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For Mayor Jerry Sanders’ final State of the City address, I wanted to make sure I got some new, interesting images that would tell the story of the evening.
I’ve attended each of Sanders’ seven speeches, either as a reporter or photographer, and it’s always a challenge trying to find a fresh perspective.
Tonight, I tried to tell the story of this finale. Here’s what I came up with while spending time with Sanders backstage and roaming the crowd during his speech.
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders’ security detail guards the entrance to his green room. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders’ chief of staff, Julie Dubick, brushes off his jacket before the mayor heads to the stage. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders greets visitors backstage. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders heads to the stage. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Pianist Joshua White performs before the speech. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders came on stage after a video introduction that included music Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and AC/DC’s “Hells Bells.” |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders laughs excitedly after taking the stage. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Occupy San Diego protester Mike Garcia is handcuffed after the group interrupted Sanders’ opening remarks. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| There was a stronger police presence at the theater due to the Occupy San Diego protesters. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders gestures during his speech. This is his last State of the City address. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Seats are reserved for the mayor’s staff. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| The mayor takes a sip of water during his speech. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders reads from a teleprompter. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders delivered his speech in the Balboa Theatre. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Sanders is pictured on a video screen near the rear of the theater. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| The mayor exits the stage after his final State of the City address. |
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| Photo by Sam Hodgson |
| Attendees exit the theater after Sanders’ final State of the City address. |
I’m a freelance photojournalist and contributor to voiceofsandiego.org. You can contact me at samhodgsonphoto@gmail.com and check out my work on my website.