Ocean and community celebrated at Emerald Keepers event

An Evening of Aloha, Emerald Keepers’ Earth Week benefit and auction was a joyful celebration of the ocean and sustainability filled with island spirit.

“It was so invigorating to feel the energy of our community coming together and seeing people engaging with each other, united by collective care for our ocean and community,” said Eileen Hauser, vice president of Emerald Keepers. Hauser, along with Development Director Janet Thoms, organized An Evening of Aloha.

The event, held at the Coronado Community Center’s Nautilus Room on Thursday, April 24, announced artist Tina Christiansen as Emerald Keeper of the Year. Christiansen’s love for the sea shines through in her art. She is also an advocate for the environment and has spoken at city council meetings in support of clean water and the single-use plastic reduction ordinance.

“Tina Christiansen truly embodies the spirit of an Emerald Keeper,” said Kali Lindsay, president of Emerald Keepers. “Her deep love for the ocean, her advocacy for environmental causes, and her generosity have made a lasting impact on our community. Honoring her as our first Emerald Keeper of the Year was a natural choice.”

Christiansen’s art was part of the event’s silent and live auctions, which also included pieces from Robert Wyland, Teresa Espaniola, Ana Violeta Horta, Karrie Jackson, Wendy Kleine, Luciano Mancilla, Matt Swinden, and John Wadleigh.

Emcee John Weisbarth set the tone for the evening with an acknowledgement to the Kumeyaay Nation that the land on which the event was held is their traditional and unceded territory. He also honored the Hawaiian people, whose traditions are steeped in respect and care for both the land and the sea.

The theme of the evening was malama i ke kai, the Hawaiian phrase for “care for the ocean.”

A performance by Mahana Dance Company and music by Michael Gonzales, known as Gonzo, continued the aloha spirit. Island-style favorites were served as appetizers and at a buffet.

The purpose of the evening of camaraderie, which was attended by approximately 120 people, was to raise critical funds for Emerald Keepers, Coronado’s only civic nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to address local needs related to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Amy Steward, the founder of Emerald Keepers, was unable to share in the celebration. She was in Sacramento representing Coronado and other San Diego County coastal cities in the Cal Cities Leadership Summit.

“The environmental challenges we face aren't small but gathering with so many passionate individuals at our fundraiser is a joyful reminder of how much we can accomplish together,” Lindsay said. “It gives me hope that through our collective action and community spirit, we can achieve a cleaner, greener future here in Coronado.” 

The evening also included a successful “raise-the-paddle.” Emerald Keepers is raising seed money to take steps toward investing in solar in partnership with the Coronado Unified School District.  

Emerald Keepers would like to thank the artists, attendees, donors, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event a big success. Their generosity and commitment to sustainability will ensure that Coronado stays Emerald Green, Ocean Blue.

Emerald Keepers invites community to An Evening of Aloha

Emerald Keepers is planning An Evening of Aloha, an ocean-inspired benefit around the message malama i ke kai, a Hawaiian phrase that means “care for ocean.” The Hawaiian-themed Earth Week celebration will be held on April 24 in the Nautilus Room.

The event, which will be Emerald Keepers’ first major fundraiser in three years, will include an art auction, highlighted by works from the renowned artist and environmentalist Robert Wyland and Coronado’s celebrated artist Tina Christiansen.

The evening will also include an Island-inspired buffet, hosted bar, and music by local artist Michael Gonzalez, who is known as Gonzo — plus some surprises. A special VIP reception will allow VIP guests to preview the artwork.

The benefit will raise much-needed funds to help Emerald Keepers continue to make an impact in Coronado.

For the past six years, Emerald Keepers has been championing the reduction of single-use plastics through education and activities, raising awareness in the city. This year, the City Council passed the strictest law in San Diego County to curb the use of single-use plastic and polystyrene food ware and utensils.

But there’s much more work to be done. Emerald Keepers’ work is more important than ever, and we will continue to be Coronado’s champion for the environment, educating, advocating, implementing, and celebrating sustainable practices to keep our community Emerald Green, Ocean Blue.

So join the fun, celebrate Earth Week and malama i ke kai. Native Hawaiians have a deep connection to the ocean. They believe it is their responsibility to take care of the ocean, and in turn the ocean will take care of them. We agree.

Tickets will go on sale the week of March 10. More details and ticket information are coming soon. For questions or sponsorship inquires, email info@emeraldkeepers.org.

Emerald Keepers is planning its first benefit in three years. The previous fundraiser, The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Splash & Art Auction, was held May 14, 2022, at the Coronado Yacht Club.

Navy’s Delta Beach cleaned up

More than 100 volunteers gathered Saturday morning to assist the Navy in cleaning up Delta Beach. The Feb. 8 cleanup included participants from Emerald Keepers and Otay High School, as well as Navy personnel and Coronado residents. This is the fifth year Emerald Keepers has been helping with the semiannual cleanup.

Delta Beach, on the bay side of Silver Strand and part of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, is normally closed to the public and now also to the Navy. This stretch of coastland has been designated as a critical habitat for the western snowy plover and the California least tern. The western snowy plover is listed as threatened and the California least tern is listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The least tern nesting season runs April through September. Cleanups are scheduled before and after those dates. The beach cleanup is essential to keep the habitat safe for these vulnerable species and to keep trash out of the water to protect marine animals.

The crew removed a number of large items, including tires, boat paddles, wood, and plastic barrels. But most of the trash collected was plastic bottles, polystyrene, known as Styrofoam, and random bits of plastic that have been washed up on the beach.

Scientists estimate that 90 percent of all seabirds and more than half of all marine life have ingested plastic. Beach cleanups are a crucial step in protecting sea and shore animals.

A big thank you to all the volunteers.

Emerald Keepers holds its first member event

As a thank you to the generous people of Coronado and beyond who became Charter Members last year, Emerald Keepers hosted an evening get-together at the Coronado Tasting Room on Thursday.

The two-hour event was a chance to get to know fellow Emerald Keepers members and to hear from the organization’s new president Kali Lindsay.

Lindsay shared information about upcoming events, including monthly beach cleanups and an art auction/fundraiser on April 24.

“It's amazing to have so many Charter Members here at our Thank You event,” Lindsay said. “We are very grateful for them and their support of Emerald Keepers. It's been wonderful to get to connect with our members, learn about their sustainability efforts, and discuss how we can all work together to make Coronado a more Emerald Green, Ocean Blue city.”

About 60 guests gathered for drinks and appetizers while chatting with old friends and meeting new ones. The evening also included door prizes, tequila tastings by Emerald Spear Tequila, a local craft tequila company founded by four Navy SEALS. Guests could drink or take home water in single-use aluminum cans. The cans, donated by Open Water, are an alternative to plastic water bottles.

Jay Cavallieri, who owns Coronado Tasting Room and the adjoining Vom Fass with his wife, Colleen, spoke about how a business can be successful and sustainable. Oils and vinegars are sold from the barrel in reusable containers and can be brought back for discounted refills. The dual businesses at the Coronado Ferry Landing have been designated Emerald Green, Ocean Blue by Emerald Keepers for their sustainable practices.

Emerald Keepers’ yearlong Charter Membership campaign in 2024 was launched to better continue the organization’s mission to be a champion for Coronado's environment. The annual memberships support educational programs for students and residents and help promote and implement sustainable practices in Coronado.

“For this year, my goal is to grow our volunteer base, to connect more with our members, and to provide hands-on educational opportunities to help our community become the most sustainable it can be,” Lindsay said. “We will also continue to advocate for a more environmentally friendly Coronado and celebrate our community's successes in these endeavors.”

Emerald Keepers was founded in 2019 by Amy Steward. Among its many achievements, the organization has championed the reduction of single-use plastics and the implementation of the Island Express shuttle. It has also hosted two community conferences on the environment and sustainability and continues to work with high school interns, providing leadership skills and inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

Photos by Kel Casey

Breaking news: Kali Lindsay becomes president of Emerald Keepers

Emerald Keepers has a new leader to take the helm of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Kali Lindsay has taken on the role of president of the board for the environmental organization, a position that has been held by Emerald Keepers founder Amy Steward for six years.

Lindsay, a native San Diegan who grew up in Coronado, has been involved in the organization since 2023, starting out by going to informative talks and the organization’s Coronado Community Conference. She joined the board in January 2024 and has been serving as treasurer. As a board member, she has also been mentoring the Emerald Keepers high school interns in their quest to reduce single-use plastics, and in November, Lindsay spoke at the City Council in support of the Island Express on behalf of Emerald Keepers.

“It seemed like a really good opportunity to get even more involved and to grow with Emerald Keepers,” Lindsay said about taking on the position of president.

Lindsay is a passionate environmentalist who practices sustainability at her home, which she shares with her husband, Robbie Ruelas.  You’ll find Lindsay riding her bicycle around town for transportation and shopping at thrift stores. She also composts and adheres to a mainly vegan diet because it’s better for the environment.

Lindsay, 34, attended Francis Parker High School and studied dance at the Coronado Academy of Dance. She graduated in 2008 and went on to attend Stanford University, earning a degree in psychology. Her career path eventually led her to follow her parent’s footsteps into accounting, working as a tax accountant.

But her passion for the environment has been a constant in her life. The couple enjoys hiking and camping. As a resident advisor at Stanford during her senior year in college, Lindsay took the freshman in her dorm camping and river rafting.

“I’ve always liked to mentor young people,” she said.

The pandemic brought Lindsay and Ruelas back to Coronado to be closer to her parents. They had been living in Seattle, where Ruelas was in a pediatric residency program.

As president of Emerald Keepers, Lindsay would like to grow the Emerald Keepers community in Coronado and have more volunteer opportunities available.

“We’re hoping to have quarterly membership meetings with the community,” she said. “Community education is so important. A lot of this (sustainability) stuff isn’t intuitive. There is still a lot of need to get information out to the community.”

Lindsay also wants to focus education on climate change and how people can help mitigate it.

“Kali understands our mission and the importance of education,” Steward said. “She shares the belief that most people want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment. Kali is smart, personable, and passionate about protecting Coronado for future generations.”

Emerald Keepers was founded in 2019 by Steward with the idea that Coronado can be a model city of sustainability. The nonprofit has been championing the implementation of the Circuit shuttle, which finally came to fruition this year, although the successful pilot program was halted by the City Council. Emerald Keepers has also been key in getting the city to consider a single-use plastic reduction ordinance.

Part of the organization’s educational mission is producing weekly pages in the Eagle & Journal, designed to help people understand that they do not have to be perfect when it comes to sustainability, but every action makes a difference. 

“Emerald Keepers is such a cool thing. Coronado was a good place to grow up and it’s nice to be involved in the community,” Lindsay said. To better serve the organization, Lindsay is planning on enrolling in UC San Diego’s certificate program on sustainability.

“I cannot think of anyone better to take the helm of Emerald Keepers than Kali Lindsay,” Steward said.

Island Express discontinued for now

The six-month trial period for the Island Express is set to end on Dec. 4. During last Tuesday's city council meeting, on Nov. 5, council members heard public comments on the all-electric mini shuttle but opted to hold off on a full extension of the service at this time.

But the program is not lost yet.

Council members still could direct the city staff to negotiate a short-term extension that would keep the Island Express running through the holiday season and into early next year. This interim period would allow the city to explore cost-saving measures. Options include implementing a dynamic fare system, reducing service in higher-cost areas like the Cays, and introducing advertising — strategies that have proven successful in other Circuit markets.

These possibilities could provide a pathway for a more sustainable, long-term future for the Island Express.

The Island Express has been a positive addition to the community, and many residents, especially seniors, have come to rely on the service. According to Circuit data, 16% of the riders are seniors.

 “The Island Express is a terrific convenience for seniors. Driving at night here is difficult. It’s much better to take the Circuit. I now have the option to go to a movie or restaurant or even happy hour and have a couple of drinks,” said Sharon Raffer, a local senior and Emerald Keepers board member.

“I don’t walk long distances anymore or ride a bike, so the door-to-door service is great,” she said.

Raffer rides the shuttle often and has noticed the service being used by a cross-section of the community, from students going to after-school practice to Navy personnel looking for a meal off base. One resident used the shuttle service to get to the emergency room after she rolled and sprained her ankle, and it became a lifeline during the healing process when she couldn’t drive or ride her bicycle.

Since the service began on June 4, the Island Express has moved 50,220 passengers (about 10,000 people a month) and has traveled 42,815 miles, which is the equivalent of 2,140 gallons of gas and 19 metric tons of greenhouse gases saved, according to Circuit representative Mark Iannon. (At the council meeting, city staff presented lower figures with 38,366 riders.)

 The response to the shuttle has been overwhelmingly positive, even though the service has had some growing pains, especially in the Cays.

Initially, wait times to catch the shuttle into the Village from the Cays were long or nonexistent. Dina Demeo, who has lived in the Cays for nearly 30 years, has been a frequent user of the Island Express. She said one time it took 1.5 hours to get back from the Ferry Landing because the driver picked up riders who weren’t heading to the Cays. The Cays are served by an electric van because the mini shuttles are not allowed on state Route 75.

But even with some issues, the wait time for all shuttles has been 9.5 minutes on average, according to Circuit.

“Our development team is deeply focused on improving the app to enhance the user experience, particularly in areas like wait time accuracy and ride flow. One of our biggest challenges in Coronado is that rider demand often exceeds the supply of vehicles available. While high demand is a positive indicator, it still presents a challenge,” Iannon said. “Circuit has successfully addressed this issue in several other markets nationwide by implementing a fare system.”

Since the latter part of September, the service has improved greatly, Demeo said. And despite the growing pains, she loves the Island Express and would be happy to pay a nominal fee for the service.

“We just can’t walk or ride our bikes into town,” she said of Cays residents.

Unfortunately, the shuttle service will end in just a few weeks and will be halted permanently unless the city council is convinced to keep the Island Express after looking at more data.

Emerald Keepers is requesting a month-to-month contract extension from the city to allow the new city council and mayor time to take office and evaluate cost-saving measures on a trial basis before making a final decision on the program's long-term future.

During the trial period, the average per passenger cost has been $9.50. The service to the Cays has been the most expensive aspect of the Island Express. To offset costs, a nominal rider fee and additional grants, as well as public-private partnerships are options worth exploring to support this important service to our city. Other Circuit markets have even implemented zone-based fares.

“I would like to see a task force put together comprised of Cays riders, Circuit, the City and Emerald Keepers to determine a more effective solution for the Cays,” said Amy Steward, president and founder of Emerald Keepers.

With the upcoming holidays, our businesses would benefit from the Island Express to transport shoppers and diners, for a safer, more environmentally friendly holiday season in Coronado.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Email your Mayor and Council Members.

·       Richard Bailey: rbailey@coronado.ca.us

·       Mike Donovan: mdonovan@coronado.ca.us

·       Carrie Downey: cdowney@coronado.ca.us

·       John Duncan: jduncan@coronado.ca.us

·       Casey Tanaka: ctanaka@coronado.ca.us

And if you haven't already, take the Emerald Keepers survey at Emeraldkeepers.org.

Glorietta Bay Inn and GM Claudia Ludlow Emerald Keepers of the Month

Coronado has a true gem in its crown gleaming above Glorietta Bay: the historic Glorietta Bay Inn. Not only is it the John D. Spreckels mansion, it is a charming boutique hotel that is working to be the greenest hotel on island. 

General Manager Claudia Ludlow has made the hotel even more special by enacting creative, more sustainable practices to become a truly eco-friendly hotel. Glorietta Bay Inn offers water bottle refilling stations, solar panels on the roof of the mansion, a Go Green Service that awards discounts to guests who promise to room skip service to save water, and –her newest addition—canned

 water with a screw top. The can is reusable and is fully recyclable.

Ludlow found a local water company called Open Water. It’s label says it all: MORE OCEAN. LESS PLASTIC. STILL WATER. “I wanted to reduce plastic waste and Open Water is a mother-daughter, minority run company,” explained Ludlow.

In addition to the new water bottles, Ludlow is pleased to have both recycle and trash receptacles in every room to separate waste. She also reduces waste at breakfast with sustainable products.

As a Coronado local with over 100 years of family ties to Coronado, Ludlow participated in Emerald Keepers’ Community Conference last fall contributing great ideas and high energy. Her long history of community engagement continues to serve Coronado well.

“At the end of the day we all need to do better and become stronger,’ said Ludlow. “We may not be 100% sustainable yet, but we start small and become mighty.”

In keeping with Emerald Keepers goal to become a model city, Glorietta Bay Inn is a model for other Coronado hotels. Emerald Keepers congratulates General Manager Claudia Ludlow and the Glorietta Bay Inn for being Emerald Keepers of the Month.

CoSA Dancers - Emerald Keepers of the Month

When the power of the arts is harnessed to drive environmental change, you see possibilities revealed and are inspired to act. The Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Dance’s spring recital, MOBILIZE, was stunning and served to generate conversation and educate through art.

The dancers worked all semester creating the dances. Topics covered diverse but ecologically related issue including the gratitude for our sun to grow plants, marine life adapting to climate and pollution, ocean policy to shape change, climate refugees, birds, the importance of eliminating fossils fuels to avoid weather catastrophes, celebration of biodiversity, dangers of invasive species, healthy ecosystems, fashion consumption, sustainable agriculture, and the belief that we can and must make changes to protect our future in the face of climate change.

Under the direction of Gina Bolles Sorensen, each dance was beautifully choregraphed to selected musical pieces and Amanda Gorman’s “Earthrise” poem. Exquisite costumes amplified the themes and added to the visual experience. Most impressive was the athleticism of the dancers.  Communicating science through the art of dance was mesmerizing and beautiful.

One of Emerald Keepers’ goals is to educate the community about environmental issues. These 17 dancers took environmental education to new and novel levels. To show deepest community appreciation, the CoSA Dancers have been named as May’s Emerald Keepers of the Month. Thank you for your moving performances!

Chalk Walk Inspires Environmental Change

The Third Annual Chalk Walk hosted by Emerald Keepers, the Coronado Public Library and the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission took place Wednesday, June 29 at the Coronado Public Library. Students from Coronado schools and members of the community were invited by Emerald Keepers to walk the Coronado Library grounds and discover a variety of chalk illustrations by talented CHS art students. Under the directions of Coronado High School art teacher, Laura Hill, dozens of colorful inspirations of both the beauty of our planet and threats to our environment brought the Library’s sidewalks to life by talent young artists.
Emerald Keepers, Coronado Public Works department, and Coronado Public Library hosted information booth activities on proper waste disposal, sustainability and planting native seeds. Films about plastics, sustainable swaps, and how to sort waste were shown in the Winn Room.  It was an amazing showcase of talent, education and fun for all ages.

April Emerald Keepers of the Month: Student Environmental Activists By Maria Laguna

After an eventful Earth Month, Emerald Keepers is pleased to honor the numerousstudent environmental activists as Emerald Keepers of the Month for April. These Gen Ziers'feverish commitment to sustainability and positive progress has touched Emerald Keepers. Coronado High School boasts over seventy clubs, with a few being dedicated to environmental awareness and preservation.

Stop the Sewage Club, led by Sophomore Danny Vinegrad, has attended rallies and helped draw youth attention to the damaging issue of sewage affecting Coronado beaches, residents, and military personnel. Club members want to help alleviate the pollution in any way they can so they can get back to swimming in their precious beach. Moreover, this club follows the same mission as its parent organization, Stop the Sewage.

Similarly, the Coronado High Surfrider Club, led and founded by Olivia Chavez, and its respective parent organization have dedicated themselves to ceaselessly protecting local beaches, while also sharing in the oceanic enjoyment. This past year, the club has done shoe donation drives and attended sewage protests.

Our own Emerald Keepers Club has teenagers getting their hands dirty at their community garden on a bimonthly bimonthly basis. Junior Abigail Pearson and Senior Dylan Berk share presidential duties while also being interns with Emerald Keepers with other club members. Their garden grows produce in nutrient rich soil to later be donated to the food insecure at the Imperial Beach Food Pantry. On these Saturday mornings, Environmental and Teen Librarian Tara Davies advises students on proper ways to compost, harvest kale, and, all in all, grow their green-thumb knowledge with sincere care.

Emerald Keepers high school interns have advocated for plastic reduction in Coronado at the City Council, a Coronado High School assembly last month, and the community screening of We Are All Plastic People Now. As the only beach community from Imperial Beach to Oceanside without a plastic reduction ordinance, these interns are determined to change this. They have also worked to implement zero waste at schools in the district by advocating for recycling and organic waste bins and teaching students and the community how to sort their waste. The CHS Emerald Keepers Club now composts their school's food waste.

Sustainability has proven to be a major issue high school activists care about, especially when it comes to fashion. The Clothes Swap Club emerged on the Coronado High campus in 2023 and has grown in popularity ever since with their mission of providing accessible second-hand fashion for all. Junior Isabel Campo-Ford worked alongside peers in French class to create this group. Clothes swap events are held a few times a term where students can exchange their used clothes for others, making a sustainable thrifting alternative with your peers. Earlier this year, the club partnered with Emerald Keepers and the Coronado Public Library to have a booth at the first annual "Fix-it-Clinic"

Finally, as each generation works toward cleaning up the mess the last one left behind, there is much hope and joy coming from the students at Village Elementary and Silver Strand Elementary Schools as they celebrate their Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Classrooms. Many classrooms have pledged to be environmental stewards to do their part in protecting our planet.

Emerald Keepers wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to all student environmental activists who work to be the change and the future leaders our planet needs. Congratulations to all Coronado student activists who make a difference in their schools and community every day.

Emerald Keepers Interns Address City Council

At the March 19 City Council meeting, Emerald Keepers’ interns made the case for Coronado to enact a strong single-use plastic reduction ordinance. From environmental impacts, to real health risks to our community, student activists challenged the Council to do better for future generations. As the only beach community from Imperial Beach to Oceanside without a single-use plastic reduction ordinance, Emerald Keepers joins these young activists in advocating for change!

Emerald Keepers Interns Speak at the San Diego Zero Waste Symposium

Dylan Berk, Cate Gregory and Abigail Pearson spoke at the San Deigo Zero Waste Symposium on Wednesday, February 28, at the County Operation Center.

Christ Church Thrift Shop February Emerald Keepers of the Month - by Maria Laguna

Emerald Keepers is pleased to honor the Christ Church Thrift Shop as Emerald Keeper of the Month for February. Tucked away on Ninth Street, this hidden sustainable gem has touched Emerald Keepers with its generous donations and impressive environmental efforts.

Originally opened by the Junior Women’s Auxiliary in 1951, the Thrift Shop has undergone name and location changes. Entirely volunteer-run, the Thrift Shop has an extensive inventory of clothing, shoes, household items, books, and children’s toys.

“The thrift shop itself is sustainable with how it reuses and repurposes things. It’s part of our mission to keep things from going to a landfill if they can be reused,” says Manager Ellenjoy Weber.

Weber oversees the thrift shop’s needs alongside other volunteers and managers to include Manager Karen Ketts.

“As people of faith, we believe people have a responsibility what to do what they can to take care of our Earth. This is one of the ways we can do this as a group,” says Ketts.

While serving as managers for the shop, Ketts and Weber are also members of the Episcopal Church, which is committed to creation care and has worked to make important environmental changes. Christ Church Day School is the first and only school in Coronado to be solar powered.

Another goal of the shop is to be civically engaged  --almost 70% of their profits going directly to nonprofit organizations. They recently donated to the Maui Humane Society for post-Lahaina fire support.

Weber explained the thinking behind their most recent donation. “We discussed donations at our managing meeting, and we all felt that Emerald Keepers had a wonderful role in town and we wanted to support them.”

A frequent attendee at Emerald Keepers’ conferences and events, Ketts added, “I took away a lot of information from [the Emerald Keepers Annual Community Conferences] and, in the future, I hope to apply it here and through the church.”

Emerald Keepers wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Christ Church Thrift Shop for their generosity and commitment to the environment.

Congratulations to the Christ Church Thrift Shop and their many volunteers. Be sure to stop by 1210 Ninth Street to find hidden treasures and support thrift culture in Coronado.

TONI TRINIDAD JANUARY EMERALD KEEPER OF THE MONTH —Maria Laguna

Emerald Keepers is pleased to honor Toni Trinidad as the Emerald Keeper of the Month for January. As the Innovation Lab (iLab) teacher for Village Elementary School, Toni is familiar with educating the technologically apt generation, but she’s also nurturing students' love for nature by utilizing the Emerald Keepers website in her lessons. 

Toni was originally inspired to make her classroom Emerald Green, Ocean Blue certified after attending the Annual Emerald Keepers’ Community Consortium the past two years. 

“We started with putting the weekly Emerald Keepers pages from the Coronado Eagle & Journal into our classroom, where students can go to read and discuss the topics when they have extra time. What I love is that [the Emerald Keepers pages] are very local and specific for the kid’s community. I think that sparks their curiosity and lets them know there’s something happening right here and how they can get involved, and I think that’s great,” says Toni. 

Coronado School Foundation’s financial support in granting teachers' wishes makes environmental iLab units possible. Toni’s wish for a school-wide supply of native pollinator-friendly seeds with all the seed-starting accouterments will be true in the springtime, when all students will learn the importance behind planting native pollinator-friendly seeds and start their own seedlings in the iLab. 

“iLab is about helping kids identify problems and find solutions, which I think can relate to the environment, fostering [student’s] future ability to take care of the environment, and [student’s] feeling empowered to solve problems. The kids are encouraged to find ways they can help the environment but also learn how to share what they know with people who might not know it,” says Toni. 

By introducing environmental awareness and Emerald Keepers to students at elementary age, Toni is setting them up for a lifetime commitment to bettering the environment, academically at Coronado schools and personally in their own lifestyles, just like Toni herself. 

When not teaching in the iLab, Toni keeps a pollinator-friendly garden at home from which Toni has brought monarch chrysalises from her for students to observe. Toni adds, “Several classes got lucky and were able to watch the butterflies emerge and dry their wings. It was so special, and I know it was a magical moment for many students who truly felt inspired to support pollinators as a result.”

Emerald Keepers thanks and congratulates Toni Trinidad for her passionate efforts in building a strong foundation and community of students who appreciate and care for the environment. 

Coronado Public Library December Emerald Keepers of the Month

Emerald Keepers is proud to celebrate the Coronado Public Library as Emerald Keepers of the Month for December.  As well as being one of Emerald Keepers’ community partners, they were among the first to be designated an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue business. Taking the lead as Teen Librarian, Tara Davies was named as the Environmental Librarian by Director Shaun Briley.

Modern libraries are centers of learning and gathering. Recognizing this, Briley has embraced the library’s partnership with Emerald Keepers cohosting over a dozen events aimed at educating the community about sustainable practices. Topics include electric vehicles, solar energy, electrification of homes, native plants, citizen scientist programs, a marine biologist led beach walk, vegetarian cooking, sea level rise mitigation, eco book talks, and reduction of single-use plastics.

Davies established a seed library and hosted composting classes for the community. Additionally, she works with both middle and high school students in their gardens to compost food waste and grow organic vegetables. The latter are donated to the Imperial Beach Food Pantry with the help of Rotarians committed to helping the food insecure. 

Library hosted events are zero waste with everything being recycled, composted, or reused. Former Librarian, Eileen Houser, made sure the library has sufficient washable dishes and utensils on site.

Beth Skelly works with Emerald Keepers to schedule events in the Winn Room – not an easy task given the many groups vying to utilize the facilities. Always gracious and helpful, she works her magic on the aged AV system to insure smooth events.

The Coronado Public Library teams works tirelessly for our community promoting and exercising sustainable practices daily. Their commitment to an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Coronado is to be applauded. Congratulations and a huge “thank you” to the Coronado Public Library for their continued partnership and leadership.

Director Shaun Briley

Environmental Librarian Tara Davies