Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.
When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.
This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in Coronado, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.
Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.
Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in Coronado, CA.
Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:
If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.
Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.
As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:
If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.
The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in Coronado, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.
Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:
You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.
Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.
We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.
When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.
At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.
When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.
Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.
Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.
Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.
Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.
When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in Coronado, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.
Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.
Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.
Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:
IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in Coronado, CA include the following:
IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.
IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.
IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.
IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.
IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.
Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging
Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.
As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in Coronado, CA may be perfect for you.
At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.
Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:
Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.
When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.
When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.
Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.
Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:
Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.
When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.
You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.
Coronado Island is the first place most of our clients ask about when planning a San Diego trip. Between the beach, the iconic Hotel del Coronado, the walkable village, and proximity to downtown and the Zoo, it checks a lot of boxes.We help travelers choose between Coronado’s best resorts, boutique hotels, and bayfront properties every day, and this guide compares the best options based on firsthand experience, client feedback, and how each property works for different types of trips....
Coronado Island is the first place most of our clients ask about when planning a San Diego trip. Between the beach, the iconic Hotel del Coronado, the walkable village, and proximity to downtown and the Zoo, it checks a lot of boxes.
We help travelers choose between Coronado’s best resorts, boutique hotels, and bayfront properties every day, and this guide compares the best options based on firsthand experience, client feedback, and how each property works for different types of trips.
I know why our clients choose (or don’t choose) certain beach resorts and hotels around town. Here’s a short list of popular picks.
Hotel del Coronado is the San Diego hotel that my readers and clients book the most. I’ve stayed multiple times since the $550 million renovation was completed, and both the dining and service have noticeably improved. It’s also a complex property with three separately booked sections, so choosing the right one matters.
Additionally, I’ve stayed multiple times since the renovation was completed, and both the dining and service have noticeably improved. It’s such a fun place to stay, where you can arrive with nothing packed and buy everything at the resort thanks to the on-site shops and market.
The main resort is where most guests stay, and many prefer it. It’s the only full-service beachfront resort in San Diego with this combination of beach, pools, restaurants, spa, and kids’ programming under one roof. It also has an energy that the luxury enclaves don’t. You’re in the middle of everything: the historic Victorian architecture, the bustling pool scene, restaurants and shops steps away, and seasonal events right outside your door.
The main resort has three neighborhoods: The Victorian (the original 1888 building, best for history enthusiasts and couples), The Cabanas (closest to the pool and beach, where I book most families), and The Views (best panoramic ocean views and the quietest section on the main property).
The honest expectation to set: the main resort is a four-star property. The pricing can suggest otherwise, especially in peak season, but going in with four-star expectations will set you up for a great stay.
Shore House and Beach Village are for a different kind of stay, and they’re different from each other.
Shore House has a boutique hotel feel, built in a U-shape around its own oceanfront pool with a social, relaxed atmosphere. The villas come with full kitchens and washer/dryers, which makes them popular for longer stays and multigenerational trips.
Beach Village is the most private and luxurious option on the property, with beachfront cottages and villas behind a gated entrance. It’s the quietest part of the resort by far.
Both are five-star experiences with dedicated concierge and private check-in, and both come at a higher price point, though Shore House can sometimes be priced closer to the main resort. Guests at either property still have full access to everything on the main resort.
The hotel offers several distinct room types across its different neighborhoods:
All three properties share the same beach but are booked separately, with different check-in locations, which can be confusing. My individual reviews walk you through rooms, booking, and everything else you need to know.
Go deeper on each property:
The Bower is Coronado’s first boutique luxury hotel in over 30 years, bringing a modern, design-centric contrast to the island’s classic resorts. With only 39 rooms and a thoughtful approach to service, it’s a stylish, low-key retreat just a block from the beach. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want something more curated than corporate.
Here are a few top picks from the five available room types.
Dive, the rooftop bar, offers some of the best sunset views in Coronado. If you want a room with a balcony and a peek of the ocean or bay, book early as they’re limited and in high demand. It’s right across the street from The Del. I’m finding that people who prefer not to stay at a large resort want to stay here instead.
1906 Lodge is one of my favorite San Diego boutique hotels—a peaceful 17-room retreat with lots of value built into the nightly rate. Tucked a block off Orange Avenue in a quiet residential area, it’s still within walking distance to Hotel del Coronado, the beach, and plenty of shops and dining. Built in 1906 as a boarding school, the historic charm carries through in its unique room layouts and warm hospitality.
There’s no onsite bar, restaurant, or gym — but guests love the included extras and quiet vibe.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort sits on a peaceful 15-acre peninsula between the bay and the ocean. While it’s about four miles south of Coronado’s main village, the trade-off is a more secluded setting with direct access to Silver Strand State Beach, one of the best San Diego beaches.
The resort is well known for its water sports, beautiful walking paths, and activities designed to help guests enjoy staying onsite — from beach yoga to the Flavor by Loews dining program, which highlights local seafood, beer, and produce grown in the resort’s own garden.
Loews typically offers better rates than properties on Orange Avenue, especially midweek or off-season. The ocean here can close due to runoff from the Tijuana River much more often than the beach in front of The Del. You can find the current status at sdbeachinfo.com. Also, they’re in the early stages of a large renovation, so call before you book to see how your dates may be impacted.
Located just across the Coronado Bridge, this resort sits on the quieter bay side of the island with scenic views of downtown San Diego. While it’s not on Coronado’s main beach, guests can borrow bikes to get to Central Beach or enjoy the nearby Ferry Landing, which has a small beach, casual restaurants, and fun shops. I especially like the bayfront pool and wellness, which includes tennis and excellent spa services.
While not beachfront, the bay setting is peaceful and well-connected. Ferry Landing is just a short walk away, and Bonvoy members can often get a solid member rate. Many clients choose this as a lower-priced resort alternative to The Del.
Read more: My full Coronado Island Marriott review.
Hotel Marisol Coronado is a 15-room coastal retreat tucked on a quiet side street, just a few blocks from the sand. Its intimate scale, secluded courtyard, and upscale touches make it one of the most relaxing places to stay on Coronado Island. Guests love the walkable location near dining and attractions without the noise of Orange Avenue.
Street parking is limited during peak season. Book early if you need the Junior Suite or plan to rent the hotel for a group event.
Set in the former 1908 mansion of John D. Spreckels, Glorietta Bay Inn blends turn-of-the-century architecture with a central yet peaceful location. It’s across the street from Hotel del Coronado but feels more like a bed and breakfast, with warm service, antique character, and little extras that make it a standout among Coronado’s mid-range hotels.
If you’re booking during peak season, reserve early to secure a Mansion Room. Bay-view categories offer a quieter stay, while the suites provide more space for those traveling with kids or needing extra room to spread out. We have people choose it when they want a historic hotel but not Del pricing.
El Cordova Hotel combines Spanish-style charm with unbeatable convenience. Just across from Hotel del Coronado, it places you in the center of Orange Avenue’s dining and shopping while offering a cozy, courtyard-style stay. It’s especially popular with families and longer-stay guests thanks to its kitchen-equipped rooms. There are restaurants all around it.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from Orange Avenue to minimize street noise, but I recommend bringing earplugs regardless. Suites with kitchens often book first. Reserve early if you plan to cook.
Finding a true budget hotel in Coronado is tough because the location is so desirable. This Best Western delivers solid value with amenities like free breakfast, parking, and larger-than-expected rooms. It’s close to the bay side, within walking distance of the ferry and restaurants near Ferry Landing. It’s not fancy, but it’s a clean and comfortable base for exploring Coronado and downtown San Diego.
The decor is dated, but the service is friendly, and the rooms are clean. If you’re catching the ferry to downtown, this is one of the most convenient locations on the island for it. While this will be priced higher than your average Best Western, it gets good reviews, and people I speak to who stay here like its value.
Here are answers to the most common questions readers ask about staying on Coronado Island — from where to stay, to when to visit, to how to get around.
What are your favorite Coronado San Diego hotels?
Coronado Island Film Festival invites you to come on down to 1930s Depression-era New Orleans and see what happens when a cocky, very cool, rising-star poker player (Steve McQueen) challenges the reigning-king-with-nerves-of-steel master (Edward G. Robinson) to a game of 5-card stud, hoping to claim the throne for himself. The stakes are high and, trust us, you don’t have to know a thing about poker to get caught up in the nail-biting tension!CIFF brings the 1965 “The Cincinnati Kid” to Coronado’s Village Theat...
Coronado Island Film Festival invites you to come on down to 1930s Depression-era New Orleans and see what happens when a cocky, very cool, rising-star poker player (Steve McQueen) challenges the reigning-king-with-nerves-of-steel master (Edward G. Robinson) to a game of 5-card stud, hoping to claim the throne for himself. The stakes are high and, trust us, you don’t have to know a thing about poker to get caught up in the nail-biting tension!
CIFF brings the 1965 “The Cincinnati Kid” to Coronado’s Village Theatre on Wednesday, March 25, as part of its Classic Film Series. Doors open at 5 p.m. for complimentary wine, followed by a vintage cartoon and the feature at 5:30. Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at coronadofilmfest.com.
Directed by Norman Jewison (“In the Heat of the Night,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Fiddler on the Roof”), the stellar cast also includes Ann-Margret, Karl Malden, Tuesday Weld, Joan Blondell, and Jack Weston, one of the best character/supporting actors of all time.
The screenplay is by Ring Lardner, Jr. and Terry Southern. It was Lardner’s first major studio work since he was blacklisted in the 1947 HUAC McCarthy Hearings as a member of “The Hollywood Ten.” The dialogue is gritty and decidedly edgy for its time (1965), and is just right for this film.
The city itself, New Orleans, is colorful and interesting as it always is – somehow managing to be sleazy and glamorous at the same time. Who can resist that French Quarter atmosphere, Preservation Hall, all those cool jazz numbers, and the theme song performed by none other than Ray Charles!
All this, and Steve McQueen, making poker look sooooo sexy!
See you at the movies!
VOL. 116, NO. 11 - Mar. 18, 2026
Growing, arranging, competing — the Coronado Floral Association has been teaching it all for more than a century. This year, the expertise that has always lived inside the annual flower show—through knowledgeable division chairs, veteran exhibitors, and decades-long volunteers—finally has a tent of its own.The Coronado Floral Association has just announced Events in the Tents, a new education showcase making its debut at the 104th Annual Coronado Flower Show on April 18 and 19 at Spreckels Park. For the first time, t...
Growing, arranging, competing — the Coronado Floral Association has been teaching it all for more than a century. This year, the expertise that has always lived inside the annual flower show—through knowledgeable division chairs, veteran exhibitors, and decades-long volunteers—finally has a tent of its own.
The Coronado Floral Association has just announced Events in the Tents, a new education showcase making its debut at the 104th Annual Coronado Flower Show on April 18 and 19 at Spreckels Park. For the first time, the show’s informal teaching tradition has a dedicated space inside the tents, a published schedule, and a clear invitation extended to anyone who has ever admired the amazing feats in horticulture or stylistic arrangements and wondered how to step into their own creativity.
This year’s programming spans everything from floral oracle readings and sound baths to kids’ craft stations, beeswax candle making, houseplant propagation, and a session on taking better flower photos with your phone. Division chairs will walk attendees through the show’s judging categories, and Root 75 closes things out with what might be the most practical workshop: turning a basic arrangement into something considerably more elevated. Sunday morning brings a “Rise & Bloom” community wellness gathering before the tents open, offering a gentler entry point for those who want something quieter before the crowds arrive.
Nonprofit partners participating in the show will also incorporate community learning into their presence, extending their role beyond a booth.
This initiative grew from something the organization had already built through years of membership workshops, and it became possible through a generous grant from the Coronado Community Foundation alongside private donations from community supporters. Events in the Tents Program Chair Samantha Bey states that this offering is “the next evolution of what our membership workshops have built: confidence, skills, and community. We now have a dedicated space inside the show to bring that energy to attendees, spotlight each division, and connect generations through the traditions that make this weekend matter.”
The broader show runs across the full weekend, beginning Friday, April 17th, with a family movie night hosted by Coronado Cheer. Saturday and Sunday bring the full program: judged floral arrangements, horticultural displays, live bandstand entertainment, local food vendors, an artisan shopping area, and a beer and wine garden featuring locally crafted beers. The 2026 theme is Welcome to the Jungle.
Admission is $10 per day. Children under 12 and CFA members enter free.
Learn more about the full show weekend at coronadoflowershow.com.
VOL. 116, NO. 11 - Mar. 18, 2026
A major topic of discussion in recent months and even years has been changing the current Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) cell phone policy. At the March 12 CUSD board meeting, Superintendent Mueller presented a report focused entirely on revision options to the current policy. While no action was taken at this meeting, this report was meant to encourage open discussion and suggestions from both the board and the public before any decisions are made in April.The report listed the following options for discussion/consideration:...
A major topic of discussion in recent months and even years has been changing the current Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) cell phone policy. At the March 12 CUSD board meeting, Superintendent Mueller presented a report focused entirely on revision options to the current policy. While no action was taken at this meeting, this report was meant to encourage open discussion and suggestions from both the board and the public before any decisions are made in April.
The report listed the following options for discussion/consideration:
No change to policy.
Update policy across the four school sites. (All sites incorporate secure, lockable device bags. Total Cost: $76,869.23.)
Differentiate policy by level (elementary, middle, high).
Pilot lockable bags at Coronado Middle School only. Total Cost for CMS: $25,328.93.
Strengthen and enforce policy on cell phone/smart devices at SSE and VES.
Strengthen and enforce policy on cell phone/smart device use at CHS during instructional time.
Explore/create other enforcement options for restricting smart device use in accordance with CA Ed Code 48901.7. (Examples include classroom lock boxes, strict and consistent enforcement of policy in alignment with the Discipline Action Guide.)
Several students approached the podium during public comment to state their personal views on the current cell phone policy and/or possible changes. These students all seemed to agree that a different policy based on school sites (Option C) is in the best interests of both younger students and those at the high school level. They noted that while phones should be restricted in class for high school students, taking them away entirely would not help teach them to navigate real-life scenarios, where they will constantly be surrounded by technology and expected to set their own boundaries.
Coronado Middle School Principal Brooke Falar then spoke, stating that she would like to see a complete phone ban at the middle school. She said that no matter what CMS has implemented, students have found a way to continue to use their phones on campus and in classrooms. She noted that students are not just using phones to text home but for a number of other reasons, and that this has become a safety issue. She said a lockable phone pouch while on campus was a good place to start for the middle school.
During the board discussion on the item, all Trustees seemed to agree that a change is needed and that more restrictions are the best course of action. Trustee Palacios-Peters noted that, prior to hearing public comments, she was more in favor of Option B (a blanket change across all four school sites), but now she agrees with the student speakers and believes a different policy should be created for each school site. She agreed that a pilot of a phone pouch at the middle school level would be a good first step.
Student Boardmember Kouli asked which option each Trustee was leaning toward. While Trustee Sandie stood firm in his view that all CUSD school sites should implement a bell-to-bell, day-long, no-phone policy, each of the other Trustees reiterated their support for Option C, particularly the implementation of locked pouches at the middle school level. President Cavanaugh said she would also support the same pouches at the elementary school level, given the abundance of smartphones and smartwatches at younger and younger ages.
The main concern seemed to be what to do at the high school level, with such large age and maturity gaps between freshmen (13-14) and seniors (17-18). Trustee Lee suggested the possibility of separate policies not only for the different school sites but also for the different grades within the high school. President Cavanaugh requested more specific options for the high school level, given that the current Option C only calls to “strengthen and enforce policy on cell phone/smart device use at CHS during instructional time,” with no specific plan for how this will be implemented.
Kouli mentioned that a “lock box” option at the high school is, in his opinion, the best option. He claimed that cell phones are not creating a cultural problem at the high school level. The main problem, he said, is that cell phones are being used during instructional time; the lockbox would solve that problem. This way, students would still be able to use their phones during breaks and lunch. It was noted that students in other school districts have found their way around both the pouches and the lockboxes; therefore, there may be a need for more specific expectations, uniform enforcement, and updated disciplinary guides for such situations.
After the discussion, it was clear that a change was coming, and the main question now is exactly what that change will be. The option to differentiate by school site was the most widely supported at this time. This could look like a bell-to-bell phone pouch at the middle school level, where phone use has been problematic and even detrimental in the last few years. At the high school level, it seems that the option to have students place devices in a lockbox only during instructional time was the most favored. It is still unclear which option is best for the elementary school level. For now, all options are still on the table.
Superintendent Mueller said staff will use all the information presented and discussed at this meeting to develop a more specific approach for each school site/grade level. This proposed revised policy will be brought back in April for action. Mueller noted that, no matter what, this policy can continue to change and evolve should the need arise.
Look for more coverage of the March 12 CUSD Board meeting in next week’s issue of the Coronado Eagle & Journal
VOL. 116, NO. 11 - Mar. 18, 2026
There are track and field invites available nearly every weekend for San Diego athletes. However, because of the large number of schools competing, the entry limits only allow two or three athletes per event. Mt. Carmel’s Field and Distance Carnival solves this by not offering sprint events. In a sprint event, the size of each heat is determined by the number of lanes available, between six and nine, depending on the school. In a distance event, heats of 30 or more runners are common. At the Carnival, in addition to a couple of distanc...
There are track and field invites available nearly every weekend for San Diego athletes. However, because of the large number of schools competing, the entry limits only allow two or three athletes per event. Mt. Carmel’s Field and Distance Carnival solves this by not offering sprint events. In a sprint event, the size of each heat is determined by the number of lanes available, between six and nine, depending on the school. In a distance event, heats of 30 or more runners are common. At the Carnival, in addition to a couple of distance-oriented relays, the 800 (about a half-mile), 1600 (about a mile), and the 3200 (about 2-miles) were run.
The top performance of the day was by Nathan Ayan, who ran a Personal Record (PR) time of 1:57.69 in the fast heat of the 800-meter run. Also running a PR in the same heat was Vincent Russo, who dipped under two minutes for the first time with 1:59.63. Out of the 765 San Diego Section marks so far this season, Ayan ranks fifth and Russo twelfth. Only 14 runners in the Section have run under two minutes so far. In earlier heats (there were eight), Andrew Buck ran 2:05.68, and Ziggy Raunig 2:19.12. In the freshmen boys’ 1600, Ayrton Reyes and Evan Russo (Vincent’s brother), both running the “mile” for the first time, clocked times of 5:08.07 and 5:14.95, respectively. In the boys’ varsity 1600 heats, Ziggy Raunig ran 5:07.67, Sebastian Tamariz 5:29.58, and Oscar Alicandri 5:30.07. In the girls’ 1600, Carly DeVore ran a time of 6:17.61, followed by Lily Humphrey with 6:25.87.
In the field events, the long jumpers faced a strong headwind, so their marks were a bit off. Still, Noah Jones managed a leap of 19-feet 5-inches. In that same evet Liam Morocco and Trey Stallworth jumped 17-8.5 and 17-4.25, respectively. Out of the 71 discus throwers competing, there was only one freshman, Coronado’s Landon Nesbitt, who got off a toss of 83 feet 3 inches. Our only other entry was Jeremiah Albrektsen, who placed sixth in the novice high jump with a mark of 5 feet 2 inches.
VOL. 116, NO. 10 - Mar. 11, 2026
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