Crown City Magazine August 2026 Issue

COVER: Local photographer Derek Emge captures Coronado surfer Justo Sierra in action while competing for the Coronado Surf Team at the Scholastic Surf Series at Army Navy Beach in Carlsbad earlier this year. derekemgephotography.com

BACK COVER: 2026 Coronado Surf Team photos courtesy of Derek Emge and the Coronado Surf Team. Surfers clockwise from top left: Liam Knapp, Justo Sierra, Jack Marovich, Ryan Chalepas, Sydney Vierling, and Bohlen Kuperschmid. Middle Group Photo: Van Marinics (Jr), Justo Sierra (Sr), Ryan Chalepas (Sr), Kalista Searles (Sr); Middle row: Liam Knapp (Sr), Santiago Girault (Coach), Dhara Jost (Sr), Vivian Scott (Jr); Bottom: Bohlen Kuperschmid (Sr). Not pictured: Jack Marovish (Sr.) and Sydney Verling (Fr.)

ISLAND BIRKENSTOCK

PUBLISHER Heather Canton

heather@crowncitypublishing.com

EDITOR

Heather Canton

SENIOR COPY EDITOR

Sydney Zoehrer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Canton, Sydney Zoehrer

David Throop, Amy Forsythe

Carol Pastor, Clyde Van Arsdall IV

Jessica Nicolls, Karyn Molina, Dr. Gina Casian

Marilyn Klisser, Jaqueline Luna, Melissa Pierce

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Derek Emge, Coronado Surf Team

Crown City Water Polo

Coronado Historical Association

Clyde Van Arsdall IV, Choose Healthy Salon On First, Coronado Public Library

Coronado Junior Woman’s Club

SPECIAL THANKS TO Coronado Surf Team, Santiago Girault

Sydney Zoehrer, Derek Emge

KEEP PADDLING FORWARD

Each year, our Surfing Issue celebrates Coronado’s deep connection to the ocean and the people who find joy, strength, and inspiration there. This year, however, creating the issue felt more challenging than ever.

Our local surfing community has faced circumstances no one could have imagined. Yet, as we learned through this month’s story about the Coronado High School Surf Team, the love of the sport remains strong. These young surfers first found friendship and freedom in the water during the isolating pandemic years. Now, despite ongoing water-quality issues that often require them to travel beyond Coronado to practice and compete, they continue to show up, adapt, and keep paddling forward.

Their story feels especially meaningful to me. Publishing Crown City Magazine has also required constant adaptation, perseverance, and faith. As a rookie publisher, I could never have anticipated the many obstacles we would encounter along the way. But every challenge has pushed us to learn, evolve, and become stronger.

The conditions around us will not always be ideal. As professional sailor and Olympic hopeful Lauren Wilson so beautifully shared in her recent Second Wind story published in the June issue, we do not always get to wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, we simply have to decide to go.

I am grateful to the contributors, advertisers, readers, and community members who continue to believe in this publication and help us move forward. Together, we are proud to bring you Crown City Magazine’s ninth annual Surfing Issue and to celebrate the resilient young athletes who remind us that when the waters get rough, we adjust our course, grow stronger, and keep going.

Thank you for celebrating Coronado with us!

Sincerely,

Heather Canton Publisher, Editor, and Co-Founder

ings to Do On-Island

Discover Coronado in a whole new way with the Coronado Sand Bucket List, a passport-sized guide featuring 100 places to see and things to do throughout the island. Created by Go Ranchero in partnership with the Coronado Historical Association, it invites locals and visitors to uncover hidden history, beloved traditions, and unexpected discoveries. Available at the Coronado Museum of History and Art or online at GoRanchero.com/bucketlist. Proceeds support the Coronado Historical Association.

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.

Local Art, Theater & Entertainment

Coronado’s Historical Gems App has an extensive gallery and map to learn about local historical sites.

• Coronado Historical Association events, tours and museum CoronadoHistory.org

•Coronado Public Library CoronadoLibrary.org

• Coronado Playhouse CoronadoPlayhouse.com

• Coronado Island Film Festival year-round Classic Film Series CoronadoFilmFest.com

• Lamb’s Players Theatre LambsPlayers.org

• Vintage Movie Theatre VintageCinemas.com

• The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission is the leading online resource for arts and cultural information CoronadoARTS.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

LESSONS FROM LEE

Imagine selling a home without the internet. Or a cell phone. Or even the MLS as we know it. When Lee Mather opened his Coronado real estate office in 1953, the business ran on paper, patience, and people. Purchase agreements were handwritten or typed using carbon paper. Contracts were delivered by hand. Printed MLS books, updated periodically, were often the only source of available listings. But Lee understood something those books never could. The best opportunities often started with a conversation. A trusted relationship between agents. A neighbor mentioning they were thinking about selling. Years of being involved in the community.

Today, the tools are different. Listings appear instantly, contracts move electronically, and information is always within reach. But technology has never replaced relationships. Coronado is still a small town where local knowledge, trust, and genuine connections matter. Some of the best opportunities still begin with a conversation before they ever appear online. It’s a lesson Lee understood more than seventy years ago, and one that continues to guide the Nelson Riddle Team today.

The tools have changed.

The importance of relationships hasn’t.

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Pandemic Groms

Celebrating the CHS Surf Team Class of 2026

By

Whenthe world pressed pause in 2020, Coronado’s shoreline quietly filled with life. While classrooms went virtual and fields fell silent, a group of determined local moms stepped up to expand and continue something simple and powerful from Stan Searfus’s legacy: a surf club for their K-5 and middle school kids, taking over from coach Mike Gillard, who shepherded the middle and high school teams after Stan’s passing. Armed with sunscreen, patience, and a deep love for the ocean — and the help of dedicated local volunteer coaches — they gave young students a space to move, breathe, and find community well beyond the pandemic.

For many kids, the beach became more than a break between Zoom classes. The surf team acted as a social lifeline — a way for kids to have fun safely outdoors during an isolating time. Packing wetsuits and boards into cars to surf before and after school became a regular routine. Friendships formed in the lineup, and confidence grew with every wave. What started as a grassroots solution among coaches and parents who took initiative to push the surf club through an uncertain time became part of childhood here on the island.

“We had 10 kids from the beginning, but once beaches reopened more people wanted to get involved,” recalls Santiago Girault, volunteer coach. “At one point, we had 70 kids. It was awesome to see all of these young surfers out in the water.”

As interest expanded, the team moms — Heidi Iverson, Stephani Kuperschmid, Katrina Knapp, and Isabelle Chalepas — organized the handoff of operations from Mike, who introduced the parents to the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS), a five-competition series that takes place at beaches up and down the San Diego County coastline and culminates in the annual State Championships at Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty. The parents coordinated surfboards with Jan Searfus, got many fathers of the surfers involved for practices at the Shores, and formed an official team for their kids by enrolling them in the SSS contests.

For a sport known for its laid back, go-with-the-flow nature, people might not expect the level of behind-the-scenes effort required to carry momentum for an official surf team from year to year. Several local volunteers played a crucial role in the continuation of the surf clubs, especially at the younger level. Santiago Girault (CHS ’19), Lance Mann (CHS ’19), and Chapin Miller-Maes (CHS ’18) — all former CHS surf team members — began helping with the middle school team during COVID-19.

The groms have competed against peers from other surf teams across San Diego County in five SSS contests per year, striving toward the CA State Championships. The contests push the surfers to showcase their abilities in longboarding, shortboarding, and bodyboarding divisions. Competing at the high school level — which incorporates both individual and team components — requires physical and mental fortitude, teamwork, and strategy to consistently perform across a variety of conditions throughout the year.

Fast forward to 2026: these senior photos are the pandemic groms, now poised at the edge of their next chapter. This cohort has cheered on each other’s successes on and off the water over the past six years, forming bonds that are exactly the type of camaraderie that Stan fostered. They have shown perseverance time and again, from navigating water quality issues at the Shores to paddling back into the lineup for another attempt when things haven’t gone their way at contests.

Times have changed as they’ve risen the ranks from the CMS to the CHS Surf Team, but the community they built still runs deep. Their coach, Santiago, has been there to see it all. When this group graduated CMS, Santiago moved up to the high school to stay on as their coach — at first helping Lance Mann, who was coaching the B team at the time, then taking on a larger role. He refers to these groms as ‘his kids,’ having seen the growth of this cohort from 6th-graders through high school seniors.

“They’re an incredible group of kids,” said Santiago. “They’ve been together since 6th grade doing this — they didn’t show up to the beach as friends, but they left as friends. We were trying to mimic what the class of 2019 surfers had — that’s what I knew, that’s what Stan taught us… And it happened.”

This tight-knit surf squad has exciting plans on the horizon. This fall, Bohlen Kuperschmid will head to University of Utah, Ryan Chalepas and Jack Marovish will attend CU Boulder, Justo Sierra will attend San Diego Mesa College, Kalista Searles will study at UC San Diego, and Dhara Jost will attend UCLA. Before heading to flight school, Liam Knapp is lifeguarding for the City of Coronado this summer along with Van Marinics (rising senior). If you see these recent graduates around town, wish them congratulations!

About the Surf Teams

While the Middle School Club/Team disbanded over time due to local water quality, the CHS Surf Team remains active. Run separately from ISF sports, the CHS Surf Team is managed by parent volunteers and has until recently been coached by Santiago Girault. The team is open to current CHS students, homeschooled students, and students at other schools without an affiliated surf program. There will be an informal meeting later in the summer for students interested in getting involved. Contact Stephani Kuperschmid for more information or visit surfsss.org.

· Sydney Zoehrer, a CHS surf team graduate, is a writer and senior copy editor for Crown City Magazine who enjoys covering stories about Coronado’s changing community, small businesses, and architectural history. In her free time she can be found surfing, practicing yoga, and traveling with friends.

· Derek Emge is a professional photographer who calls Coronado home. His images can he found on Instagram @ DerekEmgePhotography and at DerekEmgePhotography.com.

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HALLMARKS OF OUR SCHOOL

FAITH FORMATION

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

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.

Crown City Water Polo

By Coach David Throop

Crown City Water Polo was launched as an organization in 2025 to benefit current, past, and up-and-coming future CHS Islanders by carrying on the tradition of Coronado Water Polo.

As the primary feeder for the CHS teams, the mission of Crown City Water Polo is to provide access for kids of all ages to come together, build a community, and grow as teams, in and out of the high school season.

Here are a few highlights of what the Crown City Water Polo Club has done just this year to steward the next generation of Coronado water polo players and strengthen the community past and present.

•April saw our players of the past participate in the San Diego Finest Masters tournament. Alumni from all around the world traveled in to take part.

•In May, Crown City WPC participated in the San Diego County Cup, the largest 14-and-under tournament in the world.

•Later in May, Crown City Boys and Girls teams, composed primarily of CHS athletes, competed in the San Diego County Cup Elders Tournament.

•July 3rd was the annual alumni game at the BBMAC pool with a huge turnout and participation numbers.

This summer, from July 26 to August 2, Crown City will compete in the Hawaiian Invitational Tournament in Oahu. The event will serve as a precursor for the CHS Boys water polo season, as well as an

early opportunity for the winter CHS Girls water polo team to travel and compete against some of the best players in 16u and 18u from around the globe.

The photos featured here are from our alumni game. It included roughly 100 participants, dating from 1980 to 2025, in both the Men/Boys and Women/Girls categories, with a couple of hundred in attendance. Adding to the excitement, we had two former Olympians return to participate: Layne Beaubien, CHS Class of 1994, Olympic team 2004, 2008 (Silver Medalist), 2012 and Genai Kerr, CHS Class of 1995, Olympic team 2004. The alumni games also included a few mother/daughter, sister versus sister, and father/son pairs playing against each other. These full circle moments are a rewarding part of Crown City Water Polo’s work to foster the local water polo community through competition and camaraderie.

Crown City provides year-round training and competition for athletes in middle school and high school at the BBMAC pool. For more information, check out CrownCityPolo.com.

· David Throop is a freelance writer and water polo coach from Coronado who now lives in Imperial Beach with his wife and child.

HEART AND ENDURANCE

The Inspiring Journey of Coronado’s Alejandro Soler

There are young spirits who chart their course using conventional maps, and then there are those who let an innate, deep-seated empathy navigate. For those who have known local athlete Alejandro Soler since his earliest days, one defining characteristic always rises to the surface: an absolute, unshakeable nobility. Alejandro possesses that rare, magnetic combination of an "old soul" — someone with a lifelong, genuine drive to help and uplift others — paired with the fierce, indomitable fire of an elite endurance athlete. While many discover their calling later in life, Alejandro’s narrative is one of steady, lifelong alignment between character, faith, and physical discipline.

THE EARLY YEARS: A FOUNDATION BUILT AT SANTA TERESA ACADEMY

This lifelong dedication to integrity began during his formative education at Santa Teresa Academy, where he completed his elementary and middle school years. It was within this values-based environment that his natural character traits found their first structured reinforcement.

A striking testament to his early development is captured in a cherished family photograph. In it, a young Alejandro proudly holds a "Certificate of Achievement for Trustworthiness," awarded through the academy's The Eagle’s Way – Steps for Success character education program. Standing beside his father, who embraces him with a beaming smile, the image captures more than just a school accolade. It represents the early cementing of a core value — trustworthiness — that would become the bedrock of his identity. For Alejandro, being someone others could depend on was never a persona; it was simply who he was.

FORGING FAITH AND BROTHERHOOD AT SAINT AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL

As he transitioned into adolescence, Alejandro entered the prestigious academic and spiritual brotherhood of St. Augustine High School, affectionately known throughout San Diego as "Saints." It was during this pivotal chapter that his faith and leadership capabilities truly matured.

At Saints, Alejandro effortlessly balanced the rigorous demands of a college-preparatory education with a vibrant life of service. Driven by his natural desire to guide and support his peers, he stepped into leadership roles within local youth religious groups, serving as a spiritual anchor and a source of quiet encouragement for those around him.

Simultaneously, Saints became the arena where his athletic endurance took root. Competing at a high level on both the school’s swim and cross country

teams, Alejandro spent hours logging miles on the track and laps in the pool. This period forged the intense physical stamina, mental toughness, and appreciation for structured training that would later define his athletic pursuits. He proved early on that physical strength is at its most powerful when it is tethered to a disciplined mind and a generous spirit.

A SPIRITUAL RETREAT IN GUATEMALA: FINDING THE PATH

Following his graduation from Saints, Alejandro found himself at a profound crossroads. Like many young adults stepping out into the world, he was unsure of what career path to pursue or what major to declare. Rather than rushing into a conventional university track without a clear purpose, he made a brave decision to step back, clear his mind, and seek out genuine life experience. He embarked on a transformative five-month humanitarian and spiritual retreat to Guatemala.

Leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, the mission in Central America became a sanctuary for self-discovery. Alejandro fully immersed himself in the daily life of the local community, pouring 100% of his physical energy into manual labor. He spent his days working in local construction projects, supporting regional coffee farming initiatives, and managing complex logistics and educational tours for international visitors at the mission.

More than just a service trip, Guatemala provided the deep spiritual grounding he was searching for. Embraced by a community of immense heart, Alejandro learned

the profound beauty of human connection stripped of modern distractions. The intensive physical labor and quiet moments of reflection allowed him to look inward, mature immensely, and return with an absolute, unshakeable clarity regarding his true calling.

"More than just a service trip, Guatemala provided the deep spiritual grounding Alejandro was searching for. He returned with an absolute, unshakeable clarity regarding his true calling."

THE BIRTH OF A TRIATHLETE

Upon his return from Guatemala — fully transformed, grounded, and energized by the demanding physical lifestyle he had experienced abroad — Alejandro immediately channeled his renewed focus into the world of triathlons. What began as a rigorous physical outlet rapidly evolved into a highly disciplined, elite pursuit of the legendary IRONMAN circuit.

Under the expert guidance of his coach, Alejandro embraced a relentless training regimen that demanded absolute dedication. Training from Monday through Saturday, his weekly routine was a masterclass in athletic commitment. He balanced grueling hours in the saddle, precision speed workouts in the pool, and intense long-distance road runs, reserving only Sunday for vital active recovery.

SERVING A PURPOSE: MAKE-A-WISH AND FAMILY TIES

Even as his athletic scheduling intensified, Alejandro’s core desire to serve never wavered. Back home, he found deep personal fulfillment volunteering his time with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He fell in love with the organization's mission, dedicating himself whole-heartedly to bringing joy, hope, and strength to children facing critical, life-threatening illnesses.

Central to everything Alejandro does is his profound, unbreakable bond with his family. He remains remarkably close to his siblings, serving not just as a brother, but as a real source of support. This role as a spiritual anchor for his family was beautifully cemented when he served as the Confirmation Godfather for his younger brother, Enrique. It was a deeply meaningful milestone that perfectly reflected Alejandro’s mature faith, his protective nature, and his lifelong commitment to guiding the people he loves most.

THE ULTIMATE TRAINING GROUND: THE CORONADO LIFESTYLE AND PATH TO NUTRITION

The clarity Alejandro sought during his spiritual retreat in Guatemala ultimately crystallized into a clear professional vision. Recognizing that optimal human performance requires a perfect synergy between body and mind, he applied to Point Loma Nazarene University, where he was proudly admitted into the highly competitive Nutrition program. Currently pursuing his degree, Alejandro treats his studies not just as a future career, but as a live laboratory, directly applying the scientific principles of biochemical fueling to his own demanding athletic training.

Today, as a proud resident of Coronado, Alejandro has found the absolute ideal haven for a triathlete. The island acts as a flawless natural training ground, offering top-tier competitive swimming pools, pristine running trails, and unparalleled cycling infrastructure right outside his front door. He can regularly be spotted logging intense miles along the scenic, uninterrupted stretch of the Silver Strand, testing his speed in the local waters, or running along the coastal paths.

For Alejandro Soler, Coronado is more than just a beautiful place to live; it is the sanctuary where his academic expertise, his elite IRONMAN dreams, and his generous servant's heart work in perfect harmony. He stands as a true reflection of the modern complete athlete — built on a foundation of trustworthiness, sharpened by global experience, and driven by an enormous love for his community and family.

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RECON ON THE BEACH

Inside Marine Corps Reconnaissance Training on Coronado Island

By Amy Forsythe, Military A airs Contributor

Along the southern shoreline of Coronado, where tourists stroll the sand and surfers chase waves, a different kind of athlete is quietly at work. Beneath the morning fog, teams of Marine Corps reconnaissance candidates push through one of the military's most demanding training pipelines at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

For decades, the beaches and waters surrounding Coronado have served as a proving ground for some of America's most elite warriors. Long associated with Navy SEAL training, the area is also home to Marine reconnaissance training, where candidates are tested physically, mentally, and emotionally to determine whether they possess the resilience required for one of the Marine Corps' most challenging specialties.

Marine reconnaissance traces its roots to World War II, when specially trained Marines conducted amphibious scouting and intelligence-gathering missions ahead of major assaults across the Pacific. Today, reconnaissance Marines continue that mission, serving as the eyes and ears of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces around the world.

Coronado

is Just the Starting Point

The journey begins at the Marine Reconnaissance Training Center (MRTC) aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Before earning the coveted reconnaissance designation, Marines must successfully complete a rigorous selection and assessment process designed to identify candidates capable of operating in austere environments with limited support.

“Coronado gives our Marines a uniquely realistic amphibious classroom,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Jonathan Bender, commanding officer of Reconnaissance Training Company.

Water competency is a cornerstone of the reconnaissance profession. Candidates spend countless hours swimming in open water, conducting underwater knot tying exercises, performing gear recovery drills, and navigating long-distance ocean swims.

Physical endurance is tested daily through timed runs, obstacle courses, ruck marches, and strength events designed to push students beyond their perceived limits.

Recon Marines are the Best of the Best

“Being directly immersed in the cold surf of the Pacific Ocean forces those undergoing training to build the confidence, small-unit discipline, and judgment under pressure that reconnaissance Marines need when they are out in the field providing commanders with timely information from remote and unforgiving places,” Bender added.

Unlike conventional infantry units, reconnaissance Marines specialize in gathering intelligence, conducting surveillance, and providing commanders with critical battlefield information. Their missions often require insertion by sea, air, or land, frequently behind enemy lines or in areas where conventional forces cannot easily operate.

The Pacific Ocean Becomes Both Classroom and Adversary

Candidates learn combatant diving fundamentals, small boat operations, hydrographic reconnaissance techniques, and methods for infiltrating coastlines undetected. They must remain calm under pressure while operating in cold water, darkness, and unpredictable surf conditions.

Many students arrive believing physical fitness will carry them through the course. They quickly discover that mental toughness often becomes the deciding factor.

Instructors place students in stressful situations that require teamwork, adaptability, and decision-making under fatigue. Sleep deprivation, environmental challenges, and continuous evaluation reveal who can continue performing when conditions deteriorate.

Success requires far more than strength

“All it takes is all you’ve got” is a familiar refrain for Recon Marines. The phrase was coined by Staff Sgt. Christopher Antonik, a 29-yearold Reconnaissance Marine and Marine Raider killed in action on July 11, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Reconnaissance Marines are expected to become experts in communications, navigation, intelligence reporting, photography, surveillance, and advanced fieldcraft. They must be capable of operating independently while maintaining constant situational awareness and delivering accurate information to commanders making critical decisions.

For Coronado residents, sightings of camouflaged Marines moving along the shoreline or conducting training exercises offshore are not uncommon. While much of the training occurs away from public view, the presence of Marine and Navy special operations forces has become part of the region's identity.

The Navy-Marine Corps Team on Coronado

Naval Amphibious Base Coronado serves as a unique joint training environment where Navy and Marine units can integrate maritime capabilities. The installation supports a wide range of special operations and expeditionary training activities, making it one of the most strategically important military facilities in Southern California.

“The relationship between Coronado and the military extends back generations,” said Dave “Rage” James, author of Life and Times of Rage. James is a Marine Force Recon veteran with more than 25 years of experience mentoring youth and training Special Operations warriors. “Families, veterans, and active-duty service members have long contributed to the community's culture and economy. The training conducted here continues a legacy of readiness that stretches from World War II through today's increasingly complex global security environment."

“While many military occupations remain largely unseen by the public, reconnaissance Marines represent a profession built on preparation, patience, and precision,” James added. Their work rarely generates headlines, yet the intelligence they collect can shape operational decisions and help safeguard the lives of fellow service members.

O.

25,

or

U.S. Marines with Basic Reconnaissance Course carry a combat rubber raiding craft to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter to conduct helocasting training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA, Oct. 29, 2019. BRC is one of the many courses taught by the sta at Reconnaissance Training Company, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West. The course provides students with the basic knowledge of reconnaissance doctrine, concepts, and techniques with emphasis on amphibious entry and extraction, beach reconnaissance, and reconnaissance patrolling skills. (Marine Corps photo by Lance

Andrew Cortez)

On any given morning, before most of Coronado has finished its first cup of coffee, another class of reconnaissance candidates may already be miles offshore, swimming through cold Pacific waters toward an uncertain objective.

For those who ultimately earn the title of Recon Marine, the journey begins here — on the beaches of Coronado, where determination is tested daily and where some of the Marine Corps' most capable warriors are forged.

• 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 and covers military and veteran events and topics. Connect with Amy online at heroeslivehere.net.

Crown City History

IN COLLABORATION WITH CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

SURF’S UP

BY CAROL PASTOR, CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Coronado has been home to several generations of surfers enjoying waves on its shoreline. But sur ng didn’t start here in Coronado. We can certainly thank the Hawaiians for this sport arriving on our shores many years ago. In case you are new to town, here is some of our local history in the sport.

This sport goes way back in history to Polynesian waters hundreds of years ago. Then, in the 1700s, it was observed by explorers in Tahiti. It was used as a means of transportation rather than a sport at that time. By the early 1900s, sur ng was a popular sport in Hawaii, where Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer, was making a name for himself as a surfer. He became recognized as the Father of Modern Sur ng. In 1907, George Freeth, another Hawaiian surfer, came to Southern California to give demonstrations of the sport on our coast. The boards they used were a far cry from those used today. Some of those early boards, weighing as much as a hundred pounds, are still on display in Hawaiian hotels.

It wasn't just the wider Southern California area being written about in the sur ng world; Coronado had its own entries. In the 1950s, it was Tom Carlin — a local, a Navy SEAL, and later an underwater lmmaker — who made history in the sur ng world. It was also a time when Coronado natives John and Russ Elwell ventured to Honolulu to attempt sur ng on the wild North Shore back in 1958. Over the decades, Coronado has had countless other surfers, names you would easily recognize: Jim Scanlon, John Gillem, Tim Coon, Dave and Jim Montalbano, Patrick Mower, Kelly and Larry Kraus

(the sibling duo behind Emerald City Surf Shop), Bob Duryea and Manny Granillo (who ran the legacy surf shop Island Surf from 1972-2017), John Gillem, Lorton Mitchell, Dan Mann (founder of MannKine surfboards), World Champion longboarder Taylor Jensen, and the Gillard siblings — Mike, Christine, and Terry, all of whom have competed professionally. The Gillard name would be noted again years later when their kids came up through the CMS/CHS Surf Teams in the 2010s.

Following in these footsteps, Coronado High School went on to form its own surf team in 1988, beginning three decades of thriving local competition. Coronado has hosted the likes of the Jimmy Reilly “JR” Surf Classic, which ran for over 30 years as the oldest continually run contest county-wide, the Lorton Mitchell Precision Decision Surf Fest, and the TRIM Classic. Local surfer Stan Searfus spearheaded youth sur ng in Coronado up until his passing in 2018, uplifting both competition and recreational sur ng by running both the CMS/CHS Surf Teams, and the summer camp Blue Wave, a fun summer pastime for locals and visitors. Now, the beach at the end of Avenida de las Arenas at the Shores is commemoratively dubbed Stan’s Beach. The Coronado Sur ng Association also had a wonderful run of participation in the California Coalition of Surf Clubs contest series throughout the 2010s up and down the California coast.

Women truly came into their own in Coronado sur ng history over these years. Margo Rhodes began sur ng at age ve, and another pioneer was Sandra Vickers, whose own children were swimmers at Coronado High School in later years. We have had so many others grace our waters over the last fty years of the sport. Mary Ellen Rogers, Cheryl “Shredder” Woodhouse, and Carolyn Mitchell are just a few names of women who have shaped sur ng in Coronado and paved the way for younger women in the sur ine.

Once women took their boards to the sea, we soon found out just how good they could be. In the earlier years, some people felt the ocean belonged strictly to the boys — we can certainly laugh about that today! With local stewardship of women’s sur ng through the generations, this is no longer the case. The CHS Women’s Surf Team even won the California Longboarding State Championships in 2016. And so it goes. When you paddle out into the lineup, it’s fun to remember that you are a part of a long sur ng legacy in town.

And if you see people at the Shores parking lot suiting up, you know that the SURF'S UP!

• 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.

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SPOTLIGHT: FLAMINGO ESTATE

AtBungalow 56, we are always drawn to brands that tell a story — brands that feel thoughtful, sensory, and rooted in beauty. One of our favorites in the shop is Flamingo Estate, a California-based brand known for its intoxicating candles, luxurious bath products, and delicious pantry staples.

Flamingo Estate began as a home and garden high in the hills of Los Angeles, surrounded by orchards, herbs, flowers, and wild beauty. What started as an estate has become a philosophy: a celebration of nature, pleasure, craftsmanship, and the idea that everyday rituals should feel special.

That is exactly why we love carrying Flamingo Estate at Bungalow 56. Their products turn simple moments into something memorable. Lighting one of their candles can completely change the feeling of a room. Their tomato candle is bold and garden-inspired, while their herbal and floral scents feel layered, earthy, and unexpected. They are the kind of candles that make people stop and ask, “What is that?”

Beyond the candles, Flamingo Estate’s pantry collection is equally special. Their olive oils, vinegars, honey, and other culinary products make even the simplest meal feel elevated. A drizzle of beautiful olive oil over fresh tomatoes, a splash of vinegar on a summer salad, or a jar of honey set out with cheese and fruit instantly brings a sense of abundance to the table.

We love products that are as beautiful to display as they are to use, and Flamingo Estate does both. Their packaging feels refined and giftable, while the products themselves are made to be enjoyed, shared, and savored.

For us, Flamingo Estate fits perfectly into the Bungalow 56 lifestyle — thoughtful entertaining, beautiful homes, layered scents, simple luxuries, and everyday moments made just a little more special.

· Jessica Nicolls and Karyn Molina are the owners of local interior design firm Bungalow 56 located at 1158 Orange Avenue, and online at bungalow56design.com.

LOCO MOCO THE WORKING CLASS MEAL THAT BECAME A SURFING ICON

By Clyde Van Arsdall IV

Every surf culture has its food rituals. In Southern California, it might be fish tacos or burritos after an early morning surf session; in Australia, a meat pie from a local bakery; in Hawai’i, Spam musubi or plate lunches. For those of you not familiar with a plate lunch, it is simply a protein served with two scoops of rice and a side of mac salad. The most iconic of these plate lunches, Loco Moco, consists of a hamburger patty on a bed of white rice smothered in brown gravy and topped with a fried egg.

Loco Moco was created at the Lincoln Grill in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawai’i, in the late 1940s by a group of teenagers. Legend has it that this pack of boys wanted something cheap and filling, not just another sandwich. The meal was born, and they named it after one of

the ringleaders, Loco; the Moco simply rhymed with Loco. The name was catchy, and it stuck. This iconic dish, which started as a diner special, soon became a staple of Hawaiian plate lunch culture. This dish is so prevalent that you can even find it on resort menus.

While the Lincoln Grill has long since been shuttered and I have never been, I can't help but draw parallels to what the Night and Day Cafe meant to us when we were in High School here on the island. Back in the day, the Greasy Spoon was open twenty-four seven. We used to belly up to that counter for coffee, hash browns, and eggs after a late night in Tijuana; this was an essential pit stop before heading home. While I am certain none of the food we ate became the stuff of legends, there were some crazy food combinations concocted at one in the morning. (Just a side note, way back when, the late shift was always staffed by older ladies closer in age to your grandmother than to your mother. They were kind and nurturing, and seemed to love taking care of us. The grill was usually manned by a Navy mess specialist who was moonlighting. Comfort-food memories that I will carry to my grave.)

Loco Moco is comfort food in its truest form. The hamburger patty and egg provide much-needed protein, but you can customize it with spam, Portuguese sausage, kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or even fish to make it your own.

When I was a kid living on Oahu, our family would post up at a beach park on the North Shore, watch the waves, and eat plate lunches. Comfort food is just that: comforting. It brings back memories of family and community, making us feel connected and at home wherever we are.

Plate lunches were coming up alongside the burgeoning surf culture in Hawai'i in the ’50s and ’60s; it is no wonder that surfers used this comfort on a plate to fuel their sessions in the water. In San Diego, the surfing fuel is definitely burritos, and, like the birth of Loco Moco, the California Burrito was dreamed up here in the ’80s by surfers, most likely at Roberto's, and it has been a favorite meal after surfing ever since.

If you would like to try Loco Moco for yourself and you don't feel like cooking, there are several spots in San Diego where you can experience this dish. For a plate full of Hawaiian Comfort after surfing, Homestyle Hawaiian in Point Loma has some of the best plate lunches in town and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has several locations around the city.

Loco Moco

Ono

Hawaiian Recipes By Tani Nakamitsu

•Egg

•2 Tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ medium-sized sweet onion

• ¾ cup sliced mushrooms

•Green onion, Sliced for garnish

•Cooked rice (I like short-grain or sushi rice)

Instructions:

Hamburger Patties

•Mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.

•Start forming the patties by rolling into a ball, then pressing down to flatten out. Smooth out the edges so there are no cracks. Make the patties larger than you want them to be, as they will shrink while cooking. They should be at least an inch thick. These are not meant to be smash burgers.

•Heat a pan over medium heat. Fry each side of the patties for 3-5 minutes, then cook the burgers to your desired doneness.

•Move patties to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any extra grease.

Gravy

•Mix the beef stock, soy sauce, Worcestershire, ketchup, and cornstarch. Whisk it until the cornstarch has come off the bottom of the bowl.

•Using the same pan you cooked the patties in, melt one tablespoon of butter to cook

Hamburger Patties:

•1.5 pounds of ground beef (80/20)

•1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

•1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp seasoning salt

Gravy:

•1.5 cups of beef stock

•4 tsp soy sauce

•2 tsp ketchup

•5 tsp cornstarch

the onions until translucent. Then add the mushrooms and cook until they give up their liquid and begin to brown.

•Melt the remaining butter, then add the gravy mix to the pan. Keep stirring the gravy until it begins to thicken. Cook until it reaches your desired thickness; I like my gravy on the thick side, still pourable but not runny.

Egg

•Melt some butter and crack an egg into a frying pan.

•Cook a sunny-side-up egg. This means the yolk will still be runny. How you cook your egg is a personal preference, but a runny yolk works beautifully with the dish.

Loco Moco Assembly

•Scoop a generous serving of hot white rice on a plate. Layer it with one hamburger patty, then drizzle the gravy over. Top it with the egg and garnish with the sliced green onions.

Notes: Use this recipe as a guide; cook your favorite burger the way you like it. If you have a favorite gravy recipe, go for it. With this dish, I like my eggs runny, but you do you. I am a huge fan of Loco Moco made with Portuguese sausage or kielbasa instead of the hamburger patty. I also love to sprinkle the rice with furikake seasoning as it adds a bit of umami. No plate lunch would be complete without mac salad, so if I am making this at home, I go for it and whip up a batch.

• Clyde Van Arsdall IV is a third-generation Coronado local, chef, and storyteller. For more stories and follow-ups to articles go to oliveavenuesupperclub.com.

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Heart Disease Preventing

The Power of CAC Scans and Simple Lifestyle Changes

By Dr. Gina Casian, MD

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality.

In 2023, CVD was estimated to result in 19.2 million deaths worldwide.

In 2024, the American Heart Association reported that 48.6% of persons over 20 years of age in the United States have CVD (coronary artery disease [CAD], heart failure, stroke, and hypertension).

CVD starts at a young age. This insidious process begins with fatty streaks that are first seen in adolescence. These lesions progress into atherosclerotic plaques in early adulthood and cause coronary events in middle age and later life.

Worldwide Risk Factors

•Insufficient sleep quality - 39%

•Unhealthy diet - 34%

•Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels) – 34%

•Hypertension - 29%

•Insufficient physical activity26%

•Obesity - 17%

•Nicotine exposure - 15%

•Diabetes - 12%

WHAT IS CAC CT?

The CAC scan is a fast, 10–15 minutes non-contrast CT image of the heart that does not require special preparation, generally recommended for men age 40+ and women age 45+. CAC scanning uses a low dose of radiation, similar to a mammogram.

Understanding CAC score

•0 - Absent disease, consider reassessment in 3–7 years.

•1-99 – Mild disease

•100-300 – Moderate disease

•301-999 – Severe disease

• ≥1000 – Very (extensive) severe disease

The primary use of screening for CAC is to determine indication for pharmacological treatment based on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment using the PREVENT risk calculator.

SHARED DECISIONMAKING

After assessing risk factors and estimating ASCVD risk, medical providers and patients should discuss specific interventions for modifiable risk factors.

As primary CVD prevention, it is very important to diagnose and treat hypertension, overweight and obesity, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, and diabetes.

Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs)

1. Healthy eating

Over recent decades, researchers have debated the benefits of low-fat (LF) versus low-carbohydrate (LC) diets for improving cardiovascular health.

In an observational study that followed nearly 200,000 adults over 30 years, greater adherence to healthy versions of LF and LC diets, defined as higher intake of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and minimally processed carbohydrates was associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Higher intake of animal protein or fat and refined carbohydrates, was associated with a higher risk of CAD.

At Choose Healthy, we offer a one-hour comprehensive dietary assessment and personalized nutrition counseling and education to all patients. I support my patients in identifying both dietary strengths and areas for improvement before formulating a personalized and flexible nutritional plan.

2. Physical activity

It is very important to assess patients' level of physical activity by asking about routine activities, such as walking, housework, and gardening, and formal exercise.

For cardiovascular health, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minute of vigorous physical activity per week combined with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice weekly.

I always encourage my patients to support their cardio metabolic health by simply going for a walk after meals to prevent blood glucose spikes and insulin resistance.

3. Restorative sleep

Poor sleep can raise blood pressure and heart risk.

In my practice, discussing sleep tracking and sleep architecture is a priority that reinforces the importance of REM and deep, uninterrupted sleep.

4. Managing stress

These researched techniques that target the autonomous nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenocortical (HPA) axis are evidence-based practices to reduce cortisol and blood pressure:

• Meditative Movement (Tai Chi & Yoga)

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) & Meditation

• Breath Control

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

5. Substances

• Avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking.

I personally consider the CAC scan an invaluable screening tool to support heart health and to prevent adverse cardiac events.

Early detection leads to timely intervention!

• Gina Casian, MD, is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the Founder and Primary Care Provider of Choose Healthy in Coronado, deeply passionate about protecting optimal mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. A 10-year resident of Coronado with her husband and son. She is dedicated to delivering quality healthcare to Coronado residents. Dr. Casian offers free 20-minute consultations at choosehealthy.net.

Lingering in Summer's Last Glow Nostalgia in August

Can you believe summer is almost over? Soon we will be in the cozy fall season, but for now we have one more official month of summer! June and July were for bright summer colors. We are now in summer’s era of soft, muted colors like sunsets, vintage kitchen tiles, and faded polaroids. August beauty is about blurred, warm, and buttery neutrals. Imagine wearable sun-faded memories of summer.

Like the soft, warm glow of a late summer sunset: muted yellows, warm peach, terracotta, honey beige, and soft caramel. Read on for some tips and ideas to welcome autumn into your beauty routine as summer wanes.

AUGUST SKIN:

As I will always say, first and foremost, EXFOLIATE. Aim for three times a week and your skin will love you for it! It will look more glowy and makeup will go on smoother. With dedicated use, you will also promote firmer, healthier skin over time!

“Blurred skin” is in. To get the look, remember that less is more, and use lightweight products such as hyaluronic serums and lightweight moisturizers. Use “strategic concealer” only where you need it and blend it in really well. Keep edges diffused. Blend blush up and outwards toward your temples. Put bronzer along the perimeter of the face, keeping everything hazy rather than super sculpted. If you like powder, lightly dust a translucent powder over the center of the face (only) to set and reinforce the “blur effect."

Pro-tip: Always do a final check in the mirror in natural lighting before leaving the house to ensure that everything is well-blended around your nose, jaw line, and eyebrow area.

AUGUST CHEEKS:

Blush in shades of soft rose, warm peach, and terracotta creates a sun-kissed look that is great for August. Beautifully blended widely across your cheeks, and also the brim of your nose, it will give you an early autumn glow looking like you had an amazing summer on the beach.

AUGUST LIPS:

Stay in similar warm nude colors and maybe try a lip oil for a dewy and soft lipstick, instead of harsh liner or bright colors.

AUGUST NAILS:

The colors of a sunset. Brownish and burnt orange. Camel tan and harvest gold yellows. Moss and avocado greens.

AUGUST HAIR:

Expensive, healthy, and nostalgic. In your next color session, ask your stylist to give you some extra warmth but to make it soft and blended, and add some shine! If you need a hair colorist, we have 18 talented stylists at Salon On First.

Hair styling for August is not quite as boho and textured as last season, but is a bit more polished, refined, and romantic. InnerSense Organic “Inner Peace” is a natural whipped styling cream with certified organic shea butter that adds texture, definition, flexible hold, and frizz and fly-away control. It’s perfect for achieving that polished, finished look, and it smells like orange blossom. Need I say more?

Speaking of nostalgic beauty, I love to get my fill of nostalgia by watching the classic movies of the past. The women and men in the movies of the 1940’s and ’50’s just had this “je ne sais quoi” about them. The way they dressed, the way they spoke — they were elegant. Watching old favorites like Casablanca, To Catch a Thief, and Roman Holiday really makes me feel nostalgic, and I love that feeling. But we can create those same nostalgic vibes today if we like. We can take our time with people, give them our full attention, be in the present moment, and in turn have an elegance about us too. And for the physical, putting a little attention and fun into our clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories can elevate our own mood, give others something to admire and appreciate, and maybe sprinkle them with a little bit of nostalgia magic too!

• 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.

YOUR LIBRARY IN AUGUST

At the Coronado Public Library, music meets the joy of lifelong learning as our community continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation.

Music for Every Age

The library’s Summer Concert Series continues its celebration of America’s rich musical heritage on Aug. 7 with an appearance by the Shoreline Pickers Band. Featuring Mary Jane Cupp on mandolin, Mark Pullin on guitar, Pete Varhola on bass, John Deckard on harmonica, and Jacob Blythe on banjo, the group will perform a mix of bluegrass, Old Time, and other Americana. It’s a celebration of the enduring sounds of this distinctive musical tradition.

If swing is more to your taste, mark your calendar for Aug. 14 as Grammy-nominated pianist and vocalist Judy Carmichael brings the joy of classic swing to the library. She’ll dive into 1930s and ’40s favorites from Gershwin, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, and Peggy Lee, along with originals inspired by her hilarious adventures from life on the road.

On Aug. 21, the Uptown Rhythm Makers will conclude our summer music series with a concert celebrating the joyful sounds of New Orleans-style jazz. With a special focus on the hot jazz dance music of the 1920s and 1930s, their upbeat repertoire provides the perfect midday escape.

If you have little ones, don’t miss special musical storytime takeovers with Nightingale Music on Aug. 11 and 27. Kids will dance with scarves, play lollipop drums, learn scales, and more at this interactive musical event.

By Jaqueline Luna

Lectures and More Celebrating 250 Years

Step back to 1976 with our newest exhibit celebrating Coronado during America's Bicentennial. Discover, or remember, what life was like through photographs, memorabilia and reflections from members of Coronado High School’s Class of 1976, included as part of an oral history project in collaboration with the Coronado Historical Association. Compare historical images of Orange Avenue with today’s main street, browse highlights from the Coronado Visitors Guide, and take a trip down retail memory lane where you might discover that some of the stores are still operating today! The exhibit will be on display through mid-September.

Curious about your own family history? Discover how to use genealogy tools to uncover mysteries of your family tree with the Descendents of Early San Diego (DESD) on Aug. 12. They’ll share remarkable stories of DESD members, who are examples of how modern genealogy tools can rewrite what we thought we knew about our own origins.

Discover insights into the symbols and ideas that brought the United States into being with San Diego State’s Dr. Edward J. Blum on Aug. 20. During the American Revolution, Revolutionary leaders were not only fighting for independence, they were also trying to imagine what their new nation would look like. Benjamin Franklin and George Washington helped promote powerful visual symbols, while writers such as the enslaved poet Phillis Wheatley and radical voices like Abigail Adams used words and imagery to challenge Americans to think about who should be included in this new nation.

Book Clubs!

Check out the library’s book club lineup for August:

Mystery Book Club.

Mystery Book Club. Meets Monday, August 17, at 2pm in the Winn Room to discuss The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen. This club meets regularly on the third Monday of each month.

Spoilers Book Club.

Beyond our 250 programming, the library will host many other events all month long, including a special visit with New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen, a San Diego native whose thrilling novels have captivated readers around the world and inspired the hit television series Rizzoli & Isles. She’ll be at the library on Aug. 31 to share her newest book The Shadow Friends. Seating is first-come, first-seated, and limited preferred seating is available with purchase of a book through Adventures by the Book.

With kids programming on Monday and Tuesdays, teen events on Wednesday, crafty hour and chess club for adults, Film Forum, and so much more, there is something for everyone. Visit our website for more information about all our events! And don’t forget, events at the library are always free to attend and open to all!

coronadolibrary.org

• 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.

Spoilers Book Club. Meets Saturday, August 22, at 2pm in the Winn Room to view the film The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy based on the book of the same name by Douglas Adams. 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. The following month’s book is announced at the meeting.

Best of the Best Book Club. Best of the Best Book Club. Meets Wednesday, August 26, at 11am in the Winn Room to discuss The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clarke, which won the 2025 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction. The Best of the Best meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.

The library has extra copies of book club selections for checkout at the Reference Desk. Information about the library’s book clubs may be obtained by going to the library’s events calendar at cplevents.org. All are welcome to attend. Happy reading!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

12 PM – 2 PM |

OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY

Join us for an afternoon of summer fun at the Coronado Public Library! Bring your picnic and enjoy an all-ages Scavenger Hunt, where everyone who completes it wins a prize and a raffle ticket for a chance to win even more.

THE FRIENDS

COMPLETE TO WIN A PRIZE AND A RAFFLE TICKET.

Member Perks

Friends Members: Purchase lunch for $5 per person. Advance RSVP and payment are required. Reserve your Which Wich lunch at events@coronadofol.org. Not a Member Yet? Join today! New Family Members receive a free Friends picnic blanket while supplies last.

A LOVE LETTER TO CORONADO'S RESTAURANT COMMUNITY

ONE NIGHT. COUNTLESS FAVORITE BITES.

A Taste of Coronado | October 7, 2026

By Melissa Peirce | Photos Courtesy of Shay Studios @shay.studios

There are few things bring a community together like a great meal. Every day across Coronado, our restaurants become the setting for life's biggest celebrations and its simplest pleasures. They're where birthdays are celebrated, anniversaries are toasted, neighbors become friends, and visitors discover the places they'll return to again. These tables are where we make memories gathering after games and lingering over dessert. They are woven into the rhythm of island life, making Coronado feel like home.

Each year, many of those neighborhood gathering places come together for one unforgettable celebration. For a few magical hours, Orange Avenue becomes Coronado's longest dinner table, filled with signature bites, familiar faces, and a hop-on, hop-off trolley carrying guests between stops.

For the past 17 years, the Coronado Junior Woman's Club (CJWC) has partnered with Coronado's remarkable restaurant community to create A Taste of Coronado, one of our most anticipated traditions. (The event has roots extending back to the 1980s with different organizers.) More than 900 guests attend, discovering new favorites, revisiting longtime classics, and enjoying signature bites and beverages from local establishments.

Taste is the CJWC’s signature fundraising event, benefiting ongoing philanthropic work throughout our community and supporting a featured nonprofit partner each year. In 2026, we're honored to partner with Promises2Kids, which supports children in foster care countywide.

Before there are Taste lanyards, Taste cards tucked into place, and guests mapping out their first stop, there the chefs who spend weeks dreaming up the perfect bite, the restaurant owners who generously host, and the bartenders, bakers, hosts, servers, managers, and hospitality teams who extend a warm welcome to hundreds of guests.

This story is for you.

"Our restaurant community is the heart of Taste. Their generosity is what transforms one evening into a tradition Coronado looks forward to all year."

— Sara Stillman & Samantha O'Brien, Co-Chairs

Hospitality Lives Here

Hospitality has always been part of Coronado's identity. You can feel it in the familiar faces who greet you at the door, the chef who sends out one more bite "just because," and the neighborhood tables where celebrations unfold every day. In addition to nourishing our appetites, our restaurants create the places where our community gathers.

That spirit comes to life during Taste.

Behind every tasting plate is an entire team. Long before guests arrive, ovens are hot, grills are fired up, desserts are plated, cocktails are batched, and countless hands are already at work preparing for the evening ahead. Taste celebrates the restaurants whose names appear on the map, but it's really a celebration of the people who make those places feel like home.

Each participating restaurant brings something uniquely its own, whether it's a signature dish, a family recipe, a creative cocktail, or simply the kind of hospitality that keeps us coming back. Together, they invite guests to experience the extraordinary variety, creativity, and generosity that define Coronado's restaurant community.

A Culinary Scene on the Rise

Alongside beloved neighborhood favorites, a new generation of restaurants is helping shape the next chapter of our island's dining story. This summer welcomes one of the community's most anticipated openings, By the Sea, from the team behind Little Italy favorite Nolita Hall.

Led by Lara Hamm, By the Sea has already created tremendous excitement, and we're thrilled to welcome the restaurant as one of this year's newest participants in A Taste of Led by Lara Hamm, By the Sea has already created tremendous excitement, and we're thrilled to welcome the restaurant as a new participant this year.

“I’ve enjoyed Taste of Coronado for years as a member of this community, so it’s incredibly exciting to experience it from the other side this year with By the Sea. As we open our doors this summer, we look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new friends, and we’re honored to be part of a tradition that celebrates everything that makes Coronado’s restaurant community so special.”

— Lara Hamm, By the Sea

Whether it’s your first Taste or your seventeenth, there’s always something new to discover, and we can’t wait for guests to experience everything this year’s restaurant lineup has to offer.

Favorite Bites & Best Taste

One of our favorite conversations each year begins with a simple question: "What was your favorite bite?"

The answers are as varied as the restaurants themselves, and around our committee table, everyone has a favorite. At the end of the evening, guests cast their votes for the bite that stood out above the rest, crowning the coveted Best Taste winner.

In 2025, that honor went to La Corriente, whose unforgettable tuna tostada captured the hearts of Taste guests on the restaurant's very first day in business. It was a remarkable debut and a wonderful reminder that both longtime favorites and exciting newcomers have an opportunity to shine at Taste.

Where the Evening Begins

This year, Clayton's Bakery & Bistro will again welcome guests as an official Taste check-in location. For many guests, the excitement begins the moment they slip on their Taste lanyard, greet friends they haven't seen in months, and set off to discover what this year's restaurants have created.

Taste certainly begins with exceptional food, but somewhere between your first and last stop, you realize it's about something even more meaningful. It's strolling Orange Avenue with good conversation, discovering a neighborhood restaurant you haven’t tried, watching chefs greet returning guests like old friends, and seeing volunteers, sponsors, restaurant teams, and neighbors support the CJWC, this year's beneficiary Promises2Kids, and the shared belief that a great community is built one relationship at a time.

Thank You

Before Taste this year, we simply want to say thank you.

Thank you to every chef, restaurateur, baker, bartender, barista, host, server, manager, dishwasher, and member of the hospitality teams who help make Coronado welcoming; to our sponsors and volunteers who make this evening possible; and to every guest who supports the CJWC and Promises2Kids.

To the remarkable restaurants that continue to make Taste spectacular: Thank you for welcoming us to your tables — not just during Taste, but all year long.

We'll see you on Orange Avenue this October.

· Melissa Peirce serves as the PR, Editorial Content, Advertising and Print Media lead for A Taste of Coronado with the CJWC. She enjoys telling stories that celebrate community and spending time with her husband and son. At home, they’re joined by a Bernese Mountain Dog and a cat who never misses a family road trip.

TASTE COMMITTEE FAVORITES

Samantha O'Brien, Co-Chair

“The paella from Veranda at the Hotel del Coronado.”

Sara Stillman, Co-Chair “Stake’s offering in the VIP was incredible.”

Marissa Nagler

“La Corriente's tuna tostada. It immediately put them on my Coronado restaurant map.”

Chelsea Fox

“What the Henry created… I still think about it.”

Micki “Clayton's grilled cheese with sangria.”

Mara “Chez Loma.”

Melissa Peirce

“I always make a beeline for Buona Forchetta's pizza, and somehow I still save room for Gelato Vera.”

TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS AUGUST!

A Taste of Coronado

Wednesday October 7, 2026 coronadojuniorwomans.org

All Peoples Church Coronado

1331 Orange Ave. (Golf Cart Rental)

Email: info@allpeoplescoronado.com

Website: allpeoplescoronado.com

Chabad of Coronado

1033 B Ave #300 • (619) 365-4728

Email: team@chabadcoronado.com

Website: www.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

Celebrating 30 Years in 2026 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 Celebrating 75 Years in 2026 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

Celebrating 70 Years in 2026 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

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ALBACA

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

alex@crowncitypublishing.com natalie@crowncitypublishing.com

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

“Adaptability is the compass that guides us through the uncharted waters of change, turning challenges into stepping stones.”

— Author Unknown