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Archive for 2010

Coronado Bridge Documentary Jul 21
Coronado Bridge

Coronado Bridge

As many of you know, this year is the 40th anniversary of the Coronado Bridge (aka the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge).

In honor of the anniversary, documentary producers Village Videography, created “San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge”. In this film they cover the bridge debate which started in the 1920’s and continued until 1967 when ground was broken to start the bridge construction.

Even then, as you can see from the film, not everyone was in agreement with the erection of the bridge.

The production also covers the construction, the bridge inauguration in 1969, the creation of Chicano Park beneath the bridge landing, and the bridge’s intense maintenance program.

The film debuted last year on June 10, 2009 at the City of Coronado’s 40th Anniversary Bridge Celebration.

You can see the film for yourself on August 2nd and 3rd on Coronado’s Time Warner Channel 19. It will be broadcast at 3:00pm each day and again at 8:0pm.

You can also purchase a copy of your own from Village Videography or in Coronado at the Coronado Historical Association Museum Store or at Bay Books.

A huge thank you to Patrice Makovic and Arturo Sbicca for this wonderful glimpse into history!

The Coronado Cookie

Coronado Vacation Weather Jul 14
Coronado bridge
Image via Wikipedia

Well, it is a little bit late, but the summer weather has finally arrived and hundreds of tourists are enjoying their Coronado vacation.

The thick marine layer has dissipated and the days dawn clear and sunny. For the first couple of days, I was startled by the brightness of the mornings and felt a little over exposed. Now I am once again used to the sun-filled days that are more the norm for Coronado.

Even though it is a week day, the Coronado beach is crowded, the sidewalks are filled and the streets are grid locked.

While I appreciate the draw to our town, the influx of hundreds and hundreds of tourists and day trippers can leave a local somewhat frustrated while trying to go about daily living. Luckily, I know the back roads, alleys and shortcuts!

I can’t begrudge the boost to our economy and to my friends who own businesses here. Nor would I deny anyone the experience of enjoying Coronado.

Coronado really has so much to offer visitors. So many come just for the beach, but as with any seaside town, some wonderful eateries offer delicious food. And, there is any number of delightful shops and places to stay.

One of the neat things about the layout of Coronado is that being in the village by the beach has a totally different feel it then being by the bay and the Ferry Landing. Luckily, since the peninsula is so small, you can visit and experience both.

What is your favorite, the village or the Ferry Landing?

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Coronado Weather Jul 07

June Gloom

As I look outside, I have to remind myself that it really is summer. With the Coronado weather being what it is, it doesn’t feel like summer at all.

They are saying that it is just June gloom carrying over into July. The mornings are gray and cool. It was even misting this morning. Sometimes the sun will burn off the thick marine layer for a few precious sunny hours. At those times, the sun is strong and standing in the direct sunlight feels hot. Yet there has been a cold breeze for a few months now that makes it cool in the shade even when the sun does manage to make an appearance.

I sit here wearing shorts (a concession to the fact that it is summer) and a sweatshirt (a concession to the chilled air flowing in through the sliding glass door of the balcony).

I’ve just read an article about the massive heat wave hitting the East coast and I realize that living in Coronado I have forgotten how hot the summer can be in other parts of the country. The contrast is especially true with today’s weather.

Having grown up on the East coast in the Mid-Hudson Valley, I can remember the suffocating heat and humidity that was summer. While I grew up in the country, I lived in new York City for six years and I remember a summer when my rommates and I sat through three showings of the same movie just to beat the heat. As I read of people’s creative ways to try to escape the heat and the worries of those whose health issues make the heat a very real danger, I guess I can tolerate a little gloom.

And, the weather reports are predicting sunny afternoons this weekend. Perhaps summer will make an appearance after all.

In the meantime, my thoughts are with those suffering through the heat wave. I hope that they will be safe and stay healthy.

Coronado Art in the Park Jul 01
Spreckels Park

Spreckels Park Gazebo ~ where the bands play

Because I live in Coronado, I have many people who do not live here ask me about Art in the Park. Usually, they have heard about it and want to know when it is. Some have been before and want to stop by to see the works of a favored artist, but forget which Sundays it is held.

Sometimes, I think those of us who live here take this special event for granted because it is a regularly scheduled happening. You walk or drive by and say, “Art in the Park today,” but don’t stop to wander through the displays.

With the Concerts in the Park now playing throughout the summer, I have taken the time to look at the wonderful pieces of art offered by these talented artisans. I have upon occasion spoken to many of the artists and find their stories as fascinating as their art.

Art in the Park is presented by the Coronado Art Association and is held in Spreckels Park (Orange Avenue across from the Coronado Library) the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month, year round. The official time is from 9:00am – 4:00pm, but some set up earlier and some linger longer.

The number of participating artists may vary depending on the day, weather or time of year. There are over 50 artists who have been approved to participate by a five person jury. The artists are all from San Diego County and represent the areas of painting, photography, ceramics, etching, stained glass, wood and metal working and more.

Participating artists include:

Ronald Bennett is an award winning photography.

Sumiko Braithwaite creates unique “Double Wall” pottery.

Jim Cornwell creates amazing pieces of art through wood working.

Elaine Davis creates paintings using various medias.

Clara Evans paints with oils, acrylic and watercolor.

Robert Gerdes is s noted for his paintings of Coronado, La Jolla and the mountain and desert areas near San Diego.

Joan Hansen works in water color, oil and acrylic.

Mary Helmreich works with water colors.

Don Hubbard specializes in the Japanese art of fish printing (gyotaku).

Kay Frances Hubbard specializes in water colors.

Janet Leo is an American Impressionist.

Gerry Lounsbury does decorative art work.

Maic creates vibrant paintings and pine needle basketry.

Marty Marshall works with hot blown glass.

Bruce Muirhead is an artistic photographer who has traveled the world capturing images.

Katy Reeve-Weesner specializes in water colors.

Creela Martin Villani prefers working with oils.

Uwe Werner paints animals, seascapes, and children.

John Yato specializes in water colors.

George Zucconi is a photographic artist.

Come to Spreckels Park on the first or third Sunday of any month and take a tour of the delightful works of arts shown by these very talented artists.

Coronado 4th of July 2010 Jun 30

Coronado Independence Day Celebrations

Summer is in full stride here in Coronado and the community is ready for this weekend’s 4th of July celebrations.

As all locals know, although the 4th is on Sunday, Coronado does not permit the parade to be held on a Sunday. Thus, the 62nd annual Independence Day Parade will be held on Saturday.

Here is the schedule of events in Coronado for both Saturday and Sunday ~

Saturday, July 3, 2010:
8:00 am – 4:00 pm Art in the Park, Spreckels Park

10:00 am “A Salute to America’s Heroes”, the 62nd annual Independence Day Parade along Orange Avenue

1:00 pm Coronado Big Band concert at the Ferry Landing

2:30 pm Adrian Empire Demo, Spreckels Park

4:00 pm The Stiletto’s play for the Concert in the Park, Spreckels Park

Sunday, July 4, 2010:
7:00 am 35th annual Independence Day 15K Run and 5K Run/Walk at Tidelands Park (registration at 5:00 am)

8:00 am – 4:00 pm Art in the Park, Spreckels Park

9:00 am 51st annual Rough Water Swim at Coronado Central Beach

2:00 pm Dixieland Band concert at the Ferry Landing

5:00 pm VFW Ladies Auxiliary steak BBQ, 557 Orange Avenue

6:00 pm The Coronado Community Band plays for the Concert in the Park, Spreckels Park

9:00 pm Fireworks display over San Diego Bay

Whatever your plans are for the holiday weekend, we all wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

The Coronado Cookie