London events, just a 'mind off of it' for a moment or two effort.