Volume 39 August 2015

CORONADO 125 EDITION Celebrating Our History, Future 2 Polo Returns to Coronado

2 Free San Diego Symphony Concert

3 Mayors’ Dinner Celebration

4 125th News, Information

4 Library Celebrates 125th

5 What’s Going on in Coronado?

6 Coronado 125th Events Schedule

coronado’S 125TH

What’s Inside?

As Coronado approaches its 125th anniversary, the celebration already has begun. Planned special events - including an

“Unforgettable Evening with the San Diego Symphony” and a polo match on the beach featuring international player Nacho Figueras - culminate on December 11 with a special dinner at the Hotel del Coronado honoring the City’s living mayors.

Everyone is invited as Coronado proudly shares its fascinating history and exciting future. Schedules, calendars and more on the 125th Celebration, “125 Unforgettable Years - 1 Unforgettable Place,” can be found in this edition of Currents and at CoronadoARTS.com.

Coronado’s small-town ambiance exists due to its gorgeous coastline, remote locale and temperate weather. Each has drawn and continues to attract sailors and aviators, residents and travelers, visionaries and adventurers. Modern-day Coronado began with the $110,000 sale of the peninsula in 1885. But some 200 years before, Spanish explorers surveyed the territory known as San Diego, spotted

then named the Coronado Islands Las Yslas Coronadas. A crude map drawn of the area was the first known image of Coronado.

Before Coronado came to be, wheat and barley were grown here and whalers processed their catches on North Island. Archaeological excavations along the peninsula uncovered numerous shell mounds, arrowheads and other evidence of an even earlier Native American presence.

The first ownership of Coronado was by Don Pedro Carrillo in an 1846 land grant issued by Mexican Gov. Pio Pico to promote settlement. The peninsula changed hands several times until purchased by investors seeking to develop a seaside resort. Coronado’s first lots were sold in 1886. Proceeds built the Hotel del Coronado, which opened in 1888 and became the largest resort hotel in the world. The railroads brought real estate promoters, merchants, job and health seekers and Coronado’s population grew. In 1890, Coronado voted to incorporate.

Coronado life for many years centered around the fabled Victorian hotel and its owner, sugar magnate John D. Spreckels. For 40 years, Spreckels’ affordable city of tents south of the

hotel was a major draw for those looking for the healing waters of the Pacific Ocean and a

more affordable respite from the inland heat. Coronado also is firmly planted in military

history. Aviator Glenn Curtiss used North Island in 1911 to conduct experiments with his new seaplane. He convinced the Navy to train its first pilot at his aviation camp on North Island, now known as the birthplace of

naval aviation. He also sold the Navy its first airplane, the A-1 Triad. The Navy acquired North Island for a permanent aviation school and base in 1917.

Coronado’s population continued to grow over the decades. The Coronado

Cays property was purchased for development in 1968 and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge opened in 1969, ending the bygone ferryboat era. When residents voted in 1890 to incorporate, they made a decision that would greatly impact the future. A sparsely populated community grew into a thriving, prosperous city that 24,697 now proudly call home.

The City of Coronado would like to thank the Cultural Arts Commission for its hard work and dedication in collaborating with volunteers, businesses and organizations in planning this great celebration of the City’s history, accomplishments and citizens.

1000 Years Ago 1542 1846 1885 1886 1888 1890 1900 1904 1911 1927 1937 1942 1945 1950 1951 1959 1962 1968 1969 1972 1992 2012 2014 2015

A Timeline City of CoronadoArchaeological

excavations show shell mounds, Native American sites along the Coronado

peninsula from the earliest seasonal visitors

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claims the

port now called San Diego on behalf

of New Spain

American Navy captures

San Diego (Coronado)

Elisha Babock Jr., Hampton Story &

partners purchase Coronado for $110,000

First Coronado lots sold to fund the

building of the Hotel del Coronado

Incorporation papers are signed December

11 for the City of Coronado

Hotel del Coronado opens as the largest resort hotel in the world

Polo Returns to Coronado, ‘Nacho’ to Lead TeamOne of the historic events

planned for Coronado’s 125th birthday celebration this year is a professional polo match,

featuring world-renowned Argentinian player Nacho Figueras.

Coronado Celebrates 125 organizers are working with the San Diego Polo Club on the details of the match that will be played on the Hotel del Coronado’s private beach on Sunday, October 18.

Many Coronado residents may be surprised to learn that polo was a once-popular pastime played on the City’s own

polo field, now the Country Club Estates area. John D. Spreckels, who owned the

Hotel del Coronado, was so enamored with polo that he built a country club and field in the early 1900s and brought players from around the world to play. The world-class facility attracted the rich and famous.

The Coronado Country Club had several polo fields, a golf course and arena. It was a centerpiece of local social life for years.

For one day only, a historic polo match will be played in Coronado on the Hotel del Coronado beach with one team lead by Figueras, who is among the Top 100 polo players in the world and the face of Polo Ralph Lauren.

‘Unforgettable’ San Diego Symphony Concert Of the many special events

being planned for Coronado’s 125th anniversary, one is sure to leave a lasting impression

in the minds of those who attend: A free San Diego Symphony concert at Tideland’s Park.

The City’s Cultural Arts Commission successfully pursued the lofty goal of the free symphony concert for Coronado’s quasquicentennial, “125 Unforgettable Years – One Unforgettable Place.”

The program for the event, “An Unforgettable Evening with the San Diego Symphony,” includes a diverse musical selection spanning 125 years. With an emphasis on “music through the years” and including many pieces associated with Coronado, the program is sure to please.

Vocalist John Pagano, who has toured with Burt Bacharach and Faith Hill, among many others, is scheduled to perform.

The Commission received great support for this complex and expensive undertaking. The dream of an outdoor symphony concert became a reality thanks to support from the Port of San Diego Tidelands Activation Program, City of Coronado, County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, Coronado Woman’s Club, and many dedicated citizens. The event is chaired by Coronado residents Linda Stanton and Suzanne Frontz Metz, who tackled the challenge with a league of local volunteers.

The public is encouraged to take the Free Summer Shuttle, free Old Town Trolley shuttles from Spreckels Park or bike to the event. Don’t forget chairs and blankets for the festival-style seating. With the San Diego-Coronado Bridge as a backdrop, the beauty of Tidelands Park will provide the perfect setting for this extraordinary event, which will surely be unforgettable.

Source: Coronado Historical Association

1000 Years Ago 1542 1846 1885 1886 1888 1890 1900 1904 1911 1927 1937 1942 1945 1950 1951 1959 1962 1968 1969 1972 1992 2012 2014 2015

Hotel del Coronado

establishes Tent City

L. Frank Baum, creator of the

Oz series, begins wintering in

Coronado

Glenn Curtiss flies seaplane from Spanish

Bight; North Island becomes ‘Birthplace of

Naval Aviation’

Charles Lindbergh Honored at the Hotel del Coronado for his

solo transatlantic flight to Paris

Navy establishes

Naval Amphibious

Base Coronado

Billy Wilder’s ‘Some Like it Hot’ filmed at the Hotel del Coronado, starring Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe & Tony Curtis

Spanish Bight waterway

separating North Island from

Coronado is filled

Most of Silver Strand formally annexed into

Coronado city limits

Plans finalized for Country Club Estates on former

polo field

Mary Herron

Mary Herron began serving Coronado on the Recreation Committee in 1973. She was elected to the City Council in 1978. In 1988, Herron was elected Mayor and served Coronado residents until 1996.

Tom Smisek

Tom Smisek served as Mayor for three terms. He began his time on the City Council in 1992. Before that, he was on the Planning Commission. He was elected Mayor in 1996 and served until 2008.

Casey Tanaka

Casey Tanaka was sworn in as the 50th Mayor of Coronado on December 2, 2008, after having served as City Councilman from 2002 to 2008. He was re-elected Mayor in November 2012.

Mayors’ Dinner, Gala to Crown 125 Festivities The Mayors’ Dinner at the

Del, hosted by Coronado’s three living mayors, will be the crown jewel in a year of

memorable events celebrating 125 years.The gala is set for Friday, December 11,

the actual date of Coronado’s incorporation, in the Hotel del Coronado’s Grand Ballroom. With 450 guests, this will be the largest dinner ever planned by the City and what a grand way to end a wonderful event-filled year.

The dinner will honor the City’s current and former mayors, highlight the remarkable history of the enchanted “island” we call home, and recognize one of Coronado’s greatest assets - its citizens. From the beginning of the planning process, which kicked off in January, many generations of Coronado families have had a hand in planning the Mayors’ dinner. Cultivating the ideas and the energy from grandchildren to grandparents, everyone collaborated to organize a completely original Coronado event. From the design of the logo to the invitations, the evening’s printed program, the decorations, the menu selections, entertainment, visual effects and

other details, a vast committee of Coronado residents, working under event chair Lyndsey Arendsee, have been busy planning for the magical evening, where there will be dinner, dancing and special entertainment.

The evening will include the opportunity to bid on three unique auction packages consisting of items thoughtfully compiled by each of the City’s three living mayors.

Each package contains items that hold special meaning to Mayors Mary Herron, Tom Smisek and Casey Tanaka, such as a round of golf at Coronado’s Golf Course and a special day with the current mayor. The

packages will raise funds for the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission.

Mark your calendars and join your neighbors and friends as Coronado celebrates the past 125 Unforgettable Years. Cost is $125 per person.

Continue the celebration and plan to attend the “Party after the Party” to kick off the next 125 years from 9:30 p.m. to 1:25 a.m. in the Hotel

del Coronado’s Tropics Room. Tickets will be available in October for

both events. Visit CoronadoARTS.com for information. These events will sell out.

SS Monte Carlo gambling ship is grounded near

South Beach by a heavy storm

City of Coronado Mayors to be Honored

1000 Years Ago 1542 1846 1885 1886 1888 1890 1900 1904 1911 1927 1937 1942 1945 1950 1951 1959 1962 1968 1969 1972 1992 2012 2014 2015

SEAL Team One

established in

Coronado

San Diego-Coronado Bridge

opens, ending ferryboat service

Atlantic-Richfield purchases Rancho Carrillo to build

the Coronado Cays

1 year after Coronado Shores opens first

tower, City passes 43-foot height limit

Coronado Beach selected by Dr.

Beach as America’s best beach

3rd ship named USS Coronado

commissioned

And our future looks bright...

Cultural Arts Commission leads 125th Anniversary

celebration

Plans begin for the Glorietta Bay Master Plan, site

of the current Civic Center

Coronado Library Celebrates Its 125th BirthdayCoronado’s Public Library

was established the same week in 1890 that the City was incorporated. The Library

also is celebrating its 125-year anniversary.Reference was made in 1890 to the Library

being in a “rented room” but did not specify where. Led by the wife of Elisha Babcock, the Hotel del Coronado’s general manager, locals sought a more permanent structure and secured it. The Hotel del Coronado’s former Spring House Pavilion opened in March 1895 as the Coronado Beach Library.

In February 1908, the Library Board voted to request that Hotel del Coronado

owner John D. Spreckels make a gift of a new library building. He not only donated the building but the square block where it currently sits. A 1,700-foot, classic revival style building opened in 1909 (right).

In 1918, Gabrielle Morton was hired as head librarian and stayed 33 years. In 1935, two wings were added on either side of the old “Spreckels” building. As Coronado grew after the San Diego-Coronado Bridge was built, plans for a new 23,000-square-foot building began.

The Friends of the Coronado Public Library supported a plan to keep the original building and in 1974, the expanded Library

opened. One more expansion occurred in the early 2000s, completing today’s modern Library, which off ers print, information databases and digital services for all ages. Concerts, lectures, exhibits, special programs

and activities are provided free year-round. Visit the Library at 640 Orange Ave. or at www.coronado.ca.us/library.

125 News: Events Related to City’s Celebration Golf Course Concert

“Concert on the Green,” a 125th birthday celebration

with cake and dancing, is set for 5 to 7 p.m. on September 13. The special event featuring local band “Ron’s Garage” will be held at the Golf Course. It’s free, provided by grants from the County of San Diego and the City of Coronado. Bring a blanket and chairs. Food and refreshments may be purchased at the Golf Course’s Bayside Grill.

McNary Restrospective on Tap

As part of Coronado’s 125th anniversary celebration honoring Coronado’s special

people, places and events, the Cultural Arts Commission will honor local artist

Sue Tushingham McNary with an extensive exhibition of her work in the Library’s Winn Room during Art Walk Weekend, September 12-13. Tushingham McNary’s originals, prints and cards may be purchased with a portion of the proceeds benefi ting the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission.

Celebrate Oz! Weekend

Coronado will once again celebrate its unique connection to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” author L. Frank Baum with a Celebrate Oz! Weekend October 16-17. On October 16, Lamb’s Players Theatre will feature a new musical based on Baum’s famous book, which some say was inspired by Coronado. On October 17, the second annual Celebrate

Oz! Family festival will be held at Spreckels Park. The event is sponsored by Del Coronado Realty and will feature Recreation Department and Library Services activities, a costume parade and a free Coronado Community Band Oz concert. Local artists are featured at the festival’s “Art Under the Umbrellas” event.

125 Commemmorative Items

Coronado 125 commemorative items, including a Coronado 125 fl ag and a collector’s lapel pin, may be purchased. Coming soon is a Reyn Spooner “Crown City” Shirt and an embroidered pillow from Catstudio. For a complete list of available items, prices and purchase information, visit CoronadoARTS.com.

Senior Center Project to Start

The Senior Activity Center project is moving forward. In June, the City and architect Robert Coffee, with help from the Senior Center Working Group, selected the finishes, audiovisual components, kitchen equipment and access controls. Last month,

the City Council reviewed the design and materials for the project, including the exterior and interior elements. Coffee will submit the building plans for review this month and put the project out to bid in October. The City hopes to move forward with construction in December. Project milestones include a dedication ceremony in November 2016.

Short-term Rental Reminder

With summer in full swing, the City would like to remind residents that renting a residential property in Coronado for less than 26 days is prohibited. The City is monitoring vacation rental websites as a means of identifying properties that are violating its short term rental ordinance, and is notifying owners. Violators may be fined and subject to legal action. Short-term rentals have been illegal in Coronado for more than 30 years. However, with the popularity of online vacation rental sites, the issue is coming up with increasing frequency.

Residential neighborhoods are not zoned or intended for short-term stays, which affects residents’ quality of life. The City encourages visitors to use the more than 2,000 rooms in hotels and timeshare units legally allowed to rent for short stays. To anonymously report a short-term rental, email rentalviolations@coronado.ca.us or call (619) 522-7335.

Rules for Use of Parks, Beaches

The City compiles two weekly lists of permitted uses of its parks and of its beaches. The lists are published in the City Manager’s Weekly Update and online though a link on the City’s home page. The lists show which groups have permits, their event dates and their locations. Groups of 25 or more are required to have a permit to use City parks and beaches. Permitting helps the City plan for staffing, provide a safer environment and coordinate events. Permitting also assures users that they have permission to use a particular location. To anonymously report an unpermitted group, call (619) 522-7350.

Beach Fire Do’s and Don’ts

The City’s Lifeguards created a flier that asks beachgoers to follow a few simple rules when having a beach fire using the City’s fire rings or a small personal fire pit/grill on the beach. It instructs people to use only clean wood or charcoal; place fire materials

no higher than 12 inches above the upper edge of the fire ring or container; keep fire materials inside the fire ring or container; and dispose of the hot coals and unused fire materials properly. Remember, the burning

of pallets is not allowed. The beach is maintained daily but the City asks everyone to clean up after themselves. There currently are 10 hot coal receptacles along Coronado’s beach and bay. Copies of the flier can be found at Lifeguard towers, at City Hall, 1825 Strand Way, or online at www.coronado.ca.us.

Summer Shuttle Buses a Success

Ridership is way up on the popular Free Summer Shuttle. Beginning June 7, the first day of service, through the end of June, the Free Summer Shuttle carried 23,891 passengers, an average of 995 per day. This represents a 69 percent increase over the June 2014 tabulations and a 975 percent increase over 2013, when the Metropolitan Transit System Route 904 did not operate as the Free Summer Shuttle. Three days in June saw 1,400 or more passengers carried.

Voice of the People Award

The National Research Center recently announced that Coronado is the winner of a Voice of the People Award for Excellence in Natural Environment and a finalist for Excellence in Foundations of Livability, and for Recreation and Wellness. Coronado was selected based on responses to The National Citizen Survey taken by residents. This honor stands alone as the only award given in local government based on community opinion. Residents’ perspectives determine nominees for the very best of community engagement, safety, mobility, livability, recreation and wellness, education and enrichment, natural environment, environment and economy. The International City/County Management Association and National Research Center will present the awards at the annual ICMA conference in Seattle next month.

Updates: What’s Going on Around Coronado

Senior Activity Center from Orange Avenue.

Summer Shuttle Bus.

Fire rings at North Beach.

View toward the Lawn Bowling Green.

1825 Strand WayCoronado, CA 92118tel. 619.522.7320fax 619.522.2407_______________City Council

Casey Tanaka, Mayor

Richard Bailey

Carrie Downey

Bill Sandke

Michael Woiwode

_______________

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