Emerald Keepers of the Month: Rotary Club of Coronado

Rotarians bring their own cups and glasses to all Rotary events and meetings.

The Rotary Club of Coronado is the March Emerald Keepers of month for its emphasis on environmentally-sustainable practices and projects over the years. When Rotary International announced two years ago that “Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment,” Coronado Rotarians were listening. What began as a singular club cleanup activity each month on Center Beach almost 30 years ago, is now a multi-focal environmental platform due to sustainable habits formed by its members.

How do you create a habit? To focus on the environment, President LuAnn Miller created a habit among members designed to eliminate plastic cups by encouraging them to bring logo-inspired coffee cups and glasses to all Rotary special events and meetings. It has become so automatic that the hosts of monthly socials, as well as restaurants where Rotary has meetings, no longer use plastic cups. Everyone brings their own.

Beach cleanup has evolved from a monthly Saturday morning habit to one that has Rotanians collecting trash several days a week on the beach and dunes, Bay, Silver Strand bike path, and Coronado streets.

These habits have resulted in an awareness of the need to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics. Leading into Plastic-Free Earth Month, Emerald Keepers is proud to recognize the Rotary Club of Coronado as Emerald Keepers of the Month to "Keep our Sea Plastic-Free” — this year’s theme for Earth Month. 

Ribbon Cutting for Two Marine Skimmers at CCYC

The day broke sunny and cool… a fine Coronado winter morning… as a small crowd began to gather at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club (CCYC). It was a day of celebration — two marine skimmers donated to CCYC were being dedicated. As the crowd grew so did conversation about how effective the skimmers had proven to be since their installation less than a month earlier.

Right on schedule at 4 Bells [10:00 am] Commodore Dave Murree welcomed the now 50 strong throng of sailors, Coronado citizens, Emerald Keepers, KECO installers, and City and Port of San Diego dignitaries. Commodore Murree captured both the excitement and the import of the installation before turning the podium over to the two individuals responsible for conceiving, planning, preparation, and installation of the skimmers — Van Peterson and Amy Steward.

Speaking first, Van — CCYC Port Captain and Dockmaster for the previous 4 ½ years — described how the joint CCYC – Emerald Keepers undertaking realized a dream he had had for several years. Known throughout CCYC as “can do,” “hands on,” and indefatigable, Van spoke with pride about how the skimmers were already having a positive effect in the marina, contributing to depollution of San Diego Bay, and reinforcing the “green boating” spirit of CCYC. He then introduced Amy Steward, founder and President of Emerald Keepers, crediting her with the vision, drive, and collaborative passion to bring skimmers to both Coronado yacht clubs.

Stepping to the podium, Amy thanked Emerald Keepers Board members and all in attendance for their support, CCYC’s foresight, and the collaboration that brought installation of two skimmers named Tiger and Pink Floyd to fruition. Briefly describing Emerald Keepers as “the only non-profit in Coronado solely focused on environmental sustainability and stewardship  with the intent of making Coronado a model city of sustainability,” Steward went on to highlight the impressive capabilities and value of the skimmers:

-       Continuous operation — 24/7/365 — each pumping 450 gallons a minute (the equivalent of each pump filling a swimming pool every 40 minutes) removing floating debris and surface pollutants.

-       Minimal maintenance.

-       Operating cost per skimmer: approximately 5 cents a day.

-       All skimmers materials completely recyclable.

Steward described how funding for Tiger and Pink Floyd was made possible through a generous grant from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to Emerald Keepers and donations by CCYC’s own Seagulls Club, the Whitacre family (Tiger’s parents), Emerald Keepers, and other donors. The unique naming protocols, Steward added, were best explained by reading the educational signs accompanying each skimmer.

A representative from Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s office brought certificates of recognition from Lawson-Remer to congratulate Emerald Keepers and Coronado Cays Yacht Club on their environmental work.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting over one of the skimmers as all in attendance enjoyed the flow of pristine bay water below. 

Emerald Keeper of the Month: Dean Eckenroth, Jr.

After years of generous contribution to the work of Emerald Keepers, we are pleased to announce Dean Eckenroth as “Emerald Keeper of the Month.” Dean’s commitment to offering a venue for education and dialogue in the public square of news media has provided Emerald Keepers with an invaluable pathway for communication, especially during our darkest days of the COVID-19 lockdown, when Emerald Keepers was just launching as a new local environmental non-profit.

Providing a vital forum for Coronado conversations since 1990 through his dedicated labor and toil at The Eagle & Journal, Dean has demonstrated a passion for life on the island like few others. A champion of local business and a civil society devotee, he has played a major part in the annual Holiday Parade, “Celebrate Coronado” community awards, and the annual “Salute to the Military Ball,” to name just a few of his contributions. In short, much like Emerald Keepers, Dean is always striving to make Coronado a better place, and we are so grateful to have him as a trusted partner in our aim for sustainable community development.

As a result of his support, Emerald Keepers has been able to publish 85 pages of environmental awareness materials, educating our community on issues such as water and air quality, biodiversity loss, energy efficiency, sustainable landscaping, the impacts of climate change and numerous other topics. Dean has also facilitated our public celebration of environmental actions in Coronado, featuring our Emerald Keeper of the Month column, covering of many of our events in the paper, and showcasing our students’ Earth Day Poster Competition artwork. What young person doesn’t love to be acknowledged publicly in the paper?

If you are tempted to think this contribution “small potatoes,” think again! Dean Eckenroth’s in-kind donations total over $35,000 in 2022 alone, and the ripple effect of this generosity cannot be underestimated. Surely this publicity has played a major role in the exponential growth enjoyed by Emerald Keepers, a now widely recognized local organization. More importantly, concern for our environment has become a familiar topic for Coronadans, translating into action at the household level, at our schools, within our churches, and in our local government. Thank you, Dean Eckenroth, our Emerald Keeper Valentine!

January Emerald Keepers of the Month: CUSD’s Charity Campbell and Amanda Tarantino

Coronado Emerald Keepers of the Month, Charity Campbell and Amanda Tarantino have made huge strides toward reducing waste in the Coronado Schools. They are brimming with ideas to create, as well as to improve, sustainable programs. Campbell, Coronado Unified’s Director of Child Nutrition Services, and Tarantino, Child Nutrition Supervisor, have written grants to facilitate their plans for food waste reduction and the elimination of plastic waste. They are also involving students in the process of growing their own food. They do this all while making it fun for the kids and incorporating learning standards. Intern Jacklyn Neves collects data for them to track the benefits of their initiatives. These women know the power of collaboration as a force multiplier—they are working with Emerald Keepers, I Love a Clean San Diego, the City of Coronado and EDCO to make these initiatives happen. 

Reducing 50 percent of the waste in Coronado schools by the end of the school year is one of their goals—and they are well on their way! They have implemented “share tables” to reduce food waste. This food waste, which goes to the landfills, is what produces harmful levels of methane, a greenhouse gas. Federal guidelines mandate that servers provide the students with all of the ingredients to prepare their lunches. Whole fruits, unopened milk containers, and food packages can be sanitized and put on the share tables for others to enjoy. “The kids really enjoy it,” says Campbell. The custodians are also showing appreciation for the simplification of their jobs. 

Disposable water bottles are part of Campbell’s and Tarantino’s waste-reduction target. Working with the CUSD Wellness Committee and Emerald Keepers, they have been instrumental in eliminating single-use water bottles on all school campuses. A recent article published in The Hill, states that 71 percent of single-use plastic bottles end up in waterways or landfills rather than being recycled. Now that all CUSD buildings (and many other locations around Coronado) have state-of-the art cooled and filtered water refill stations, students and staff are asked to use their refillable water bottles. As of November 2022, Neves’ data shows that at least 33,400 water bottles have been saved by using the refill stations! 

Congratulations Charity Campbell and Amanda Tarantino, Emerald Keepers of the Month. Emerald Keepers is looking forward to more great Earth-saving work from this dynamic duo. 

70+ Volunteers Help with Emergency Beach Clean-Up

Over 70 volunteers responded to Emerald Keepers’ call for an emergency beach clean-up of Delta Beach ahead of the King Tide on Thursday morning. Delta Beach is the stretch of beach that extends from just south of the Naval Amphibious Base to Fiddler’s Cove (the site of the Navy Yacht Club). The volunteers met in the parking lot at Fiddler’s Cove, received short briefs from Lt. Fyda, US Navy, and Emerald Keepers, and went right to work.

“It warms my heart to see so many people out here with their children and grandchildren cleaning the beach,” said Amy Steward, president of Emerald Keepers. “I am grateful to the Navy for allowing us to clean up the marine debris as it’s an environmental disaster for our wildlife – birds, turtles, dolphins, sea lions, invertebrates, and fish.”

Emerald Keepers reached out to the NASNI environmentalist last week to inquire if the Navy would unlock the gate so volunteers could clean the beach before hundreds of pounds of accumulated marine debris was swept back into the bay during King Tides on December 23 and 24. Receiving word late Tuesday afternoon from the Navy that they were “a go” for the following morning, Emerald Keepers immediately organized volunteers.

As the clean-up crew completed its 2 hour effort, Steward explained, “It’s now up to the Navy to send light trucks to pick up the piles of bags and oversize marine debris carefully piled along vehicle tracks that parallel the shoreline above the King Tide zone.”

“While we did not come close to removing all the plastic, we made a significant dent,” added Emerald Keepers board member Sarah Jones with an air satisfaction as she and her entire family packed-up.

Emerald Keepers wishes to thank everyone who came out to clean Delta Beach and lend a hand for an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Coronado. We look forward to more opportunities in 2023!

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November Emerald Keepers of the Month

One of the sustainable practices that Emerald Keepers subscribes to is recycling items rather than discarding them. For a third year, local Girl Scout Troop 6561 has taken to heart the practice of recycling by collecting gently-used and new Halloween costumes which are then donated to the San Diego Monarch School. The Monarch School serves about 300 unhoused students in grades K-12 who live in San Diego County.  

One recent afternoon, the Girl Scouts met to begin sorting Halloween costumes they had collected in bins at the offices of five local schools - Christ Church, Village Elementary, Silver Strand Elementary, Coronado Middle School, and Coronado High School.  After last year’s recycling collection, 186 costumes and accessories were given to the Monarch School.

Katie Bell, the leader of Girl Scout Troop 6561, started with the Girl Scout organization seven years ago when she learned no one had come forward to form a much-needed new troop. The junior troop of girls meets every Thursday and consists of a small group of fifth graders. Bell keeps the troop smaller in number “so the girls can connect with each other.”  She is also assisted by two of the girls’ mothers.

Bell is well-accustomed to volunteering with young people. At present, she home-schools her daughter who is a member of the troop. However, when her daughter was a student at Village Elementary School for a number of years, Bell had been a room mother, an art volunteer with “Meet the Masters” program and a reading program volunteer with “Everyone A Reader.”  She readily admits to “always raising her hand” when an opportunity to help presents itself.

 The Girl Scouts were asked what they do to be Emerald Keepers. Their answers included picking up trash, especially all those candy wrappers after Halloween; bringing reusable bottles to their scout meetings or to school; cleaning and reusing their mess kits when they go camping with the troop; properly disposing of old American flags; and doing beach cleanups with other scouts. They discussed that using plastic is not good for the environment because it doesn’t decompose. As one scout explained, “You cannot use plastic water bottles in the ocean because it can harm animals like turtles or little fish that go inside. Big fish swallow a lot of plastic, too.”

Congratulations to Katie Bell and Girl Scout Troop 6561 for being the November Emerald Keepers of the Month.

Sarah Jones, October Emerald Keeper of the Month

Have you ever thought about how many plastic cleaning product bottles you have discarded in your lifetime? How many paper towels you have used? How many old school plastic binders tossed into the trash? How about the number of bags you have “consumed” for your groceries and other purchases?

Sarah Jones thinks about ways to avoid using throw-away items every day. She said, “It’s easier and cheaper to use sustainable products.”

Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, Sarah’s family was environmentally aware, but it was a different time. “Back then,” Jones explained, “there wasn’t that much to throw away. Things were packaged differently.”

Jones said her “aha” moment came when she traveled to Europe where people are more sustainably minded. In stores the attitude was, “Why would anyone give bags away? How incredibly wasteful!”  Jones always carries reusable bags with her. She likes the little stuff bags that fit in a purse or backpack. She also has mesh bags for fruits and vegetables. No plastic for her!

 Jones and her family use reusable household items. “For five years, we haven’t bought plastic bottles of cleaner. That is lots of plastic saved,” said Jones. Instead, Jones uses cleaning tablets from Blueland and just adds water to the reusable containers. She likes the way the products smell and their environmentally friendliness. She like Drops for her laundry detergent and using dryer balls to dry clothes faster and save energy.

Revealing a stock of cloth napkins she shared, “I don’t iron them.” Then with a giggle added, “I don’t have a staff.” She also has two baskets in her kitchen: one for clean dishtowels and one for used. Paper towels are not to be found.

A large gourd-like object sat in the middle of her dining room table. She scooped it up and explained how she slices pieces of dried loofah, a tropical or subtropical vegetable in the cucumber family, for loofah sponges.

“Just think how many plastic binders are thrown in the trash at the end of each school year.” Jones said. She found a company called Wisdom Supply Company that sells cardboard binders with reusable metal bindings. She said, “You just order the cardboard outer cover and kids can label and color the cardboard any way they like.”

The mother of three saves pasta and jam jars to use for food storage and drinking glasses. She even has silicone sleeves for jars so they don’t clink when carrying them to Farmers’ Markets for the food she purchases. She says the vendors always appreciate her bringing her own containers.

A trademark of Sarah’s comes from living overseas as a military spouse. She loves to wrap things in a furoshiki – a Japanese cloth used to wrap bento lunch boxes or gifts. She explained that by tying it on the top, it is easy to carry and looks festive.

Congratulations and thank you, Sarah Jones, for being the October Emerald Keeper of the Month!

City Council Candidates Share Their Positions on the Environment with Emerald Keepers

Emerald Keepers is a local non-profit champion for the environment focused on educating the public and advocating, implementing, and celebrating sustainable practices in order to preserve Coronado’s uniqueness for generations to come. Given the increasing, global consequences of climate change and the responsibility of every individual and community to “bend the curve” toward more sustainable practices, city council candidate were asked to respond to the following two questions.

How do you envision Coronado becoming an environmental leader?

Carrie Downey

    Coronado has provided infrastructure to encourage its residents and guests to walk and bike instead of driving around Coronado, by placing bike lanes and bike racks in well- travelled areas.  Coronado should now be analyzing big items such as joining a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) and take control of purchasing electricity for our city’s needs and Coronado residents’ needs.  Given the analysis by all other cities in San Diego County have shown joining a CCA would lessen their electricity costs and give them more control over the types of generation serving the city’s needs, Coronado should take this step after completing our own cost/benefit study.   

    Coronado investigated putting solar on the City Hall complex when it was being built in 2003/2004, but the cost of solar panels made it not cost effective at the time.  The economics have changed.  Not only is the solar payback generally less than 10 years, but there are also numerous grant opportunities in the Build Back Better and the recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), that convert tax rebates which local government cannot use to monetized incentives for local governments to use when hiring a 3rd party to construct the solar system.  Just as Coronado City Government worked with the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) to bring both governments’ buildings up to current standards through redevelopment, Coronado can lead the way in establishing a public/private solar project with a solar developer that CUSD could join if desired, to lessen CUSD electricity costs utilizing IRA and other state and federal incentives.

    The City has begun and just needs to reengage on the development of the water reclamation project on the golf course.  Coronado has an agreement with our water provider, California American Water, who holds monopoly to allow the city to use Coronado created reclaimed water to water our golf course and medians.  In this never ending drought cycle, we should set an example for other cities to reclaim water so we will be allowed to maintain areas of outside recreation and passive enjoyment, while still being water wise.

John Duncan

    There are many ways Coronado can become an environmental leader.  First, it is important to continue the conversation on environmental issues on a regular and ongoing basis.  I am grateful to Emerald Keepers for hosting the recent Environmental Convening of Coronado Community Leaders last Friday.  Though I am busy campaigning, I am grateful that I took the time to attend the entire event and learn from the speakers and Co-Attendees.  I urge City Council members and future Candidates to do so in the future.  Environmental technology is developing rapidly as are funding options and it is important to stay abreast of the most recent data to ensure Coronado does not miss opportunities by only looking at these important issues every few years. 

    Second, Coronado, though somewhat limited in owning the actual solutions, can be an environmental leader by keeping the Tijuana Sewage problem at the forefront of our focus.  At the minimum, the Council should have a monthly report as to where the issue currently stands and discuss how to continue to pressure those entities to move forward.  I have studied this issue for a decade as it is the largest environmental issue facing Coronado.  The good news is that major funding and actual action is moving forward.  There remains much to do to obtain the final funding and get additional and collateral projects approved.  The main EPA projects seek to reduce the sewage flows by 80% once their projects are finished if they receive the remaining funds needed.  There are also state projects that need to be funded.  Unfortunately, last month the CA Governor vetoed a bill providing 100 million dollars for those projects.  We can help lead the regional push to obtain that funding. 

    Third, though the name of the act does not touch on this issue, one of the main speakers at the Convening mentioned that the recently passed Federal Inflation Reduction Act does include numerous funding opportunities and incentives for Cities and agencies to obtain funds and credits for environmental projects. I would work to ensure the City studies these opportunities to see if Coronado may benefit from them. 

Pilialoha Estall

    Today being a community who takes environmental stewardship seriously, is necessary.  We are preserving our environment for future generations.  We desperately need an updated 'Integrated Water Resource Plan.'  If we are not paying attention to potable water as a city now, it will greatly hurt us in the future.  I want Coronado to be a role model city in its planning!  And the wonderful thing is, we have the talent, resources, and bandwidth to make it happen.  Implementing indicator tools such a 'community engagement heatmap,' can keep us in front of the sustainability issues, that need to be addressed collaboratively and with data. 

Marvin Heinze

    Upon reelection, I intend to build on the energy that Emerald Keepers and other community groups have infused in our environmental discussions. Coronado has made progress in environmental protection and must continue to improve.  In my time as your Councilmember, I have taken Coronado’s issues to the state and national level through participation in the California League of Cities (CalCities) Environmental Quality Committee and the National League of Cities (NLC) Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Federal Advocacy Committee.  I have given voice to border water infrastructure funding needs through an NLC resolution which circulated through Congress.   In these state and national forums, I am able to share with other cities and gather their thoughts and ideas.  I have learned that in our nation, Coronado is ahead of many cites in addressing dangerous chemicals, hazardous materials and in seeking cost effective ways to reduce environmental impacts.  Currently our city evaluates electric and hybrid vehicles with every vehicle purchase to see if no-combustion engine vehicles are a good fit.  We have two electric vehicles and four hybrid vehicles currently in the fleet and that number is growing.  As the city plans upcoming construction projects to repair the library roof and rebuild our fire stations, solar energy will be incorporated in the designs.  With the help of our waste hauling contractor, EDCO, organic waste recycling has been implemented in Coronado, ahead of many of our fellow California cities and the state mandate.   

    As our citizens show greater concern on environmental matters, the city government must continue to respond and accelerate our adoption of ”green” practices.  The recently adopted Climate Action Plan and a Sea Level Vulnerability and Adaptation Plan provide a roadmap of options.  Now we need to get down to deciding which we want to tackle first.  I look forward to implementing actions from the climate action plan as we plan the next budget.

    Transportation is a significant portion of our greenhouse gas emissions and gaining control of our streets will allow us to prioritize carpooling and alternate commutes to reduce the emissions from individual automobiles.  Relinquishment will help us address our air and noise pollution.

If elected to City Council, what would be your priorities to protect our environment?

Carrie Downey

1.    Restart the water reclamation project bid process to move the project forward.  The need analysis has been completed, we just need to obtain the best construction and operation contract.

2.    Review options to join or start a CCA to gain public input on which option to pursue.

3.    Study cost/benefits to have solar on all city buildings and public/private partnership opportunities using IRA allowances.

4.    Review current Coronado permitting regulations to incentivize homeowners to install solar and electrify current home infrastructure including the use of heat pumps, solar hot water heaters, electric stoves, and other non-fossil fuel appliances.

John Duncan

    There are many projects that we should look to implement and or do on a trial basis. Clearly, installing solar panels to generate power for our City facilities is a fairly straightforward project to look at implementing.  I have almost fifty solar panels on my house and we are a heavy power user household with six active residents.  Our panels provide more power than we use and we frequently send power back to the grid.  With City facilities, many are only open during the day when there is enough sunlight to power the buildings.  For the few buildings open at night, there are battery options to store power during the day to mitigate the need for the grid in the evening.

    We should also consider alternate transportation options such as trial programs for smaller shuttles.  Similar to the summer shuttle, yet  year round with smaller shuttles and also a trial program with the Cays on trial schedules. For the Cays, possible morning, afternoon and evening runs.  if users use these shuttles, it would help with traffic and related issues such as emissions as well as parking.

    Again, in regard to the Mexico Sewage problem, there should be monthly updates to the community on status as there is a frequent lack of information or understanding within the community. 

    We need extra trash pickups and/or receptacles for holidays, summer and special events. Overflowing trash blowing around the beach, the bay and into the ocean is not acceptable.  

    The City can look to have more electric charging stations. The Del added many during building the new parking lot and it is often stated that the stations pay for themselves or make money for the City.

    Of course, with any of these projects, we need to ensure we take into account the fiscal impacts to ensure they are feasible. However, continuing the think outside the box is important.   

    Finally, if we want to get anything done, then City Council and the town must approach environmental issues with the philosophy that is shared by Emerald Keepers.  We must not judge everyone negatively that has different opinions. We must work together to bridge gaps and accomplish realistic good things to make an impact.  I have the same philosophy and will work to be a realistic problem solver on City Council.

Pilialoha Estall

    The Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis is a top priority for me.  Working on local, national and bi-national environmental campaigns, including in Mexico, I know what it takes.  It needs to be a consorted effort, locally and nationally, through policy, advocacy and education.  I was endorsed by Mark J. Spalding, J.D., who has been very involved in bi-national environmental protection for over 30 years.  We have also worked on successful bi-national preservation projects together in Mexico, and he is currently the President of the Ocean Foundation in Washington, DC.

Marvin Heinze

The next Council should:

·      require that environmental impact is included as a factor in each city project

·      direct the implementation of portions of the climate action plan

·      secure relinquishment of the highways to be able to address vehicle pollution

Through improving our environmental sensitivity, we will Keep Coronado Special!

Emerald Keepers would like to thank each of the four candidates for taking the time to thoughtfully answer our questions.

September Emerald Keeper of the Month - Uwe Werner

The September Emerald Keeper of the Month is Uwe Werner, a life-long environmentalist and a locally and nationally-recognized artist. Uwe shares his respect for our earth through his art, insight and awareness of the wonder of our planet’s amazing wildlife and majestic ocean.

In Spreckels Park one recent summer Sunday afternoon, several Emerald Keepers spoke with Uwe at Art in the Park. He was surrounded by his vibrant paintings of ocean scenes that bring the sea to life, which is so much in concert with Uwe’s passion as he talked about caring for the environment.

Getting his start in the 1970s, Uwe’s paintings inspired  many with his portrayal of the beauty of nature; and he opened an art gallery in Coronado across from the Hotel Del.  Using his architectural and creative skills, he renovated his Coronado home and gardens in an artistic style. Coronado Magazine’s Bridge & Bay featured the home, which was also part of a CHA Home Tour. When asked how Coronado’s landscape and its people affected his work as an artist he said, “Coronadans made my career because they embraced me so totally.”  

On that Sunday, Uwe shared photos of a nest he created that has been home for a family of barn owls. Describing the birds with much admiration, he reflected on their very strong sense of hearing and inquisitiveness. They know how to hunt, and are invaluable in getting rid of rodents. Using his creative skill, Uwe built a nest that would attract barn owls to a home on his Bonita ranch. Soon a female owl was “checking it out;” and today, years later, the nest continues to be home to an owl pair, and the birthplace of many baby owls. He has set up a camera inside the nest, recording the daily lives of these helpful birds and believes it is the same pair of owls that returns each year.  

The life of this environmentalist is filled with fascinating narratives as he shares his passion for nature (often almost painting a picture with his words). Whether about recycling, reusing, composting, or creating environments where nature thrives, Uwe admires the world around him and helps protect it. He is just as passionate when asked what all of us can do to honor our earth and our ocean. Uwe said, “Respect what we have been given and don’t abuse it. Respect the planet as we respect people we care about.”

Back to School Sustainability Guide

Kathleen McCabe - Emerald Keepers of the Month

At the 100th Anniversary of the Coronado Flower Show this past April, water wise home fronts were judged for the first time for water conservation and attractiveness.  Abby Berk, Emerald Keepers’ board member and organizer of Emerald Keepers’ Water Wise Home Fronts, explained, “The Coronado Flower Show home-front judging program provided the perfect opportunity to appreciate and recognize the many Coronado homes that have embraced water conservation while maintaining beautiful landscaping. A team of Emerald Keepers and California American Water volunteers surveyed homes in the Village and Cays to identify twenty winning Water Wise Home Fronts.” 

Emerald Keepers featured these winning home fronts on a poster display at their booth at the Flower Show.  Coronado native Kathleen McCabe visited the Emerald Keepers booth and shared that 30 years ago she began turning her sizable front yard of crabgrass into a more sustainable water-wise home.

She began digging up the grass by hand a little at a time, as there was a drought then, too. After researching native plants, she began adding them to her yard, also experimenting with other plants to determine what might grow best. McCabe still has some of the original plants from 30 years ago. She says, “In the beginning I did lots of research. Now it’s trial and error.”

Today McCabe’s yard and garden contain a variety of drought-tolerant plants that include nandina, lavender, salvia, rosemary, tree mallow, bush mallow, jade, hibiscus, African daisies, lion’s tail, California poppies, succulents, jacaranda trees, bromeliads, and clivia to name a few. The design of the yard and garden has evolved over time and now, in addition to the many plants, trees and flowers, she has stone and gravel paths, a curved sidewalk, and brick borders.

McCabe waters her yard and garden about three times a week for 5 minutes in the summer, less in the winter and not at all for a few weeks if it rains. Mulch, which she receives free from EDCO twice a year, helps to maximize the water that is in the ground. She says she can let yard work go for months at a time with pulling up only an occasional weed. However, several times during the year, she might spend a few eight-hour days dividing, relocating and pruning her impressive selection of plants.

Asked why it is important for her to be an Emerald Keeper, McCabe responded by saying, “Being an Emerald Keeper puts a name to what I have always strived to do: take care of the environment in which I live, recycle and reuse, and also to use resources wisely and sparingly. I have always tried to make my surroundings a better place for myself and for everyone else.”

Congratulations to Kathleen McCabe, August Emerald Keeper of the Month.

July Emerald Keepers of the Month - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49

“I have a group of volunteers who like to clean the beach.” When Chief Petty Officer Kristjon Reuling contacted Emerald Keepers to inquire about the possibility of his command (Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49 (HSM-49) — the Scorpions) participating in a beach clean-up, Reuling was pleased to learn he could organize a small group clean-up on Coronado beaches and a permit would not be required.

Emerald Keepers’ President Amy Steward “sweetened the pot” further by promising Reuling homemade chocolate chip cookies for everyone who showed up to help. True to her word, she delivered dozens of cookies on the day of the event.

Reuling and his team of volunteers arrived at Dog Beach at 7:00am to clean Coronado’s North Beach. Chatting together in a small circle, their sense of team was evident from the start. With evident pride, Petty Officer Bernise Morales observed, “Our CO is here setting an example for us.”

“We try to get out into the community as much as possible to do our part,” said Commanding Officer Dave Vogelgesang.  “Most of the people in our squadron are service-oriented already, so it’s really easy to get them out to help our community.”

Vogelgesang went on to explain that roughly half the squadron is comprised of rescue swimmers who fly with a crew of three and are accustomed to teamwork. “The men and women do a lot of training in the bay and are out there for rescue swimmer stuff. They see a lot of plastics and know how much better it can be,” said Vogelgesang. “We’re here today trying to make it better for everybody.”

Rescue Swimmer Jeffery Miller captured the group sentiment, “We love the ocean. I see all the trash out here on the beach now, and half of it is near a garbage can. People just aren’t putting it in the garbage cans. If everyone would just pick up what they brought here! Less trash being out here means less infection and less trash when I’m swimming in the ocean.”

Christina Perea said, “I am a San Diego native, and I’m out here because I like cleaning the beach. I like to think if everybody has this mindset of picking up trash, we wouldn’t have to come out here and volunteer to do it.”

The men and women of HSM-49 cleaned the beach for over an hour, working from the waterline into the dunes. Near the end, they walked shoulder-to-shoulder to make one last sweep of North Beach. The result: dozens of trash bagsfull of trash and flotsam.  

“I’m out here because it’s important that, as part of the military, we give back on a regular basis; and the local community is where we should start because it’s right outside our base,” Kent Gebicke said. “We love Coronado. We— Naval Aviation — have been here for over a 100 years. It’s important that we show our support because we are supported by the community.”

Bravo Zulu (“congratulations” in navy speak) and a hearty “thank you” to the men and women of HSM-49, our July Emerald Keepers of the Month.

CHS Club Receives Superintendent’s Trophy Emerald Keepers Club --Selected Best CHS Club

The Superintendent’s Trophy has been awarded to a Coronado High School Club every year since 1963. This year’s recipient is the Emerald Keepers Club. Club president, Jesse Hill, accepted the award on behalf of the club.

Awarding the trophy, Superintendent Karl Mueller said, “Emerald Keepers Club has reached far beyond the walls of CHS. Emerald Keepers has designed, planted and maintained an edible garden and compositing site on the CHS campus. They donate their sustainably grown produce to food shelters in central San Diego. At local events, members educate on sustainability topics and advocate for protection of our natural environment.”

Emerald Keepers is proud of these incredible students who care passionately about Coronado, food insecurity, and protecting our oceans and planet. Special thanks to Emerald Keepers Board Member and Teen Librarian, Tara Davies, and CHS teachers, Laura Hill and Karrie Jackson, who serve as advisers to the club. Congratulations and well deserved CHS Emerald Keepers Club!

CHS Emerald Keepers Club — June Emerald Keepers of the Month

For the month of June, the Coronado High School Emerald Keepers club members and their team of interns were selected as the Emerald Keepers of the month. This amazing group of students rallied together to create a garden and compost system throughout the year, eventually donating the produce grown to local food shelters.

The High School Emerald Keepers club’s efforts were recognized earlier this month when the group received the Superintendent’s trophy at the Senior Awards Ceremony. This prestigious award highlights and commemorates outstanding on-campus groups each year. The Emerald Keepers club was chosen for its dedication to the community and efforts to live out the organization’s sustainability mission.

 This club has met consistently throughout the year, learning the ropes of composting and gardening along the way. Their mentors, Tara Davis and Karrie Jackson, guided the club to grow produce eligible for donation. Emerald Keepers intern Bailey Manion explains, “Tara and Karrie are really supportive and knowledgeable. I feel like I can always ask them for advice whether it's for composting or gardening. They’re really great and helpful!” Using the guidance of these amazing mentors, the ambitious high schoolers have planted nearly 18 different types of fruits, herbs, and vegetables with the purpose of donating the produce to local organizations in need.

On April 18th, the club made its first donation to a grassroots San Diego non-profit called the Neighborhood House Association which works with local families in need of food and other social services. Club members were excited to watch their vision come to fruition and make a difference for local families. Emerald Keepers intern and high school club member Daniela Finch shares, “It feels really great to know that I am doing something good for the community, especially seeing how our donations are directly going to families that are food insecure and really need it.”

Since the initial donation, the club has continued meeting throughout the months, rain or shine. During their meetings, members compost waste from local businesses, plant new fruits or vegetables, and even harvest produce for donation. These students enjoy coming together and sharing these mornings in the garden. Club member and intern Zoe Quast explains, “I think it's really great to get together with everybody. I like being a part of something and it’s so fun being a part of this Emerald Keepers community.”

These club members’ ambition and dedication made it possible to make a second donation to a local food shelter earlier this month. They find fulfillment in knowing their hours of work are going towards making a change in the lives of those living in food insecurity. Zoe Quast shares, “It's really cool to see that something we made in real time is helping people directly. We grew it from the ground up, literally, and we get to see it actually improve the lives of people.”

Splash Shines a Light on Marine Plastics and Supports Emerald Keepers

Unseasonably warm summer-like weather provided a perfect evening at Coronado Yacht Club for Emerald Keepers’ inaugural fundraiser. Guests gathering for The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Splash & Art Auction were treated to a fabulous art collection curated by local artist ,Teresa Espaniola.

“Teresa had the vision to host a marine debris fundraiser,” said Amy Steward, Emerald Keepers’ founder and president. “She solicited donations from artists and worked with CoSA art teacher, Karrie Jackson, to create artistic pieces rendered from plastic trash removed from Coronado’s beaches.” 

The evening was all about plastics. Art and plastic debris hung from fish bait netting; plastic centerpieces illuminated by fairy lights and made by Heather Frank decorated every table; and plastic detritus served as drink tickets. All the plastic had been collected from Coronado beaches and cleaned. Introducing the guest of honor, Emcee John Weisbarth drew loud applause as he reminded attendees, “We are here tonight to shine a light on the catastrophic impact of plastics in our ocean and celebrate Emerald Keepers and all they do to make Coronado a model city.”

The guest of honor, Captain Charles Moore, is credited with discovering the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 1997. In his brief comments to the assembled guests, CAPT Moore highlighted his concern for the oceans by observing, “Sadly, following my generation, future generations will not have the opportunity I had to swim in an ocean unpolluted by plastics.” 

Coronado High School graduate (2016) DaniRose Hill spoke about her experience as a surfer. “As someone who grew up surfing our local breaks, I dream of a world where I can surf without trash drifting past me in the lineup, where I never again mistake a sunken grocery bag for a jellyfish, and where I don’t have to shove plastic trash into the sleeve of my wetsuit until I can find a trash can on the beach.” She asked the community to support Emerald Keepers’ mission of making Coronado a model city of sustainability. 

In addition to the debris gallery, the auction included art donated by fourteen local artists along with other donations. “It warms my heart to see how generous everyone was in wanting to support the Emerald Keepers cause,” Steward effused.

Kicking the event off in style, VIP guests were treated to a pre-party aboard two Coronado yachts. And throughout the evening friends old and new gathered to enjoy drinks and appetizers, listen to Matt Heinecke on guitar, bid on art, and share common cause to care for our oceans.

Sponsors included EDCO; Home and Harbor Interiors by Jennifer Hanson, Heather Frank & Elena Haley; Julia Elassaad, and Coldwell Banker West.