Coronado Real Estate Expertise You Can Trust
PUBLISHER Heather Canton heather@crowncitypublishing.com
GUEST EDITOR
Ashley DeGree, President & CEO Coronado Schools Foundation
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Sydney Zoehrer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley DeGree, Carol Pastor Coronado Schools Foundation Coronado Historical Association
Amy Forsythe, Clyde Van Arsdall IV
Jessica Nicolls, Karyn Molina
proofread this ad carefully. Check all names, addresses, phone numbers, and expiration dates. Please respond within two business days. don’t hear from you, we will consider all information to be correct and will print the ad AS IS. con rm or correct, please contact your ad representative: heather@crowncitypublishing.com
Stephanie Clegg, Marilyn Klisser
Jaqueline Luna, Samantha Bowman Fleurov
ART & PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
Joel Ortiz, Brendan Garcia
Golden Flutter Photography Coronado Historical Association
The Navy SEAL Museum, Clyde Van Arsdall IV
Samantha Goh, The Monarch Soul Salon On First, Coronado Public Library Coronado Floral Association
SPECIAL THANKS TO The Coronado Schools Foundation
Mayor John Duncan, The Sandcastle Man, Joel Ortiz
CROWN CITY MAGAZINE
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Coronado, CA 92178
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Welcome
to the CSF Edition of Crown City Magazine!
I’mso excited to be your guest editor for this special issue celebrating our incredible schools and the work of the Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF).
From our Gala at the Del each fall to the Art & Wine Festival in the spring (and everything in between!), it all comes back to one simple goal: supporting our public schools. What makes Coronado’s schools so special is the way our community consistently shows up for our students. It’s neighbors cheering at school performances and sports games, local businesses sponsoring CSF & PTO events, parents volunteering in the classroom, and residents generously supporting opportunities that help every child thrive.
On February 19, I hope you’ll join us for the CSF Day of Giving (the new Telethon). It’s a chance to invest in STEM and Arts education for our kids, but it’s also a chance to give and win big! We have amazing prizes lined up throughout the day, and every donation, big or small, helps create classrooms where students can explore, create, and imagine what's possible.
In this issue, I hope you’ll see how your donations open doors for every student. Our schools thrive because this town cares, and when we invest in our schools, we ensure that every student has the chance to dream big.
Thank you for being a part of what makes our schools — and our town — so special.
Ashley DeGree President & CEO,
Coronado Schools Foundation (And Proud Mom to a 1st & 4th Grader)
PS- Mark your calendar for the 5th Annual Coronado Art & Wine Festival on Saturday, May 9!
Ashley DeGree with her family
ings to Do On-Island
by Brendan Garcia
Art in the Park
10am-4pm at Spreckels Park
Local art sale on the first and third Sundays of each month.
CoronadoArtAssn.com
The Brassy Broads Comedy Show
Thursday, February 5 at the Coronado Historic Center Lecture Hall
The Brassy Broads are a troupe of local Coronado-based women comedians who perform a "slightly saucy" stand-up show about the joys and realities of aging. Search ‘Brassy Broads’ on eventbright.com
Paper & Petals Workshop
Saturday February 21
Club Coronado
5-8pm on February 11 at the VFW, 557 Orange Avenue
A club-style dance party with music by DJ TEE LYNN for adults who like to have fun without staying up too late! Learn more on page 49. Search 'Coronado Club' on eventbright.com
Mon Valentin Concert
Smartphone Apps to explore Coronado’s Art & History
The Coronado Public Art App serves as a guide to more than 75 works of public art.
A relaxed, studio-style workshop hosted by Emerald Flamingo Studio centered on handmade card making and mixed-media floral design as a shared day of making, learning, and play.
To book a seat, call Dawn Kropp (619) 522-7900
7pm on February 14 at the Coronado School of the Arts, 650 D Avenue Join the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra for an elegant evening of French music featuring cellist Paul Tseng in Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 and Fauré’s Élégie. coronadophilharmonia.org
Coronado’s Historical Gems App has an extensive gallery and map to learn about local historical sites.
Local Art, Theater & Entertainment
• The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission is the leading online resource for arts and cultural information CoronadoARTS.com
• Guided Pedicab Tour of Coronado PedalBeach.org
• Coronado Historical Association events, tours and museum CoronadoHistory.org
•Coronado Public Library CoronadoLibrary.org
• Coronado Island Film Festival year-round Classic Film Series CoronadoFilmFest.com
• Art and Frames Gallery ArtCoronado.com
• Coronado Playhouse CoronadoPlayhouse.com
• Lamb’s Players Theatre LambsPlayers.org
• Vintage Movie Theatre VintageCinemas.com
• The City Manager's video with weekly updates at Coronado.ca.us/195/city-managers-weekly-updates
• Recreation and Golf Services information at Coronado.ca.us/161/Recreation-Golf-Services
Photo
“My father, Lee Mather, believed that real estate was never just about property—it was about people, integrity, and responsibility to community. After serving his country in World War II, he came home with a quiet determination to build something lasting, and in 1953 he founded what would become a cornerstone of Coronado real estate. Lee built his business the same way he lived his life: with honesty, discipline, and a deep respect for the trust placed in him by his clients.
Growing up, I watched him lead by example—showing up consistently, doing the right thing even when it was difficult, and always putting relationships ahead of transactions. His reputation wasn’t built on volume or headlines, but on decades of steady stewardship and personal accountability. When I stepped into the business, I did so with a clear understanding of the standard he set and the responsibility that came with carrying his name forward. His legacy continues to guide everything we do today.”
- Debbie Riddle
Opportunity Awaits
1411 8TH STREET, CORONADO, CA 92118
3 BR, 3 BA, 2,426 ESF | $3,999,999
Set amidst some of Coronado’s most prestigious addresses awaits a rare opportunity to reimagine a home that has not been offered for sale in over 70 years. Tucked just off Adella Ave and A Ave, this long-held family estate is three blocks from the iconic Hotel del Coronado, half a block from Mathewson Park, and near tennis, boating, golf, shopping, and dining. The expansive 8,000-square-foot lot, with an impressive 216’ of depth, offers a sense of scale and privacy that is rarely found within the Village, especially this close to the shoreline. Opportunities like this are rare, and even more rarely repeated.
Virtually enhanced rendering
CSF Day of Giving Give Big. Win Big. Make a Difference!
The CSF Telethon is on February 19!
It’s that time of year when Coronado rallies behind its greatest treasure — our kids! The Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF) is thrilled to announce the 2026 CSF Day of Giving, our reimagined Telethon, happening February 19, 2026. For 24 hours, we’ll unite as a community with one powerful mission: to fund the programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every Coronado Unified student.
Here’s the reality: our district ranks in the lowest 7% for state funding. Without your support, the experiences our students love most — fine and performing arts, hands-on science labs, robotics, coding, engineering, and Innovation Labs — simply wouldn’t exist. That’s where CSF steps in… and where our community shines!
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS AT THE CSF DAY OF GIVING ON FEBRUARY 19!
Photos by Golden Flutter Photography
At CSF, we believe every child deserves extraordinary learning opportunities. The Day of Giving is our chance to come together and protect the programs that open doors, ignite passions, and prepare students for a future full of possibilities.
So, mark your calendar for February 19! Whether you donate, help spread the word, or buy your opportunity drawing ticket to win a brand new golf cart, you’ll be helping fund the classes that shape well-rounded, inspired, and empowered young people.
Without CSF, these experiences wouldn’t exist. With you, they’ll thrive. Let’s make this our most impactful Day of Giving yet — because our students are counting on us!
Take a look inside some of the amazing classes & learning opportunities available to our CUSD students thanks to generous donations to the Coronado Schools Foundation!
$824,217
$824,217
What CSF is funding this school year and more!
CLASSES & CURRICULUM
CLASSES & CURRICULUM
Thanks to our generous donors, there are now Robotics Clubs at all four campuses starting this year!
Thanks to our generous donors, there are now Robotics Clubs at all four campuses starting this year!
$824,217
$824,217
CSF helps fund 40 different classes on our four campuses! This includes teacher salaries, curriculum & supplies. Check out the amazing list! plus
ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Thanks to our generous donors, there are now Robotics Clubs at all four campuses starting this year!
Thanks to our generous donors, there are now Robotics Clubs at all four campuses starting this year!
LIPP FALL GRANT
LIPP FALL GRANT
$30,000 $30,000
CLASSES & CURRICULUM
CSF provides funding to send all 5 graders to experience the magic of Biztown, thanks to a generous donor! th ROBOTICS PROGRAM
The Lipp Family Foundation provides incredible support to our schools every year, including $30,000 each fall to support science, technology, math & music.
BIZTOWN EXPERIENCE
BIZTOWN EXPERIENCE
CSF provides funding to send all 5 graders to experience the magic of Biztown, thanks to a generous donor!
$10,000
$30,000 $30,000 $10,000
$824,217
BIZTOWN EXPERIENCE
LIPP FALL GRANT
The Lipp Family Foundation provides incredible support to our schools every year, including $30,000 each fall to support science, technology, math & music.
Thanks to our generous donors, there are now Robotics Clubs at all four campuses starting this year!
CSF provides funding to send all 5 graders to experience the magic of Biztown, thanks to a generous donor!
CSF provides funding to send all 5 graders to experience the magic of Biztown, thanks to a generous donor!
$30,000 $30,000
$10,000
The Lipp Family Foundation provides incredible support to our schools every year, including $30,000 each fall to support science, technology, math & music.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CSF administers & distributes over 30 scholarships for CHS graduating seniors each year.
NAMING RIGHTS
$30,000 $30,000 $10,000
$52,000
The Lipp Family Foundation provides incredible support to our schools every year, including $30,000 each fall to support science, technology, math & music. NAMING RIGHTS
In partnership with CUSD, CSF has been granted naming rights to various buildings & spaces to raise funds for our schools.
In partnership with CUSD, CSF has been granted naming rights to various buildings & spaces to raise funds for our schools.
CSF administers & distributes over 30 scholarships for CHS graduating seniors each year. SCHOLARSHIPS
$52,000
LIPP FALL GRANT
$10,000
$10,000
$52,000 LIPP FALL GRANT
The Lipp Family Foundation provides incredible support to our schools every year, including $30,000 each fall to support science, technology, math & music.
CSF administers & distributes over 30 scholarships for CHS graduating seniors each year.
CSF administers & distributes over 30 scholarships for CHS graduating seniors each year.
$30,000 $30,000
BIZTOWN EXPERIENCE
CSF provides funding to send all 5th
In partnership with CUSD, CSF
Coronado students receive $1,709 less per child than those in San Diego Unified.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR STUDENTS! Find Out
State funding isn't enough for quality STEM and Arts Programs, which is why the Coronado Schools Foundation relies on donors to help maintain innovation in our classrooms!
MOLLY HAINES MCKAY
BROKER ASSOCIATE
619.985.2726
DRE# 01876062
MollyHainesMcKay@gmail.com
CARRIE MICKEL
SALES ASSOCIATE
619.630.3570
DRE# 01999494
CarrieMickel@bhhscal.com
LINDSEY LYONS
SALES ASSOCIATE
619.405.9208
DRE# 01993229
LindseyBLyons@gmail.com
HALLMARKS OF OUR SCHOOL
FAITH FORMATION
For publication December 2021 | Ad proof No.1
Each child is encouraged by our credentialed teachers to excel at grade level in our comprehensive academic program pursuing studies that meet California and Diocesan standards. SACRED HEART
We prepare our students for Catholic lives of faith and service through daily prayer, religion class, weekly mass, sacramental preparation and charity support.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
2026 ADMISSIONS NOW OPEN (TK– 8TH)
sacredheartcoronado.org
frontoffice@sacredheartcoronado.org 706 C Ave., Coronado • (619) 435-4431
Crown City Publishing assumes no liability for content, including typographical errors. Submitted materials must con rm to magazine-quality standards. We assume no responsibility for ads printed from low-quality submitted material. Slight changes in color may occur due to the printing process.
This ad is property of Crown City Publishing and cannot be reproduced without permission
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Crown City History
IN COLLABORATION WITH CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
A Legacy of Parochial Education
Two faith-based schools that have shaped Coronado
BY CAROL PASTOR, CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, c. 1928.
For nearly eight years, we have been providing you with information and stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped Coronado into the city we know today.
On several occasions, I have brought you stories about our education system and the schools in Coronado. We started with the early days of educating our children in a tent at the turn of the 20th century. We have gone on to discuss the locations and architecture of subsequent buildings, including the great Works Projects Administration artwork on the 7th and D Avenue side of the building that still stands today. All in all, we have covered many facets of Coronado’s public schools.
One topic we haven’t yet discussed is the two private schools located in the heart of Coronado. The oldest is Sacred Heart Parish School, which was opened in 1947 by the Benedictine
Dr. Hauser, Pastor of Christ Church, Councilwoman Virginia Bridge, and Mr. Sam Woodhouse of the Coronado Historical Association admiring a plaque designating Christ Church as a Historical Landmark for Coronado on January 25, 1976.
The second private school to join in educating Coronado’s children arrived when Christ Church Day School opened its doors in 1957 with 41 students. It grew from a small preschool to what it is today: a ourishing school serving students up to eighth grade while maintaining small class sizes. Chapel has always been part of the program, along with a consistent pursuit of excellence in the classroom.
Sisters. They have offered a Catholic education for grades K-8 for decades, and now also offer Transitional Kindergarten. After graduation, students either advance to Coronado High School or go across the bridge to one of the private high schools like Our Lady of Peace and Saint Augustine. The student body consists of approximately 275 students, offering small classes and individual attention to meet the needs of these young people. Their goal has always been to promote Catholic values alongside high academic standards. Although the Benedictine Sisters are no longer involved with the school, the lay teachers who are here today carry on those same goals. If you look toward Spreckels Park midday, you can still see students enjoying their P.E. classes in the sunshine.
Christ Church Parish School students, c. 1950.
Christ Church and Parish House, c. 1905.
In speaking with a friend who taught there in the 1960s and later became the principal, we had some interesting discussions. She remembered that while they were often tight on funds, they were always strong on support from parents. During that time, one gentleman stepped up to coach their new athletic program while a local woman took over the music department. Out of that community spirit came the well-recognized school we have today.
It is heartening to look back and see how these schools became such a vital part of our village's story. Whether you’ve called Coronado home for fty years or just unpacked your rst box this week, there’s a certain magic in knowing the history of the buildings we walk past every day. These schools aren't just places of learning; they are part of the very fabric that makes our community feel like home.
The Sacred Heart fifth and sixth-grade basketball team, coached by Lee Skaalen, finished its season with a 9-win, one-loss record in 1990. Pictured, front row, left to right, are Luke Urtnovski, Chris Smith, Jose Castrejon, Rueben Parra, David Woiwode, Vincent Carmona, Gary Rigsby, Jonathan Skaalen, Eric Esparza, and Bobby O'Leary. Also on the team but not pictured were Louis Bobadilla, Alex Garcia, Rodrigo Garcia, Jimmy Zimmerman, and Omar Acosta.
• Carol Pastor and her family have lived in Coronado since the mid-1970s. Mother of seven girls, many of whom still live here in the village, Carol has been involved in the community over the years with the Friends of the Library, Historic Resource Commission, and most recently writing about Coronado history for the Coronado Historical Association. An avid history buff since her college days, exploring our local history is a perfect t.
Three Decades of Artistry
ECelebrating 30 Years of the Coronado School of the Arts
By the Coronado Historical Association
very great story starts with a visionary idea, and for the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), that spark began in 1993. At the Coronado Historical Association (CHA), we are thrilled to celebrate the local milestone of three decades since CoSA’s 1996 founding with a special exhibit chronicling the school’s journey from a brilliant concept to a national leader in arts education.
The story begins with Kris McClung, a dedicated Coronado High School English teacher and theatre lead. After years of watching her students pour their hearts into performances, she realized they possessed a passion that deserved more than a standard elective could offer. They needed intensive, pre-professional training. With the support of Principal Jeffrey Davis and the School Board, the CoSA program launched in the fall of 1996 as a "school-within-a-school."
That rst year, 87 pioneering students walked into the original ve conservatories: Classical and Contemporary Dance, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre and Drama, Theatre Production, and Visual Arts. The Visual Arts department also housed the school's initial Communications program. The goal — simple yet profound — was to make the arts an everyday part of young people’s lives.
The community’s embrace was immediate. By 1997, the CoSA Foundation was formed to ensure the program's longevity, and the school soon became a Demonstration Site for the California Department of Education. The exhibit at CHA highlights these early " rst curtains," such as the rst instrumental recital in October 1996 and the debut musical production of Working. In the spring of 1997, the Visual Arts conservatory even took their work off campus, exhibiting at Cafe 1134 with live poetry readings as part of the Communications program.
As the program matured, so did its home. The opening of the $25 million Coronado Performing Arts Center in 2007 provided the 570-seat Main Stage and Black Box Theatre that our scholarartists deserved. Around this same time, the original Communications program began to evolve. By the 2007-2008 school year, it was formalized into the Digital Arts Conservatory, or "DigArts," focusing on lmmaking, animation, and graphic design.
The facilities have continued to stay at the cutting edge. The Performing Arts Center recently received $600,000 in signi cant upgrades, including new stage lighting, a new light board,
and major improvements to the sound system and wireless microphones. These enhancements ensure that our local arts students continue to work in a truly professional environment.
As we look back through the archives, we see that CoSA’s greatest legacy isn't just the trophies or the professional-grade performances; it's the cultivation of successful citizens. Whether a student goes on to Broadway or into a boardroom, the skills learned in the conservatory, such as collaboration, critical thinking, and commitment, stay with them for a lifetime.
We invite the entire community to visit the Coronado Historical Association to explore our newest exhibit featuring artifacts, photos, and stories from CoSA’s 30-year history. It is a wonderful way to re ect on how these creative strategies have brought professional student arts to Coronado and enriched our community for decades.
Visit the CHA Museum website coronadohistory.org to learn more about the exhibit, and cosafoundation.org/gala for ticket information and Anniversary Gala details.
• Located at 1100 Orange Avenue, the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) is a nonpro t organization providing a wide range of public programs and free exhibitions each year. CHA’s efforts help people understand and appreciate Coronado’s unique history, art, architecture, and historical resources, and aims to preserve the small-town feel of Coronado through protection of historic architecture. Become a member today at coronadohistory.org.
Igloo for Two by Nobu
FEB 12-15
Get cozy this Valentine’s Day weekend in a private oceanfront igloo for two, where you’ll enjoy a decadent five-course omakase dinner curated by our talented Nobu chefs and a bottle of champagne under the stars. Each igloo is comfortably heated and elegantly furnished, with a private fire pit for s’mores roasting. This experience is offered exclusively to guests 21+.
A New Chapter of Honor
The Navy SEAL Museum Opens in San Diego
By Amy Forsythe |
Photos Courtesy of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
The new Navy SEAL Museum opened its doors to the public in early October, unlocking exclusive access and insights into the world and ethos of U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
Positioned just three blocks away from the San Diego waterfront and other attractions, the collection of interactive exhibits, state-of-the-art galleries, and firsthand docent accounts brings the story of Naval Special Warfare to life.
“The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is a worldclass tribute to the courage, perseverance, and dedication of these unparalleled special operators,” said Brian Drechsler, the museum’s executive director, who is a retired U.S. Navy Captain and former Navy SEAL.
The new museum brings that story to life, honoring the evolution of the Navy’s elite, from the Underwater Demolition Teams of World War II to today’s globally deployed SEAL teams.
The Legacy Gets a Home in San Diego
Building on the legacy of the existing location that opened in Fort Pierce, Florida, in 1985, the Navy SEAL Museum selected San Diego for its expansion west. Central to SEAL training and home to Naval Special Warfare Command, San Diego is a heritage city for SEALs as an indelible part of their storied history.
“It is our honor to share this legacy and inspire future generations to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and rise to life’s challenges,” Drechsler added.
With an innovative blend of technology, personal narrative, and historical context, the museum provides exclusive insights into the evolution,
missions, and mindset of the Navy SEALs. Visitors can experience an up-close look at Operation Neptune Spear, the Navy SEAL mission to neutralize Osama bin Laden, through a 3D animation narrated by retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William McRaven that walks viewers through the operation’s major steps from planning to execution.
Approximately 30 to 33 million people visit San Diego each year — making it a top destination for travelers drawn to its beaches, parks, cultural attractions, and year-round good weather, according to the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website. The new museum will likely be a destination for those looking to learn about military history and add a patriotic experience to their visit.
Brian Drechsler
Step Inside the SEAL Xperience
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the Navy SEAL Xperience, a virtual reality mission, which uses advanced VR technology to take visitors on a pulsepounding, first-person journey into a high-stakes hostage rescue mission.
Beyond the exhibits and attractions, the docents, mostly retired and veteran SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCCs), make each visit a deeply personal and meaningful experience. By revealing untold stories of the SEALs through the voices of those who have lived the legacy, docents shine a light on the resilience, sacrifice, and spirit that define the Naval Special Warfare operators.
Following in the footsteps of the flagship museum in Fort Pierce, the San Diego location will extend the museum’s inspirational mission far beyond its physical space through strategic community partnerships and proven programs that will leverage the Navy SEAL Ethos to instill hope, resilience, and service-minded leadership.
Why This Museum Matters to Coronado
From the cold surf of training beaches to the tightknit neighborhoods where generations of families have put down roots, the SEAL ethos has shaped the character of the region. Coronado has always been inseparable from this story of Naval Special Warfare.
The U.S. Navy SEAL Teams were officially created on January 1, 1962, when President John F. Kennedy authorized the establishment of SEAL Team ONE in Coronado, and SEAL Team TWO in Little Creek, Virginia. The SEALs are successors to the Underwater Demolition Teams formed during World War II.
Designed as both a tribute and an educational experience, the museum offers visitors a powerful look at courage, innovation, and service. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and firsthand accounts, guests gain insight into the demanding training and relentless commitment required of those who wear the Trident. It’s a place that doesn’t glorify conflict, but instead honors character, teamwork, and sacrifice.
Nowhere is that legacy felt more deeply than on Coronado Island. For decades, Coronado has been home to SEALs and their families — men and women who live among neighbors not as legends, but as parents at school pickup, surfers at dawn, and volunteers in the community. This close connection has given the island a unique sense of humility and patriotism, where service is understood not as spectacle, but as a way of life.
For Coronado residents, the SEAL Museum is not just a destination; it’s a reflection of home. Few communities in the country share such a close, daily connection to Naval
Special Warfare as Coronado. The museum offers locals a chance to see the broader story behind the people they stand next to in line at the coffee shop, cheer beside at Little League games, or greet on morning beach walks.
A visit provides deeper context for the training that has taken place just offshore and along nearby beaches for decades. It honors the quiet professionalism that defines the SEAL ethos — an approach Coronado families know well. For longtime residents, the exhibits spark pride and recognition; for newer neighbors and younger generations, they offer education and perspective on why service is so deeply woven into the fabric of the island.
Key Exhibits & Features
•Immersive Exhibitions
Step into the world of SEALs through interactive, state-of-the-art galleries that blend technology, storytelling, and history to reveal the development of Naval Special Warfare — from its origins to modern missions.
• “The SEAL Mindset” Theater
Watch a powerful documentary in a surround-screen environment that illustrates the physical and mental discipline behind earning the SEAL Trident.
• Virtual Reality Experience
Try the Navy SEAL Xperience by HAVIK: a VR mission simulation that gives guests a first-person, highstakes scenario rooted in real-world SEAL objectives.
• SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Exhibit
See a full-scale SEAL Delivery Vehicle on display — one of the clandestine submersibles used to transport and place SEALs during underwater operations — alongside interactive elements that explain how these vehicles operate.
• History & Training Displays
Explore immersive galleries that trace the evolution of SEALs, including BUD/S training, historic missions, gear, maps, and uniforms that give context to their demanding preparation and elite skills.
• Personal Stories & Docent Engagement
Retired SEALs and special warfare veterans serve as guides and interpreters, offering firsthand insights and personal anecdotes that bring history to life.
These attractions make the museum not just an educational stop, but a living tribute to courage, resilience, and patriotism — a place where history and inspiration go hand in hand. Visitors of all ages will find something engaging, whether it’s exploring cutting-edge technology, honoring fallen heroes, or understanding the discipline that forges America’s “quiet professionals.”
Advanced bookings are encouraged, as the museum operates on a time-entry basis. Advance ticket prices are $20 for adults, with free admission for reserve and active-duty military (with ID). Visit NavySEALMuseumSD.org for details.
Address and hours of operation for the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego: 1001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours of Operation
• Wednesday – Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission - 4:15 PM)
• Tuesday: Closed (except select holidays, e.g., Veterans Day)
February is San Diego Museum Month!
San Diego Museum Month runs February 1–28, 2026 offering half-off admission at 70+ museums and attractions across San Diego County and Tijuana—making it easy and affordable to explore art, culture, history, science, nature, and more. To participate, pick up a free printed pass at participating public libraries (limit one per person) or download a digital pass from the San Diego Museum Council website starting February 1. Each pass can be used for up to four half-off admissions per visit at participating locations, and you can use it all month long to explore as many sites as you wish — including the Navy SEAL Museum!.
Visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/ museum-month/ for more information.
• Amy Forsythe is an award-winning multimedia journalist with assignments around the world and brings more than 30 years of experience in storytelling, public speaking and multimedia content production. She's a retired Navy Public Affairs Officer living in North San Diego County and covers military and veteran topics. Connect with Amy online at heroeslivehere.net.
Worcestershire Sauce
A Victorian Mistake That Became a Classic
By Clyde Van Arsdall IV
Food stories fascinate me, and the story of Worcestershire sauce is a good one. This fermented sauce has roots in India, where an English Lord served as a governor. He fell in love with this exotic sauce and, upon returning home to Worcester, England, in 1835, he contacted two local chemists, John Lea and William Perrins, to try to recreate it. The chemists reverseengineered the sauce, but upon tasting it, they found it bitter and the smell strong and abrasive. The men moved the barrel to the basement and forgot about it. Roughly two years later, they ran across the barrel and upon inspection, the harsh odor was gone and the flavor smooth and enticing — a star was born. The famous Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce became a household name. The paper that still adorns the bottles today was adopted when the sauce was used on ships in the British Navy, allowing the bottles to clink together in rough seas without breaking. While attending College in Rhode Island, I would sail on Narragansett Bay. From the water, you can see Bonnie Crest Mansion, built by an heir to the Lea & Perrins fortune. All the chimneys are shaped like Worcestershire sauce bottles, a fun sight to behold.
Worcestershire sauce makes steaks pop and Bloody Marys sing. I thought this sauce could not be improved upon, but I was wrong. Years ago, I came across an article in Beer West Magazine's Fall 2011 issue by Emily Hutto about Chef Dave Mork and his thenrestaurant, Lapellah, in Vancouver, WA. In the article, Chef Mork described one of his dishes, the New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp. I was first interested because the dish was made with beer, an ingredient I was, and still am, obsessed with. I soon discovered that the house-made Worcestershire sauce was the real magic behind the dish. Mork included the recipe for his Worcestershire sauce in the article, and I was off to the races.
This recipe is not for the faint of heart, as the shopping list is long and some of the ingredients are a bit exotic and a pain to cobble together, but cobble it did. I did not age my sauce in an oak barrel as Mork did, but the results were nothing short of magical. The Lea & Perrins version of the Indian sauce that so many of us have come to know and love is still good, but it doesn't hold a candle to the sauce that Chef Mork created. The article didn't include a recipe for the New Orleans BBQ shrimp, but I used my culinary chops to make what I hoped was a close facsimile. New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a regional standard in The Big Easy, so I had something to work with. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my guests enjoyed it. I hope you try Chef Mork's Worcestershire Sauce, but if you don't have the patience to make it, try the BBQ shrimp with the old standby from Worcester, England.
I was inspired to share this story with you after stumbling upon this 14-year-old issue of Beer West. Further research revealed the fact that both the restaurant Lapellah and Chef Mork are no longer in business. The restaurant that was so beloved by its fans is closed, and the chef at the helm has passed away from cancer. I will be making a big batch of his legendary Worcestershire sauce and aging it in a barrel for friends and family as a tribute. To you, Dave, a fellow chef I never met: may your memory live on. I hope your sauce will once again delight all who are lucky enough to experience it.
• Clyde Van Arsdall IV is a thirdgeneration Coronado local, chef and storyteller. For more stories and follow-ups to articles go to oliveavenuesupperclub.com.
House Worcestershire Sauce
Chef Dave Mork, the now shuttered Lapellah restaurant, Vancouver, WA.
Makes 3 Quarts
• 2 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. fresh horseradish
• 5 medium yellow onions
• 5 jalapeños
• 15 cloves of garlic
• 1 ¾ tsp. black pepper, cracked, not ground
• 5 cups of water
• 5 cups white wine vinegar
• 5 cups malt vinegar
• 5 cups dark molasses
• 5 cups dark corn syrup
• 2.5 oz. anchovy filets, canned
• 3 whole cloves
• 2.5 Tbsp. of salt
• 3 lemons, peeled and cut into thirds
• 2.5 Tbsp. tamarind paste
• In a large, nonreactive pot, heat the oil. Add the horseradish, onions, jalapenos, and garlic, and cook over medium heat.
• Once the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, add the remaining ingredients. Turn up the heat and stir the
mixture as the temperature rises. This will ensure the corn syrup, molasses, and tamarind paste are incorporated and melted.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then promptly reduce the heat to a simmer until it reaches a nape consistency or coats a spoon.
• Strain and return to the pot. Bring the strained liquid back up to a simmer and reduce until it reaches the desired thickness and consistency.
• Strain it again through a fine strainer, then jar and refrigerate for up to 4 months.
Note: Chef Mork aged this sauce in an oak barrel for two weeks to soften the acidity and sharp edges, but I find it delicious fresh — try both methods to discover your preference.
New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp
My version of Chef Dave’s masterpiece, cobbled together from well-known recipes.
Ingredients:
• ⅓ cup of Worchestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins or Chef Mork’s)
• ⅓ cup of amber beer (amber beer is a popular choice in New Orleans, but I like to use something local)
• ⅓ cup of butter (unsalted)
• 3 cloves minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 Tbsp. of Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 2 lbs. or 16-20 shrimp. (I prefer head and shell on, but you can use peeled and deveined)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds, plus 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice or more to taste
• 14 Tbsp. of unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
• Kosher salt to taste
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced (dark and light
green parts only)
• 1 Tbsp. of minced fresh parsley
Instructions:
• Add Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and hot sauce to a large sauté pan with a lid and bring to a boil.
• Add the shrimp and lemon wheels, toss to coat, then cover and cook until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes depending on size.
• Remove the lid and add the lemon juice, then turn o the heat and add the cubed butter. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is fully emulsified. Taste for seasoning and add the salt and more lemon juice to taste.
• Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with scallions and parsley. Serve with a loaf of grilled bread for sopping up the sauce.
Note: For beer, I bellied up to the bar at Coronado Brewing and got a crowler of Winter Warmer, a Baltic Porter at 7.5%. Ambers are hard to come by in San Diego. A crowler is a 2-pint can that the bartender can fill with your favorite beer and seal right at the bar — a fun way to take beer home.
HELP FILL OUR SHELVES
We welcome donations of newer hardcover and paperback fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books in good condition, along with coffee table books, unused journals and stationery, and exceptional and collectible titles.
SHOP AT THE BOOKSTORE
Stop by Second Hand Prose, a bookstore run by the Friends of the Coronado Public Library, to browse a variety of donated books and unique collectibles. Open daily, with all proceeds supporting the Coronado Public Library.
Located at the back of the Library, opposite Coronado High School on D Avenue.
Interested in getting involved? Become a Friends volunteer and help support your Library.
The Art of Shower Tile
Jessica Nicolls & Karyn Molina | Photos by
the test of time and use but are also calming, beautiful places to relax and unwind. Shower tile is all about balance: calm, neutral foundations paired with moments of surprise that make the space feel thoughtful and collected rather than predictable.
Samantha Goh Photography
Let the walls be the foundation
For the main shower walls, we almost always lean neutral. Soft whites, warm ivories, or pale warm greys create a timeless backdrop that won’t feel dated 10 years from now. Classic tiles like hand glazed squares, elongated subway, or a simple textured tile bring subtle movement without overwhelming the space. Neutral wall tile also does something important: it allows light to bounce back into the room, making smaller bathrooms feel brighter and more open.
Let the niche be a moment
If the walls are the supporting cast, the shower niche is the star. Niches are the perfect place to introduce a patterned tile, something colorful or a bit more graphic. We love using Moroccan-inspired patterns, zellige tiles or small-scale mosaics to achieve this contrasting look. With the niche being framed in, the accent feels intentional rather than busy.
Don’t forget the floor Shower floors are another opportunity for subtle interest using smaller tiles, like penny rounds, mosaics, or smaller scale patterns. Not only do these smaller-scale tiles create visual interest, they also provide slip resistance — a win-win! We often keep the floor tile neutral but slightly darker than the walls to ground the space and add contrast without pulling focus from the niche tile.
Trends come and go, but bathrooms should feel soothing every day. Our philosophy is always timeless first, trend second. By keeping your main shower tile neutral and reserving bolder choices for accents, you get the best of both worlds: a bathroom that feels fresh and personal now, and one that will age beautifully over time.
In the end, great shower tile design isn’t about doing more; it's about choosing the right moments to have a little fun.
∙ Jessica Nicolls and Karyn Molina are the owners of local interior design rm Bungalow 56 located at 1158 Orange Avenue, and bungalow56design.com.
The Monarch Soul Where Creativity and Stillness Become Love
By Stephanie Clegg
I’mnot saying that if we allowed kids the freedom to get messy, create, and be fully themselves, we would solve all the world’s problems.
But what if we softened them? What if we opened new channels for love, communication, and care? February invites us into that possibility.
At The Monarch Soul, one of my quiet missions has always been to nurture connection within ourselves, within families, and throughout our community through mindful, imaginative experiences rooted in creativity. This month, that mission feels especially alive. Love, after all, is not just something we feel. It’s something we practice.
Creativity as a Language of Connection
In my work with children of all ages, I’ve seen how art reaches places words often can’t. When young people are given space to create without pressure or perfection, something opens. Paint, clay, collage, and storytelling become a language that allows emotions to move, be seen, and be held.
For kids, creativity builds confidence, emotional literacy, and joy. For teens, it can be a lifeline.
Adolescence is a time of deep change, identity exploration, and quiet overwhelm. Creative expression offers teens a safe way to communicate without needing to explain everything out loud. It allows them to process, release, and reconnect to themselves and to others.
Art isn’t just decoration. It’s a living, breathing form of care. Research in psychology, education, and art therapy affirms what many of us feel instinctively:
• A voice beyond words: Creative expression helps children and teens shape and release emotions they may not yet have language for.
• Confidence and self-trust: Creating something from the inside out builds agency and resilience.
• Nervous system support: Process-based creativity calms the body and eases anxiety in our fast-moving world.
Every time I open the butterfly doors of The Monarch Soul, I carry one belief with me: creative impulse is sacred. It is a portal to self-trust, emotional resilience, and meaningful connection.
Care Looks Di erent at Every Age
One of the most important things we can remember, especially in February, is that care doesn’t look the same for everyone. For children, care may look like imaginative play, messy hands, and shared moments of creativity. For teens, care often expands beyond art into movement, sound, and stillness. For adults, care might look like quiet reflection, creative release, or simply being held in community. All of it is rooted in the same thing: connection.
Movement allows energy to shift and emotions to move through the body. Stillness gives the nervous system permission to rest. Practices like sound baths, which use gentle frequencies from crystal bowls and chimes, can be especially supportive for teens and adults alike. Sound works directly with the nervous system, helping reduce anxiety, quiet mental chatter, and create a sense of safety without requiring words.
Sound baths aren’t about doing anything “right.” They’re about being held by vibration, breath, and rest. They offer a deeply accessible form of self-care for those who may struggle to articulate how they’re feeling.
When kids, teens, and adults are given a variety of ways to care for themselves, they learn something essential: their needs are valid, and they are allowed to meet them.
From Self-Care to Community
Care
February often focuses on romantic love, but here at The Monarch Soul, we widen the lens. When we care for ourselves and we feel resourced, grounded, and supported, we naturally become more capable of caring for others. This is where creativity meets community.
In Coronado, organizations like Coronado Schools Foundation and Safe Harbor Coronado play a vital role in supporting the emotional, academic, and mental well-being of our children and teens. Their work ensures that no one has to navigate growing up or parenting alone.
This February, The Monarch Soul is honored to host an upcoming event in partnership with Safe Harbor, a wellness and sound cruise around San Diego harbor. This
healing, heart-centered experience is designed for connection and female relationships. It’s perfect for moms and daughters, nieces and aunts, and friends, and is welcoming to all. This special evening marks the kickoff of Harbor Connection, Safe Harbor’s new community initiative focused on reducing loneliness and strengthening connection in Coronado through small, welcoming experiences that help people feel a sense of belonging.
When we come together in this way, we send a powerful message: You are supported. You are seen. And you belong.
A Space Where Love Takes Shape
The Monarch Soul is a place where children, teens, and adults are welcomed exactly as they are. We celebrate process over product, presence over perfection, and connection over comparison.
Messy hands are welcome. Quiet moments are honored. Big feelings have a place to land.
If you feel called to explore how creativity, sound, or stillness can support your child, your teen, or your own inner world, I would love to connect. I invite you to come visit The Monarch Soul. It’s a place where creativity becomes connection, and love finds its way home.
I believe that when we make room for creativity and stillness, we make room for love. And when love moves freely within ourselves and outward into our community, we begin to change things in the most meaningful ways.
• Stephanie Clegg has lived in Coronado for six years with her husband and two children. After her own healing journey, she opened The Monarch Soul on the island in 2024 to spread inspiration, mindfulness, and soulful connection throughout the community.
Fa in Love
with your Beauty Routine
Why Your Beauty Routine Should Feel Like A Love Letter
February has a way of hyping things up. Red roses, red lips, the perfect dinner reservation, and so on. A truly great beauty routine focuses on being felt, more than on being seen. It’s about caring for yourself with intention and a loving, gentle touch.
When we think of our beauty routines not as a day-today must-do, but instead as a type of correspondence, we find a chance to be kind and loving to our skin, hair, and body. It becomes more romantic, more intentional, and it actually helps regulate our nervous system. They are small moments of devotion dedicated to you, from the one and only YOU.
Like a love letter, it is not rushed. It is slow, thoughtful, dreamy, and done with care. Your beauty routine should be the same. Think of your routine as a conversation, one that says, “I’m listening, I’m paying attention. I’m worth taking the time and slowing down for.”
In a world that constantly pulls us outward, beauty rituals are a way to go inward. It is not indulgence; it's regulation and self-care. Think how good you feel after getting your hair done, or after a manicure or massage.
Less routine, more ritual
A ritual means there is intention behind it, not just steps. We can put intention behind anything we do. We don’t need a million steps in our beauty routine for it to be e ective. We need presence, consistency, and love for ourselves.
When we approach beauty with a sense of reverence and joy rather than with obligation, everything changes.
Hair as an Act of Self-Love
Hair is one of the most intimate forms of beauty care. It’s touched more than any other part of the body, yet it often gets treated the worst: pulled tight into ponytails or buns with the wrong rubber bands, overheated, and exposed to harsh products.
What if, instead, your hair routine became an act of love?
Washing with patience. Styling with restraint. Choosing hair health over urgency. Letting your hair move, breathe, and exist without constant correction. The most elegant
hair today doesn’t scream for attention. It whispers confidence. It looks like someone who knows who they are and doesn’t need to prove it.
Romance, Redefined
February doesn’t need more spectacle. It needs sincerity.
The most romantic thing you can do this month is treat your body like it belongs to someone you love deeply. Someone you would never rush. Someone you would never speak harshly to. Someone whose comfort matters.
Beauty becomes powerful when it’s rooted in care rather than performance.
So let your routine be slower and quieter. Let it feel like a handwritten note instead of a broadcast.
The most beautiful glow isn’t created by products; it's created by the way you show up for yourself, day after day. And that, ultimately, is the kind of love that lasts.
CLUB CORONADO
Coronado’s New Adult Dance Party
I’m very excited to share my newest project with you — CLUB CORONADO, Coronado’s new Adult Dance Party.
This is a happy hour, club-style event from 5–8pm, designed just for grown-ups. Brought about by my love of dance, this party is all about freedom, fun, nostalgia, health, and pure joy. We will dance to the music of our past the way we used to in our 20s — zero judgment, all good vibes, and absolutely no staying out until 2am. We are never too old to dance like we mean it!
What to Expect
Expect great music, great people, and the kind of dancing we loved in our younger years — without the crowds, chaos, or latenight madness. It’s the perfect way to shake o stress, meet new friends, burn calories, have fun, and end your day on a high note.
No partner needed. No dance experience required. Just great music, great people, and permission to let go on the dance floor.
Why You’ll Love It
• Release stress and boost happiness
• Sweat, move, laugh
• Build community
• Feel like yourself again
Afterwards, you can still grab dinner, put kids to bed, and be under your covers at a responsible adult bedtime.
5–8pm on February 11 at the VFW, Coronado with music by TeeLynn
Get your tickets soon before they sell out like last month’s dance party did!
I KNOW YOU LOVE TO DANCE, CORONADO!
Come get your dance on with us and leave feeling more alive, happy, and connected.
• Marilyn Klisser is the owner of Salon On First who lives in Coronado with her husband. Book an appointment online at salononfirstcoronado. com to look and feel your best.
By Jacqueline Luna
Love, Your Library
February is Library Lover’s month. In honor of that, we’d like to celebrate some of the things we love: our community, our programs, and our collection.
Our Community
We couldn’t be luckier to be in Coronado. With the beach, parks, and ever-present sunshine, plus the occasional rainy day that’s perfect for a cozy day of reading, being right in the center of town comes with its own special magic. We love nothing more than a busy day at the library, with storytimes filled with dancing toddlers, the children’s library buzzing with homework and after-school laughter, or a concert with an audience made up of neighbors and friends. The library is so much more than just a building; it's a place where memories are made. For the author, it’s the memories created coming to storytimes as a girl in the same room she now hosts the library’s many author events in or finding a book on the shelves she checked out as a kid that she now gets to share with her daughter. From packed programs to checking out our great collection, our community constantly shows us how much you love coming to visit and we are grateful to be part of those memories.
Concerts, Author Visits, and Storytimes, oh my!
Did you know the library hosted over 940 programs last year? From concerts by San Diego Music Award winners, and appearances by bestselling authors to STEAM programs for kids and crafting for adults, there’s always something new coming up.
On Feb. 12, historical fiction fans won’t want to miss New York Times best-selling novelist Paula McLain, known for The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun, and Love and Ruin She will be at the library to discuss and sign her newest novel, Skylark. The book weaves together two stories set in Paris centuries apart — a woman seeking artistic freedom in 1664 and a doctor navigating danger during the German occupation in the 1940s — creating a powerful narrative of courage, resistance, and resilience across time. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with guaranteed preferred seating
available through pre-order of Skylark from Warwick's Bookstore. McLain will sign copies of the book following the event.
True crime and thriller fans will want to make sure to mark their calendar for Feb. 5 as Caitlin Rother, a best-selling author and investigative journalist returns to the library to discuss her San Diego set thriller Hooked. Known locally for Death on Ocean Boulevard, her acclaimed account of the Coronado mansion case, Rother brings a distinctly regional perspective to her work. Copies of her books will be available at the event, followed by a signing.
For those who love stories or want to learn how to tell better ones, don’t miss our handson workshop series where you can Learn the Art of Storytelling. Each session focuses on a different element of storytelling, helping you to bring real experiences to life and connect with others through the power of story. Our lives are filled with stories; this series will help you learn to cultivate and share them with friends, family and more. The series runs each Tuesday beginning on Feb. 3.
Plus, don’t miss concerts for adults (Gregory Page returns on Feb. 6) and kids (Nightingale Music will be at the library on Feb. 10 and 26) as well as the return of the Coronado Island Film Festival Student Film Classics Series on Feb. 1. While you’re at the library, be sure to visit our exhibit spaces as well. The Main Exhibit Gallery is currently featuring Many Hands, One Passion, curated in collaboration with the San Diego Potters Guild, alongside Connecting Currents, an exhibit by the San Diego River Artists’ Alliance on view in the Spreckels Room.
Books and More
If you were to guess how many items we have in the library, what would you think? 50,000? 150,000? You might be surprised to learn that we have over 170,000 books, movies, magazines, and more lining our shelves, just waiting to be discovered. From best-selling novels and historical accounts to blockbuster films, classic movies, and favorite children’s books, there’s something for every age an interest.
And that’s just what is available inside the library. Last year, over 70,000 items in our digital collection were checked out. If you haven’t explored our digital services yet, there’s an entire world waiting for you online! Stream movies and TV shows for free with Kanopy and Biblio+, featuring everything from major hits to indie favorites. For reading and listening on the go, CloudLibrary and Libby offer a vast selection of eBooks,
eMagazines, and eAudiobooks. Best of all, all this content is free with your library card with no subscriptions or fees like those other streaming services.
This month, we’re grateful to the community that makes everything we do possible and to the City of Coronado and the Friends of the Coronado Public Library whose support helps bring these events and services to life. The library thrives because of the people who believe in it. Together, we celebrate the library as a place of connection, creativity, and lifelong learning and look forward to many more shared experiences ahead.
Book Clubs!
Check out the Library’s book club lineup for February:
Best of the Best Book Club.
Meets Wednesday, February 25, at 11am in the Conference Room to discuss Beloved by Toni Morrison, which won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize. The Best of the Best meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.
Spoilers Book Club.
Meets Saturday, February 21, at 2pm in the Winn Room to view the film What’s Love Got to Do with It based on the book I, Tina, by Tina Turner. Spoilers Book Club participants read the book on their own and then gather to view the movie version at their meeting. They then compare and contrast the book and film.
Mystery Book Club
Meets Monday, February 23, at 2pm in the Winn Room to discuss Friends in High Places by Donna Leon. This month, the club meets on the fourth Monday of the month due to the holiday.
• Jacqueline Luna is the Senior Librarian for Programs, Outreach, and Marketing at the Coronado Public Library. Born and raised in Coronado, when not at the library, she can be found adventuring around the county with her husband and daughter (often with a book in her purse for emergencies). For more information about Coronado Public Library events and services offered, visit the library’s website, coronadolibrary.org.
For publication February 2022 I Ad proof No. 1
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Prep for The Coronado Flower Show Starts Now
By Samantha Bowman Fleurov
s we settle into our winter routines after the holidays, spring may feel a lifetime away. Yet in many ways, the Coronado Flower Show is already up and running.
Divisions
Most importantly, entry timelines for several Divisions are approaching quickly, and with the announcement of the 2026 theme — Welcome to the Jungle — it is never too early to begin the creative process!
The Coronado Flower Show follows a proud 100-plus-year tradition, adhering to the standards of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. These guidelines define the show’s required Divisions and, within them, the attributes, styles, and principles of design. In keeping with these rules, the judged portion of the show is divided into five Divisions. Read on for the many opportunities open for novice and experienced gardeners and design enthusiasts.
Division 1: Horticulture — The Time to Plant Is Now
Horticulture is the first Division and, for many, the easiest and most rewarding way to enter the show while enjoying its strong sense of camaraderie and community spirit. This is where the journey begins, as timelines for growing plants are fast approaching.
Horticulture includes all plants — potted, hanging, or cut. Whether you are planting a prickly pear, nurturing a lush fern, or planning to cut a rose, an important rule applies: all plants must be grown by the exhibitor for a minimum of 90 days prior to the show.
The show features sections highlighting orchids, bonsai, annuals, perennials, herbs, and more. In keeping with this year’s theme, an unjudged Bird of Paradise feature display will take center stage.
The Horticulture Division offers amateur growers the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with fellow gardeners to share knowledge and inspiration. No master gardener credentials are required, and the show is always more fun with even a small entry.
All plants, whether as grand as a staghorn fern or as whimsical as a milk-carton grass head, must be exhibitor-grown and properly named.
The National Garden Clubs, Inc. horticulture categories for 2026 are as follows:
• Section A – Roses
• Section B – ContainerGrown Plants (Flowering and Foliage)
• Section C – Cut Flowers from Annuals
• Section D – Cut Flowers from Perennials
• Section E – Cut Flowers from Corms, Bulbs, and Tubers
• Section F – Herbs
• Section G – Hanging Plants
• Section I – Bonsai
• Section H – Arboreals
• Section J – Orchids
• Section K – ContainerGrown Succulents
• Section L – ContainerGrown Cactaceae
• Section M – Cactus and Succulent Dish Gardens
Division 2: Floral Design — Creativity in Bloom
Beyond growing plants, the Flower Show invites exhibitors to explore creative expression through floral design. Division 2 highlights imaginative arrangements that inspire and delight.
Guided by National Garden Clubs, Inc. standards, this Division includes Petites, Floral Design, Picture Boxes, and Table Design, all interpreted through the lens of the jungle theme. The official show schedule available on the Flower Show website breaks down the rules into easy-tounderstand steps, and Division chairs are always ready to assist.
Division 3: Special Exhibits — Education and Exploration
Division 3 features Special Exhibits that provide the public with in-depth knowledge from horticultural and climate leaders. This year, after a brief hiatus, representatives from Balboa Park will return this year, bringing the story of our region's largest park right to Coronado.
Also within Special Exhibits is the ever-popular Men’s Creations section. With the 2026 theme Loincloths and Coconuts, this category promises to be as entertaining and inventive as ever.
Division 4: Youth — Growing the Next Generation
The Youth Division has long been a gift to the community. The Coronado Flower Show Committee is grateful to the Coronado Junior Woman’s Club, which will once again lead the youth section with the theme Jungle Cruise.
This partnership between the Coronado Junior Woman's Club and the Coronado Floral Association fosters a coalition of leaders dedicated to educating, inspiring, and celebrating our community’s youth. Participation is encouraged from children of all ages, including those from local schools, churches, and youth organizations.
In collaboration with the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission, the youth bouquet-tying craft section returns this year with the theme Wild at Heart.
Division 5: Botanical Arts — Floral Photography
The Botanical Arts Division features Floral Photography, celebrating connection — romantic, familial, or symbolic. Portraits and still-life scenes should express affection while incorporating jungle or botanical elements, blending artistry with nature.
The Coronado Flower Show is the largest tented flower show in the country, known for its innovative designs, stunning floral displays, and vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you choose to grow, arrange, or photograph nature’s beauty, we encourage your participation and look forward to welcoming you this April. For more information on joining this year’s show, visit CoronadoFlowerShow.com.
• Samantha Bowman Fleurov is the 2026 Flower Show Programming Chair. As a long-time Coronado resident and former ribbon winner, she is delighted to help carry on this beloved smalltown tradition.
All Peoples Church Coronado
1331 Orange Ave. (Golf Cart Rental)
Email: info@allpeoplescoronado.com
Website: allpeoplescoronado.com
Chabad of Coronado
1300 Orange Ave., Suite 120-130 • (619) 365-4728
Email: info@chabadcoronado.com
Website: chabadcoronado.com
Christ Episcopal Church
1114 9th St. (at C Avenue) • (619) 435-4561
Email: of ce@christchurchcoronado.org
Website: christchurchcoronado.org
Coronado Community Church
201 6th St. • (619) 437-6827
Email: pastoreric@coronadocommunitychurch.org
Website: coronadocommunitychurch.org
Coronado Southern Baptist Church
111 Orange Ave., • (619) 435-8682
Email: john@coronadosbc.com
Website: coronadosbc.com
First Baptist Church of Coronado 445 C Ave. • (619) 435-6588
Email: secretary@fbcoronado.com
Website: fbcoronado.com
First Church of Christ, Scientist 1123 8th St. • (619) 435-4383
Website: prayerthatheals.org
Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church
979 C Ave. • (619) 435-6860
Email: info@gmpc.org
Website: gmpc.org
Living Waters Christian Church
Calvary Chapel Coronado 1224 10th St. #103 • (619) 435-8233
Email: cccoronadolwf@gmail.com
Website: calvarychapelcoronado.com
Resurrection Lutheran Church
1111 5th St. • (619) 435-1000
Email: secretary@resurrectioncoronado.com
Website: resurrectioncoronado.com
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
655 C Avenue • (619) 435-3167
Email: sacredheart@sacredheartcor.org
Website: sacredheartcor.org
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
700 D Ave. • (619) 435-5691
Email: stpauls.coronadoumc@gmail.com
Website: stpaulsmethodist.com
Victory Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church 111 Orange Avenue • (858) 499-9312
Website: victorylighthouse.weebly.com
This photo of students during a chapel service is courtesy of Christ Church Day School. Read about two beloved local parochial schools in this month’s History column on page 20.
Envisioning the Possibilities of Your Space. We Can’t Wait to Meet You!
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Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa 2000 Second St. (619) 435-3000
Amalo Brew Coffee Coronado Library 640 Orange Ave. (619) 537-9011
Burger Lounge 922 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6835
Calypso Cafe 505 Grand Caribe Causeway (619) 423-5144
Coronado Brewing Co.
170 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4452
Coronado Coffee Company
Domino’s 1330 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4241
La Corriente Coronado 1100 Orange Ave. (619) 319-5152
ACTION REQUIRED!
Avenue Liquor Wine & Subs
878 Orange Ave. (619) 435-4663
Babcock & Story Bar Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6611
Better Buzz Coffee
1305 Orange Ave. (619) 866-6896
Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill
1701 Strand Way (619) 435-0155
Boney’s Bayside Market
con rm or
155 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0776
The Brigantine 1333 Orange Ave. (619) 435-4166
Central Liquor & Deli 178 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0118
Chez Loma 1132 Loma Ave. (619) 435-0661
Chipotle Mexican Grill 1360 Orange Ave. (619) 365-4287
Clayton’s Bakery and Bistro 849 Orange Ave. (619) 319-5001
Clayton’s Coffee Shop 979 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5425
Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 522-0217
Cocina 35
Ferry Landing 1201 First St. (619) 794-2041
Crack Taco 1009 Orange Ave. cracktacoshop.com
Crown Bistro
Crown City Inn 520 Orange Ave. (619) 435-3678
Crown Landing Loews Coronado Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Road (619) 424-4000
Eno Pizza Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 522-8546
Feast & Fareway 2000 Visalia Row (619) 996-3322
Garage Buona Forchetta 1000 C Ave. (619) 675-0079
Gelato Paradiso 918 Orange Ave. (619) 629-5343
High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen 933 Orange Ave. (619) 435-1380
Il Fornaio 1333 1st St. (619) 437-4911
Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 522-0217
Little Club 132 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5885
Little Frenchie 1166 Orange Ave. (619) 675-0041
Lobster West 1033 B Ave. #102 (619) 675-0002
L'Orangerie 1100 Orange Ave. (619) 571-3367
McP's Irish Pub 1107 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5280
Crown Room
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Burger King
Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 435-8707
Clayton’s Mexican Takeout 1107 10th St. (619) 437-8811
Cold Stone Creamery
Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 437-6919
Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 522-8490
Danny’s Palm Bar & Grill 965 Orange Ave. (619) 435-3171
Island Pasta 1202 Orange Ave. (619) 435-4545
Jolie Coronado 126 Orange Ave. (619) 704-2467
KFC/Taco Bell 100 B Ave. (619) 435-2055
Miguel’s Cocina 1351 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4237
Mindful Cafe Sharp Coronado Hospital 250 Prospect Ave. (619) 522-3600
Mootime Creamery 1025 Orange Ave. (619) 435-2422
Nado Gelato Cafe 1017 C Ave. (619) 522-9053
Nado Republic 1007 C Ave. (619) 996-3271
Nicky Rotten’s Bar & Burger Joint 100 Orange Ave. (619) 675-0094
Night & Day Cafe 847 Orange Ave. (619) 435-9776
Nobu Del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6611
Panera 980 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4288
Parakeet Cafe 1134 Orange Ave. (619) 675-0104
Parakeet Juicery 1138 Orange Ave. (619) 537-0018
Park Place Liquor & Deli 1000 Park Place (619) 435-0116
Peohe’s Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 437-4474
Pop Pops Paleta 943 Orange Ave. (619) 537-0000
Rosemary Trattoria 120 Orange Ave. (619) 537-0054
Saiko Sushi 116 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0868
Serea Coastal Cuisine Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6611
Spiro’s Greek Cafe Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 435-1225
Starbucks 960 Orange Ave. (619) 437-8306
Tartine 1106 1st St. (619) 435-4323
Tavern 1310 Orange Ave. (619) 437-0611
The Henry 1031 Orange Ave. (619) 762-1022
Trident Coffee 942 Orange Ave. (619) 509-7118
Veranda 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6611
Which Wich 926 Orange Ave. (619) 522-9424
Yummy Sushi 1330 Orange Ave. (619) 435-2771
Clyde Van Arsdall (619) 884-7928
Chef Drew McPartlin (619) 990-9201
Stake Chophouse & Bar
1309 Orange Ave. (619) 522-0077
Villa Nueva Bakery Café 956 Orange Ave. (619) 435-1256
Coronado Caterer (619) 917-3392
Village Pizzeria 1206 Orange Ave. (619) 522-0449
Subway 1330 Orange Ave. (619) 435-8272
Swaddee Thai 1001 C Ave. (619) 435-8110
proofread this ad carefully. Check all names, addresses, phone numbers, and expiration dates. Please respond within two business days. we don’t hear from you, we will consider all information to be correct and will print the ad AS IS.
Scratch Gourmet (619) 987-4912
Village Pizzeria Bayside Ferry Landing 1201 1st St. (619) 437-0650
Please proofread this ad carefully. Check all names, addresses, phone prices and expiration dates. Please respond within two business If we don’t hear from you, we will consider all information to To con rm or correct,
con rm or correct, please contact your ad representative: heather@crowncitypublishing.com alex@crowncitypublishing.com natalie@crowncitypublishing.com
Business District - Shop, Dine & Fun!
(Also see Local Buzz on page 12) Public Restrooms
Pedestrian, Bike and Bus Routes
Pedestrian Routes
Pedestrian & Bike Routes
Bike Routes
Bus Routes
It is not recommended to cross at these intersections.
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1
Sharp Coronado Hospital (619) 522-3600
Police Department (619) 522-7350
Fire Department (619) 522-7374
Lifeguard Station (619) 522-7346
Coronado Ferry Schedule
Pier
The Ferry departs the Broadway Pier hourly, from 9am to 9pm (10pm on Friday & Saturday nights)
The Ferry departs Coronado hourly, from 9:30am to 9:30pm
The Convention Center (South Embarcadero)
The Ferry departs from the Convention Center at :25 & :55 past the hour, from 9:25am to 9:55pm (10:55pm on Friday & Saturday nights)
The Ferry departs Coronado at :10 and :40 past the hour from 9:10am to 9:40pm (10:40pm on Friday & Saturday nights)
Ferry operated by Flagship Cruises & Events (619) 234-4111
For more information, visit their website, flagshipsd.com/cruises/flagship-ferry
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” — Brian Solis