Meet Brian Trotier - May Emerald Keeper of the Month

May’s Emerald Keeper of the Month is Coronado resident Brian L. Trotier of the Triangle Project, located in the East Village of San Diego, just across the bay.

The Triangle Project is a pilot program created to help improve the lives of the unhoused people. Brian has been helping out in this area for about fifteen years and has developed relationships with many of the residents. A huge issue has been the trash in the area. The residents, mainly living in tents, don’t have a place to dispose of their trash which is unsightly, unsanitary, and demoralizing for them. Richard Aaron Horton, 64, a longtime resident, started improving the area by picking up trash. Brian Trotier knows Richard well and has expanded the effort by securing funding from the Lucky Duck Foundation.  This local foundation focuses on the homeless and has contracted with EDCO for a dumpster to collect the trash.

The concept is simple, and the results so far have been amazing. Brian reported that, as of last week, the Triangle Project had collected in the previous 20 days, 3,794 bags of trash weighing a total of 23.89 tons. It is likely that much of this, including plastic, would have found its way into our bay and ocean. Here is how it works: every Monday and Thursday, EDCO drops off a dumpster at 8 am. Brian brings bags, gloves, and a stack of cash. Volunteers walk around the area greeting residents and asking if they’d like trash bags. For almost all, the answer is an enthusiastic “yes!” Residents get to work cleaning up their neighborhood. For every full bag of trash they bring to the dumpster, Brian gives them $2. The roughly two-block area goes from being very littered to being very clean within an hour.

Triangle Project’s results are about double what Brian and Lucky Duck projected, and the benefits have gone far beyond a cleaner neighborhood (and bay). Residents express appreciation for being seen; they get along better with each other. “They have a common enemy—trash,” Brian acknowledged. 

“You take care of things better when you put some of you into it,” says project co-founder and block captain Richard Horton. Others are equally enthusiastic. Elijah Davis, 33, says, “Where we live, it’s hard enough. When we clean up, we have a better environment; we feel cleaner. This project gives us the supplies and the motivation. This (the $24 he got from delivering 12 bags of trash) is my breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

Emerald Keepers applauds Brian Trotier and the Triangle Project. Resident Maurice Loadholt, 29, summed up its success: “Keeping the Earth clean. That’s what’s happening in the long run. It’s a domino effect.”

Emerald Keepers Recognizes Top Water Wise Home Fronts

As part of an ongoing water conservation initiative during California’s record drought, Emerald Keepers is pleased to recognize 20 beautiful water wise home fronts around Coronado.

In early April, volunteers with Emerald Keepers and California America Water visited neighborhoods in the Coronado village and Coronado Cays in search of exceptional home fronts considering the following water wise criteria: use of low water plants, minimal lawn, permeable ground surfaces, and level of design and maintenance.

The selected home fronts received a printed water wise award for display that recognizes their exceptional effort to conserve water and demonstrate beautiful water wise landscaping. After reviewing an extensive list of commendable candidates, the following 20 homes were recognized as the top Coronado water wise home fronts:

Top Water Wise Home Fronts
234 A Avenue
617 A Avenue
454 E Avenue
750 F Avenue
902 F Avenue
755 H Avenue
825 I Avenue
840 I Avenue
955 I Avenue
523 J Avenue
820 Adella Avenue
1030 Alameda Avenue
1040 Alameda Avenue
307 First Street
627 Margarita Avenue
920 Pomona Avenue
417 Sixth Street
1224 Sixth Street
30 Spinnaker Way
33 Spinnaker Way

Coronado residents are encouraged to view these home fronts to appreciate examples of exceptional landscaping that minimize water use while enhancing the beauty of the homes and our town.

Emerald Keeper of the Month, Tracy Tempest

Meet Tracy Tempest. People who paddle in South Bay know her as the “Turtle Whisperer” because she has a special connection with the turtle population in the Bay. You may encounter her on her stand-up paddle board or pedal kayak looking for green sea turtles. 

A retired tennis pro, Tracy is now a citizen scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Carrying her phone, Tracy takes a screen shot of the weather before she shoves off from shore using the Weather Underground app. She paddles with a small thermometer dangling in the water in case of a turtle sighting. When she sees a turtle, she uses the Lat Long App on her phone to get the exact coordinates of the sighting. She makes note of the tide using MyTideTimes and notes the water conditions -- flat or windy. Once ashore, she sends all the data to www.swfsc.turtle-sightings@noaa.gov where Dr. Jeff Seminoff receives the information. Dr. Seminoff is the Leader of the Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program in the NOAA office in La Jolla. Tracy’s detailed information helps scientists track the green sea turtle population in South San Diego Bay as well as their behavior. She added, “A report of zero turtle sightings is also important to NOAA.”

“I try to say if they are big, little, sitting or swimming and send a photo if I can get one,” Tracy explained. “You see more on a stand up paddle board because you have better visibility. Just keep your head on a swivel.”

Tempest’s relationship with NOAA began in 2020, and her work became especially important during the pandemic as NOAA scientists have not been allowed on the water. Much of her data can be found in reports on NOAA’s website.  When she cannot get out on the water, Tracy goes out of her way to ask people if they have seen turtles and then sends a blurb to NOAA. She said, “Each time I see a turtle, it’s like WOW, they are still here.” Her excitement is unmistakable and contagious. “It feels like they are staring at you,” said Tracy.  

Tracy Tempest’s love for the turtles and her volunteer work as a citizen scientist protecting and tracking them is why she is the Emerald Keeper of the Month. Congratulations, Tracy! We look forward to discovering turtles with you soon. 

Arbor Day Planting A Great Success!

It was all smiles during our Arbor Day tree planing event with the Coronado Street Tree Committee! Special thanks to our volunteers who created future shade, carbon sequestration, and beauty for decades to come!

Emerald Keeper of the Month: Bridge and Bay Garden Club

Displaying Penny Pines donations at the recent BBGC meeting in front of the Coronado Library are members, l. to r., Kathy Beaton, Alexis Doering, Andrea Luttinen (with basket), Gail Stewart, Karen Foster, Patricia Sedgwick, and Sandra Killmeyer-Kran. 

This month’s Emerald Keeper is the Coronado Bridge and Bay Garden Club. Formed in 1972, the Bridge and Bay Garden Club (BBGC) has been involved in all phases of gardening, in civic activities, and in the conservation of natural resources. 

Of interest to Emerald Keepers is the reforestation program that BBGC has supported over the years known as “Penny Pines,” whose donations of $68 per acre have restored trees to the 440,000 acres of the Cleveland National Forest, in our own east county. 

The first Penny Pines reforestation program began in 1941 by a San Francisco women’s sports association to benefit a national forest in northern California. Today, donations from Penny Pines, along with federal funding, continue to pay for the cost of planting seedlings on lands that have been adversely affected by fires, pests and disease. In 1941, a $68 donation provided 680 seedlings on an acre of land. The same $68 today purchases approximately 200 seedlings. 

For as long as the 75 BBGC members can remember, they have supported the Penny Pines program. According to club president Kathy Beaton, “Wildfires are destroying so many trees. Trees… provide the air that we breath…. It makes sense to replace the trees as fast as possible.” 

At each monthly meeting, club member Andrea Luttinen passes a basket to collect loose change, usually bringing in $40-$60. Over 70 acres of seedling plants have been added to the Cleveland National Forest as of the end of 2021, due to the club’s efforts. 

The BBGC is probably best recognized for its work locally. As President Beaton says, “We promote gardening and ecological systems to make 

areas beautiful and sustainable.” Club members maintain the gardens at the post office, the Coronado Middle School, Spreckels Park at the corner of 6th Street and Orange Avenue, and a church school. Members also support programs such as organic composting, the function of bees, and the benefits of growing mushrooms. 

President Beaton is excited to be introduced to Emerald Keepers because she feels it’s necessary to “save our oceans and forests one garden at a time.” 

The BBGC meets in the Coronado Library Winn Room on the last Monday of the month. “We’re an active, city club looking for new members to get involved with new projects. We are a fun group of people who really enjoy learning to dig in the dirt,” shared President Beaton. 

Emerald Keepers Welcomes 12 CHS Student Interns

Emerald Keepers is pleased to announce selection of twelve interns for Spring 2022: Abigail Pearson, Bailey Manion,Cate Gregory, Dana Jennings, Daniela Finch, Emily Kuite, Jackie Reyes, Jesse Hill, Mia Gabriel, Sienna Pearson, Sydney Flanagan, and Zoe Quast.

All interns will work in collaboration with Emerald Keepers Board of Directors. Not only do interns gain work experience to include on college applications, resumes, and job applications, they also earn Coronado High School Internship Work Experience elective credits toward graduation requirements.

“I am thrilled with our interns. They are all passionate about the environment and highly motivated,” said Emerald Keepers president, Amy Steward. 

Emerald Keepers hosted an orientation lunch in the Winn Room last week for the interns. In addition to their work in the garden and compost, they will help facilitate programs and assist with events. One intern has already begun working on TikToks for social media while two more are working to establish Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Classrooms similar to Emerald Keepers’ restaurant program. All interns are required to work 20 hours during the semester. 

Coronado Conversations and Connections for the Triangle Project

The early morning sun shone brightly as a group canvassing the San Diego downtown homeless encampment called out to the homeless. 

Walking down the line of tents, several volunteers engaged the homeless. “Good morning. Have you heard about the trash pick-up this morning? We are giving out $2 for each bag you fill with trash and bring to that dumpster around the corner. There’s someone there who’ll pay you for your bags. We’ll be doing this every Monday and Thursday from 8am to 11am. You want some trash bags?”

A bright-eyed young camper named Wella eagerly took several bags and flyer explaining the novel concept. She was gone in a flash.

It wasn’t long before people carrying bags filled with trash began arriving at the dumpster. The first to drop off a bag — Wella.

“You are awesome,” a volunteer called to Wella. “Thank you so much.”

Wella thanked the volunteer for the opportunity to be able to clean her camp and moved off to fill another bag.  The inaugural day of The Triangle Project was underway. 

The Triangle Project began as a conversation between Emerald Keepers president, Amy Steward, and Coronado resident, Alex Yakutis. Having attended several SANDAG Litter Abatement Committee meetings last year, Alex was able to explain the big costs associated with working along major roadways (not to mention inconvenience caused commuters). He estimated roadside trash collection could – conservatively -- be accomplished at a fraction of the current cost. During the conversation, he wondered out loud, “What if the homeless were paid to pick up trash? They could grab it off local streets and before it reached the freeways or local waters.”

Trash along our roadways flow into storm drains following a rain event and ultimately end up in the bay, ocean, and on beaches. It is estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the world’s marine environment every year. During the pandemic, the plastic seemed to have quadrupled! 

Steward contacted Brian Trotier — whom she had met through Coronado’s Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) program in the early stages of the pandemic — knowing he worked with the homeless regularly. Trottier believed the idea could work. He, in fact, had considered having the homeless pick up trash, but paying them added an appealing twist. Not only did the idea solve the trash issue, but more important to Trottier, it incentivized the homeless to be part of a solution and build their self-esteem. 

Trotier brought the idea to the Lucky Duck Foundation — a group of local philanthropists led by the Kilkenny family dedicated to alleviating the suffering of San Diego County’s homeless population. The foundation approved funding a four month trial — paying EDCO’s dump fees, bags, and cash for bags of trash March through June.

“Brian did the heavy lifting to make this happen,” explained Steward. “He is passionate about helping the homeless. He and his wife have been helping them since 2006.

The concept is simple. EDCO delivers a trash skiff at 8:00am on pick-up days and picks it up at noon the same day so it is not to create an attractive nuisance. The day prior, volunteers remind campers about the clean-up. On clean-up days, volunteers pass out trash bags, receive full bags, load the skiff, and hand collectors $2 per bag. 

During a lull in receipt of bags, the Community Manager of an adjacent apartment complex, Oscar Sauer, came over to thank the volunteers and offer them the use of his bathrooms if needed. Saucer went on to say, “These people are my neighbors. Every other week, they have to move across the street to my side. I try to give them trash bags so they can clean up. We all have to get along… and do what we can each day. They are used to aggression from everyone. But they’re just humans and we need to see them as people.”

As more people arrived with full bags, Trotier, Yakutis, and Steward were overcome. There were tears, touching stories, joy, gratitude. A simple idea was taking root before their eyes. As word spread among the homeless and more bags were brought in, the volunteers recognized something special was taking shape. Soon three large cartons of trash bags had be distributed and the skiff was filling fast. 

As Trotier was wrapping up the first day of this successful endeavor, two young homeless men appeared. “Here, I want to donate a dollar to this program. What you guys are doing is really helping. I wish I could give you more.” The second held out another dollar.

With tears in his eyes, Trotier thanked them and then said, “Keep your dollar and take this bag. Fill it up, and I’ll give you two more dollars.” 

As Trotier observed several times during the morning: people too often pass by encampments and only see trash, not the people. This morning, the volunteers witnessed firsthand the people… their humanity… good humans trying to survive. And dignity restored. 

Volunteers are needed to support the twice weekly Triangle Project through June and prove to San Diego’s leadership that the homeless are willing and able to be part of the solution. Want to be part of a solution? Contact Brian Trotier at yale77@aol.com.

Coronado Cays Yacht Club Restaurant is Emerald Green, Ocean Blue

Emerald Keepers is pleased to welcome the Coronado Cays Yacht Club as its newest Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Restaurant as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. General Manager Dan Parker said, “We are excited to formally become a part of the ongoing efforts of Emerald Keepers to clean and maintain the waterways of Coronado and the South Bay. For many years we have proudly flown our clean marina flag here at CCYC, and we believe that in order to make lasting change, organizations and individuals must have a proactive approach to environmental sustainability.”

If you haven’t visited the Coronado Cays Yacht Club, you are in for a treat with a large, light and bright open dining room and bar. The food is excellent. They are welcoming new members and local residents booking the venue for corporate events and weddings and those who regularly sail up to their guest dock to enjoy food and beverage at the club.

Emerald Keepers is planning to install a marine trash skimmer in the Club’s marina just as they did at the Coronado Yacht Club. The skimmer at the Coronado Yacht Club was gifted by Emerald Keepers thanks to local donors, the Coronado Rotary Club, and a gentleman who donated the bulk of the funds. The skimmer is named after his dog and best friend, Boris, who loved to swim in the bay. Sadly, Boris passed away. The anonymous donor said, “I just love seeing Boris’s image on the skimmer and the way Emerald Keepers brought him to life through the signage that has Boris telling people about the skimmer.” 

“We will continue to do everything possible contribute to a clean environment for everyone to enjoy for many years to come,” said Parker. 

Congratulations, Coronado Cays Yacht Club for registering your restaurant as Emerald Green, Ocean Blue.

February Emerald Keeper of the Month: Tara Davies

Do you have questions about composting? Have you ever wanted to learn more about caring for your garden, native plants, and local wildlife? 

Meet Coronado Teen Librarian and Master Composter Tara Davies.

It’s Saturday morning in Coronado.  As the brisk, coastal air greets a winter sun, a community garden is taking root. Just feel the vibe. Listen to delighted high school voices as more plants are poking through the rich soil. Tara Davies, club co-advisor, alongside several Coronado High School Emerald Keepers, is creating new rows of seedlings. Other students are discovering small potatoes that have popped up among the greenery.  Almost-filled compost bins are nearly ready for the next step, which is to sift the compost.

When Tara was asked what her vision is for working with young people on environmental projects such as the Coronado School Garden mentioned above, she responded, “There is such a focus on the technical or virtual aspects of the future, I feel that people overlook that there is still so much we can learn from the natural world. I want to give teens an opportunity (and a space with the garden) to explore nature and life science. We’re at a critical point where the nature you and I have experienced may not be available in the same capacity for future generations. I think giving youth a chance to enjoy and experience it as we did can help them develop the same sense of stewardship”. 

Jesse Hill, co-president of the CHS Emerald Keepers Club, describes Tara as someone the students look up to and who is a good mentor.  “She is a really positive, kind person with a super spirit who passes her kindness on to others.”

Emerald Keepers President Amy Steward calls Tara “the environmental librarian.”  Tara has worked on Earth Day programs with Emerald Keepers at the Coronado Library and has joined the Emerald Keepers Board of Directors. 

Tara is planning several workshops for the public. She is also encouraging students to apply for Emerald Keeper Intern positions which will allow them to earn credit toward graduation requirements.

Emerald Keepers is proud to recognize Tara Davies as February’s Emerald Keeper of the Month. Her passion and expertise is inspiring our next generation of Coronadans to care for our coastal community.

Ivan Dunn — January Emerald Keeper of the Month

To talk with Ivan Dunn is to speak with a man of conviction and commitment. A retired Navy Captain and cryptological officer, Ivan has both travelled the world and established deep roots in Coronado… a far cry from his hometown of Bell City, Missouri.

Since retiring from the Navy, Ivan has immersed himself in civic activities. Foremost amongst these is his interest in and contributions to ecological and environmental initiatives. And this is where Ivan‘s and Emerald Keepers’ paths so fortuitously crossed. For years he had picked up trash along Coronado’s roads, beaches, and bikeway; as he states, “I simply couldn’t pass it by.” When he learned of Emerald Keepers, he immediately took their pledge and began expanding his trash mitigation efforts. His typical stop-bicycle-and-pick-up-small-items routine soon paled in comparison to the “mobile trash can” he designed out of a bike trailer and employed on what he describes as his “big pickup days.”

In characteristic fashion, Ivan was only warming up! Combining his love of photography, drones, and nature, he began creating videos documenting areas of interest in and around Coronado and used these to advocate for cleaning our environment and protecting wildlife. Two small examples are his videos of King Tides flooding over the Strand bikeway and documenting the history of the solar salt ponds in South Bay. Arguably his best video to date Is of blue herons nesting In the large tree on Glorietta Blvd — capturing the majestic birds in flight, eggs in their nests, and feeding their young. As he continues to keep an eye on these avian beauties, Ivan also notes, “I have seen Coronado’s bird populations — herons, egrets, snowy plovers, least terms — increasing over the years. We need to keep the waters clean for them!”

Growing up in a family of Rotarians, Ivan — a past President of the Rotary Club of Coronado — was very excited when Rotary International introduced its newest global Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment. He is quick to remind people that Coronadoan (and fellow Rotarian) Marshall Saunders was a huge and early influence in both Rotary’s and the nation’s environmental awareness. Of his own accord Ivan organized a group of Rotarians who conduct monthly bicycle clean-up rides down the Strand. He is frequently heard to quote Kelley Helfand (a fellow Rotarian), “Once you see the trash, you can never unsee it!”

As more and more citizens of Coronado pledge to follow the simple practices advocated by Emerald Keepers, each becomes a catalyst and positive example protecting our environment and making Coronado a more sustainable community. An indisputable role model, Ivan Dunn is most deserving of recognition as January 2022 Emerald Keeper of the Month!

Emerald Keeper of the Month: Elizabeth Paganelli

When the owner of Fair Trade Décor, Elizabeth Paganelli, wanted to showcase the importance of selling eco-friendly products found in her store, she put a call out for people to drop off plastic water bottles. With the help of her husband, Jude, they created a recycled plastic bottle Christmas tree and Menorah. Her neighbor Kristin Volkman helped her decorate the bottles. 

“People are coming in just to take pictures of the tree or themselves in front of the tree,” explained Elizabeth Paganelli. “It’s so cool to see how much people appreciate the recycled bottle projected!” 

Not only is it beautiful, but it shines a light on the importance of eliminating single-use plastics. Fair Trade Décor is an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business, following a list of guidelines set forth by Emerald Keepers. As a fair trade store, Fair Trade Decor works with artisans in developing countries and underserved communities. All of their products are sourced through the US Fair Trade Federation, European Fair Trade Organization, World Fair Trade Organization and other Fair Trade sources that require eco-friendly practices to serve the best interests of both the artisans and their communities. Everything in the story is eco-friendly. 

Paganelli is proud of the principles they follow which help alleviate poverty and prioritize sustainable social and economic development. Safe working conditions and children’s rights, prompt and fair pay, respect for cultural identity and environmental stewardship are among the principals to which they adhere. Paganelli said, “We work with partners in approximately forty developing countries and organizations.” 

Elizabeth Paganelli is passionate about unique handcrafted decorative arts and human rights. She opened her store in Coronado in December of 2017, just five years after opening her store in Del Mar. This year the store added U.S. eco-friendly, sustainable products. 

Emerald Keepers is pleased to congratulate Fair Trade Décor as our Emerald Keeper of the Month for December, as they remind everyone to Reduce, Reuse, and Rejoice this holiday season.

Jenny Johnson, November Emerald Keeper of the Month

Emerald Keeper of the Month is Coronado resident Jenny Johnson.  Like so many Emerald Keepers, Johnson has been involved in environmental projects throughout her life. 

For 21 years, she and her husband Richard have been trained to work in teams for weeks at a time with the Midway Island Annual Albatross Count. Albatross are one of the largest and long-lived (at least 60 years) birds in the world.  They are endangered due to human interaction.

Her interest in these birds began when, Johnson as a child, lived with her family in the 1950s on the Midway military base. She states that she was surrounded by birds, as Midway Island is home to 20 seabird species. “I had birds to play with all around my house and everywhere I went.”  Her continued interest in and involvement with these amazing and threatened birds was featured in an article about the Albatross Count in the Spring, 2021 edition of the Audubon Magazine.

Johnson also volunteers at the SD Natural History Museum in the Department of Birds and Mammals, organizing and helping maintain their collections of bones, skeletons and skins. 

She is a Coronado Rotarian who participates in the monthly Rotary Club beach and bay clean ups. 

Currently, Johnson combs the dunes, rocks and the beach for trash once or twice a week with her picker and custom-made collection bag. Starting at Center Beach and working her way to Dog Beach and back, she scoops up enough trash each time to empty her bag 3-4 times in the available trash containers. Her collection bag was fashioned from a tough, mesh boat laundry bag that unzips from the bottom. As the bag she bought was taller than her 5-feet frame, she cut the bag in half and sewed handles at the top. The mesh allows sand to escape, and the zipper at the bottom makes it easy and less messy to empty. 

Johnson says that trash is particularly bad after weekends and holidays with cans and bottles left everywhere. Another source of trash are the gulls who love to fling whatever they can find in the overflowing trash cans after the visitors go home.  

Johnson feels that her weekly trips to the beach are good exercise walking in the soft sand and scaling the rocks for trash. She says, “What could be better than exercising and cleaning the environment at the same time?”

Island Yoga Coronado is an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business!

“Island Yoga Coronado is part of a beautiful, amazing, yet fragile beach community. We are all stewards of our island and of all of the world’s islands and oceans. By removing plastic bottles from our studio and implementing energy saving measures, we join the Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Partnership to protect what is most important to us all, Planet Earth.” – Stephanie Anderson

October Emerald Keepers of the Month: CHS Teacher Katie Quinly’s Students and Aides & Katie Leontieff’s Adult Transition Program Students

Photo by Kel Casey

Katie Quinly’s students and aides along with Katie Leontieff’s adult transition students cleaned the beach to do their part for the environment. District PE teach, John Sink, arranged the clean-up at Center Beach. 

CHS aide, Kel Casey said, “It is important to show young people just how vital it is to keep our beaches clean for the enjoyment of all. The kids enjoyed helping the sea life by cleaning up and learning about the ocean.”

The students and aides worked together to pick up trash. They appreciated helping Coronado keep their beach clean and spending time together. Following their hard work, they enjoyed a snack and learned about sea life in our ocean. They look forward to their next beach clean-up. 

For their commitment to an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Coronado, these Coronado Unified School District students and staff are our Emerald Keepers of the month. Congratulations to all!

Celebrate Sea La Vie -- An Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business!

"Sea La Vie strives to source recyclable and sustainable materials and reuse packing materials as much as possible in an effort to reduce the environmental impact. We hope we can help reduce the impact on the planet by putting in the effort to consciously implement daily environmental good practices.” - Nicole Wing, Sea La Vie