San Diego-not every star is born. In this Zevely district, I saw for the first time a brand new large and bright star shining over Little Italy. 

Whether on the highway or on an upcoming flight, San Diego can enjoy the new lighthouse that lights up the night. On the roof of 2100 Kettner Boulevard is planted a must-see public artwork. Starting in 2020 to inspire hope during the dark days of the pandemic, Kilroy Stars was commissioned in West Coast cities by real estate developer and public art supporter John Kilroy.

Shannon Knuth of Kilroy Realty Corporation said: “Almost everyone is affected by COVID.” She and her colleagues were asked if somehow, light can be seen from the dark. "There is no pressure at all," Shannon smiled. 

Kilroy Realty commissioned Engineered Artworks and Zoetic Digital in San Francisco. "We started brainstorming," Shannon said. They need a good idea, as if a light bulb went out; 30,000 of them!

In 2020, Kilroy Stars were discovered over Seattle, San Francisco and Hollywood. In 2021, these meteors will soar over Long Beach, Austin, Texas, and San Diego.

A man in the street below looked up and could only say: "Oh, wow!" 

Another passerby said: "Very inspirational." 

"This star is beautiful, and I think it's perfect for this time of year," said Pamela, who walked with her family.

Star uses light to transcend language. It is 20 feet in diameter and is equipped with 30,000 individually programmable LED bulbs. It was designed and built by a creative cooperative in Auckland, which was widely recognized for its installations on Engineered Artworks.

The LED lights oscillate in a rhythmic pattern that can be seen from miles away. On Valentine's Day, the lantern will be red. On St. Patrick's Day, the lights will turn green. What if the San Diego Padres enter the World Series? The lamp may be brown and gold. As the anchor of the Hall of Fame, Jerry Coleman will declare, "You can hang a star on that baby!"

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From November 15, 2021 to March 15, 2022, Kilroy Star will remain lit 24 hours a day.

Watch: Little Italy then and now: Relive the 1980s San Diego community series

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