I am a native San Diegan, a longtime downtown resident, and a fierce advocate for new urbanism. I am also an avid street photographer and enjoy capturing images of the people and places of the inner city and surrounding community.
About Salvatore Giametta
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents and four sisters immigrated to the United States from Sicily, Italy in the mid-1950s, spending four years in New York City before settling in San Diego (first Little Italy then North Park), where I was born. My father was a gardener and my mother was a homemaker.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked primarily in the government and hospitality fields in San Diego, including the San Diego Tourism Authority (formerly the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau), the City of San Diego, and the County of San Diego. I am currently retired and spend a good deal of time developing my passion for street photography.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
To be ‘other’ focused in life.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Though I’ve been retired for nearly five years, full retirement does not suit me. I see myself back in the workforce part-time in one of several fields (public affairs, communications, hospitality) with an active side hustle (photography) all the while spending more time traveling internationally.
Salvatore Giametta & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Vinarius, Puerto La Boca, Bun and Patti in Little Italy, Athens Market downtown, Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, and Ciccia Osteria in Barrio Logan.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised in San Diego and have lived and worked nearly my entire adult life in the downtown community (Marina and Columbia Districts)
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dr. Jacopo Annese, president & CEO, The Brain Observatory
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dobson’s Bar & Restaurant
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Though San Diego is one of the country’s largest cities, it still has a small-town feel in many respects.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
The author Erik Larson (Dead Wake, In the Garden of Beasts, Thunderstruck, The Devil in the White City, Isaac’s Storm …). Larson is a master of narrative nonfiction. I find his writing fascinating. Lunch location: Top of the Market.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Dinner Rush (2000 film). Frasier (original sitcom).
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Though I have been and continue to be very involved in many public and social endeavors, I am an introvert at heart.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant in Little Italy
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents, who although long deceased were both extraordinary role models who continue to inspire me today.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
San Diego Tourism Authority, USS Midway Museum, Little Italy Association, Convivio Society
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Lead by example.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Columbia District, downtown San Diego.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
My neighbors and the proximity to Little Italy and the urban core..
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Saturday mornings (rain or shine) photographing the popular Little Italy Farmers’ Market. Long walks along the waterfront and short hikes throughout one of several urban canyons. Dinner at one of several favorite downtown eateries. Meeting with friends and neighbors at Caffe Italia.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfortable. Peaceful. Rejuvenating.
