Monthly Newsletters

April Newsletter

SPRING HAS SPRUNG…

April showers bring May flowers! Unless you’re in Coronado, where it’s forecasted to be 84 degrees and sunny on April 1st.

This month we’ve got restrictions being lifted slowly and vaccinations being distributed quick as a bunny.

Speaking of, Coronado’s annual Easter Egg-stravaganza this year will be a drive-thru event held on April 3rd in the parking lot just north of City Hall (1825 Strand Way).

Participants will enjoy a roll-through Bunny Bakery and receive some sweet treats, then take an adventure through a life-size Candyland game where everyone is a winner and finally, make a stop at Bunny Boulevard where bunny helpers will hand out an egg-hunt-to-go kit and a professional photographer will snap your photo with the Easter Bunny!

Reservations are required to attend this FREE drive-thru event on April 3 between 11am and 3pm. Contact the Coronado Community Center at (619) 522-7342 to book and please leave a message if no answer.

Also, numerous Coronado restaurants will have limited indoor and plenty of outdoor seating for Easter Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. It will be a beautiful day to be on the Island.

Last month, a town hall was held to discuss a renovation of the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room after the City Council previously authorized a contract with M.W. Steele group to work with staff to explore expanding the Winn Room.

The room offers a wide range of free cultural programs but is aging, has poor acoustics and sight-lines and limited capacity which has previously hindered the presentation of certain events so we now have an opportunity to turn it into a state-of-the-art auditorium capable of serving the needs of the community for the next 50 to 75 years.

The Comment Coronado public engagement site has more about “The Winn” renovation and you can view the concept plans there…

https://commentcoronado.org/winn-room-expansion

As the Special Events Commissioner on the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission, I’m very excited about the possibilities an upgrade will present!

March Newsletter

Monthly Newsletters

TOP OF THE MORNING TO YOU…

We’re marching into March with enthusiasm and optimism that the worst is behind us.

For selfish reasons, this is my favorite month because a great day is even better when you have your birthday on St. Patrick’s Day!

It’s a gift and a curse but I take the expectations that come with my heritage and being born on this Irish holiday seriously and always celebrate properly.

Again, the ability to gather with a large group of friends and family will have to be put off for another year but with outdoor dining allowed safely I can imagine I’ll toast a few pints of Guinness on the large patio at McP’s Irish Pub.

Also, don’t forget that Coronado has its own Irish-themed store right on Orange Ave. Celtic Corner has a St. Patrick’s Day collection in-store and on its website at https://celticcorner.net/collections/st-patricks-day.

St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday falls during the Christian season of Lent and Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and then celebrate in the afternoon.

As Irish immigrants spread out over the United States, cities developed their own traditions and my favorite growing up in the Midwest was the annual green dyeing of the Chicago River which uses 40 pounds of dye to turn the river green for several hours.

May the leprechauns be near you,

To spread luck along your way.

And may all the Irish angels,

Smile upon you St Patrick’s Day.

Sláinte.

February Newsletter

Monthly Newsletters

FOR THE LOVE OF CORONADO…

February is all about love so I’m going to spend it sharing the love of my community, Coronado.

(My wife might also get some attention too.)

During these winter months, I couldn’t be more thankful that I live in a beach community with mild weather, where outdoor activities abound and temperatures never dip into freezing. As a former, Wisconsinite I count my blessings every day I don’t have to crank up the heat or scrape off my car in the morning.

The Coronado Public Library recently announced the selection of its 2021 Coronado Community Read. The nonfiction title, Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, was selected by a public vote. The book was the 2016 National Book Award winner and a New York Times Bestseller.

The Community Read began is a partnership between the Coronado Public Library, the city’s Cultural Arts Commission, and other community partners. Its goals are to promote literacy and a vibrant literary culture in the community; introduce and draw people to the library, and bring residents together with shared experiences through planned events related to a single book.

Now in its fifth year, there are planned community-building events around the theme of the title. This year’s events are restricted because of existing public health orders so they will be held virtually and include topic panels and book discussions.

While adults read Stamped from the Beginning, every age group gets to participate with a title geared to them. The teen selection will be Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi and kids will be reading The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson.

Light is starting to shine through the tunnel and Coronado is blessed to have a COVID-19 Vaccination Site conveniently located right at the Community Center open weekdays from 10am-7pm.

Sharp Coronado Hospital is helping the site administer the shots to eligible San Diego County residents with the goal to accelerate moving from phase to phase as quickly as possible.

Also, close by at the Coronado Club Room & Boathouse, the City is partnering with Kahala Biosciences to provide walk-up COVID-19 viral and antibody testing services on Mondays & Thursdays each week.

For all the romantics out there, The Gondola Company is open and a gondola cruise is and has always been an inherently isolated activity. You can indulge in all the magic and tradition of Venice as you gently cruise in a private gondola through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Wine and chocolate truffles are available for purchase!

It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day date!!!

Muah… XO.

Visit coronadoiscalling.com every day for new posts on what makes the beach community of Coronado Island so unique and special.

January Newsletter

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HAP, HAP, HAPPIEST NEW YEAR…

It’s finally here! We are ready to put 2020 behind us and ring in the promise of a new year.
There are plenty of things to look forward to and I’m especially hopeful for the return of everything in 2021.

It’s close! I can feel it! We just have to deal with restrictions for a little longer then it’s back to in-person theater, concerts, art exhibits, sports, safe travel and large get-togethers with the people we love and care about.

January is right about the time you want to start planning your summer rental in Coronado (I can help with that) but it’s also a great month for a day-trip to the island. It’s not the warmest month but the serenity of empty sands and the ability to hear the crashing waves more than makes up for it.

On a personal note, last month the Coronado City Council confirmed my appointment to the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission!

I will be stepping into the role of Commissioner of Programming & Special Events and my responsibilities will be to advocate for the many and diverse art and cultural components in Coronado and help improve the health of the arts community.

The Cultural Arts Commission recognizes and encourages groups and organizations that enrich Coronado life by acquiring and providing access to cultural and artistic works of art and supporting a variety of performing arts offerings.

My passionate appreciation of the arts will help guide me in my new role and now that we have a vaccine being rolled out and reached a turning point with Covid I’m going to be planning some wonderful visual, literary and performing events that will help the town get rolling again! I look forward to learning from and working with the strong team already in place and can’t wait to get started.

I’m ending this year with a thankful heart and starting the new year at peace with a hopeful view of the wonderful months ahead. This new year will be focused on healing ourselves and our community.

Happy New Year!!!

Visit coronadoiscalling.com every day for new posts on what makes the beach community of Coronado Island so unique and special.

December Newsletter

Monthly Newsletters

YOU & YOURS…

All the heartwarming traditions of Coronado’s Annual Holiday Parade sure will be missed this year. If you’re not aware, every year (pandemic pending), the Coronado Chamber of Commerce hosts a festive parade of floats, marching bands and vintage cars as they cruise down Orange Avenue with the tradition culminating with carol singing and a Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Rotary Park.

I will be greatly anticipating getting back to that tradition in 2021 but in the meantime, the next two weekends will be full of safe socially-distant activities!

December 5 & 6th the Chamber is putting together a special Holiday Sidewalk Sale. Orange Avenue stores will be brimming over with gift ideas, stocking stuffers and major bargains, all accessible alfresco so you can shop safely in the crisp winter sunshine.

Also on December 5th, Coronado’s original craft fair, “Artisans Alley” will be home to a wide selection of more than 160 vendors selling homemade crafts and unique holiday gifts. All proceeds from the fair support the Coronado Band & Choir in the elementary, middle and high schools. Throughout the day these talented, musical kids will perform at Village Elementary while fairgoers enjoy leisurely, outdoor craft shopping. In addition to the free concerts, food will be on sale and your $2 dollar entry fee includes a raffle ticket for one of more than 160 items that vendors graciously donate to the event.

Then on December 12th, the City’s elves will hold a festive drive-thru at City Hall on Saturday, Dec. 12, for the whole family that will include goodie bags, elves and a professional holiday photo op with Santa. A reservation for a spot in line is required and registration is open now for residents. Call 619-522-7342 and leave a message for Santa’s elves to get your ticket.

The Hotel Del Coronado never disappoints during the holiday season and even though state restrictions prevented them from installing the ice rink this year thousands of white sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, ornament-trimmed evergreens, snowy surprises, and garlands galore transform The Del’s beachfront space into a Winter Wonderland with a 35-foot Christmas tree in the center of Windsor Lawn. Santa will also be posing in his vintage sleigh as families can take professional photos at a 6-foot distance in front of him with the iconic San Diego hotel’s glittering turret as the backdrop. Reservations are required and Santa will be available from 4-7 pm on November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 23 & 24.

All throughout 2020, Coronado has stepped up to make sure our yearly traditions are kept alive in a safe manner and I want to thank all the volunteers, the folks at the Chamber of Commerce, our city employees, the Mayor and our City Council for all the hard work they’ve put into juggling this pandemic while helping to maintain the exceptional quality of life residents of Coronado are used to enjoying.

Happy Holidays!!!

November Newsletter

Monthly Newsletters

A GRATEFUL NOVEMBER

November brings Thanksgiving and reflections of all that I am grateful for. When I pause to think about my family, friends and the community I live in, I know I am over-blessed and I truly appreciate all that I have.

This month also brings a Presidential election and I’m sure we will all be relieved to have the barrage of ads on tv and radio, the intensity on social media and the vitriolic public discourse behind us. However, no matter what side you are on it’s important to be thankful that Americans can expect their votes and voices to be counted, and a President to be elected without violence and insurrection. A peaceful transition of government is a hallmark of American democracy and we are privileged to live in a country with forefathers who had the foresight to develop constitutional mechanisms for deciding who wins a presidential election.

No matter who wins this election, we will still be a nation of generous and freedom-loving citizens. We may have different ideas of how to get there but in the end we all strive to make America the best, most inclusive and free nation on earth. Whether your “side” wins or loses remember we’re all Americans and in this together so stay strong, composed and continue to focus on what you can control… a healthy life, a good family and togetherness not division.

Once the election is behind us it’s going to be the typical blur into the holidays and Thanksgiving will be upon us before you know it.

The Hotel Del Coronado will be celebrating with an elegant Thanksgiving dinner in the Crown and Coronet Room. The lavish three course, family style dinner will feature all of the traditional trimmings and guests will be seated at socially distanced tables of 6-10 (from the same household) for the 90-minute dinner. After dinner will be the debut of Holidays at The Del including a Winter Wonderland on the Windsor Lawn and we’ll talk more about that next month.

Another great November tradition true to my heart is San Diego Beer Week from Friday, Nov. 6th to Sunday, Nov. 15th.

Coronado Brewing Company will be participating all week by having a “Clear the Cellar Sale”. Visit their Tasting Room & Kitchen at 1205 Knoxville St, San Diego for $10 Barrel Aged Specialties!

I’m thankful that Coronado has found ways to keep its traditions alive this year and I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays!

Visit coronadoiscalling.com every day for new posts on what makes the beach community of Coronado Island so unique and special.