Naturopathic Doctor Near Coronado, CA

I’m talking about how many locals are left in Coronado. Yes, we call ourselves ‘Islanders’ and yes, we know Coronado is not really an island. However, that’s the name of our high school football team and it’s our culture ok? I think our culture is what makes us still a great place to live and grow. There’s strength within our resilience and support for each other, and all of our neighbors, whether they be part time or year round.

Every now and then I run into a known fellow -local and it’s like seeing an old friend, you smile knowingly.

I was shocked when I learned about the latest demographics of who actually lives here year round. All you gotta do is look at the Shores Tower to see how few lights are on in the condos at night. It’s very, very few of them. Come to think of it, when I go for my daily walks I see maybe one out of every six houses occupied by a year round occupant. Even so, many of them are good neighbors to have, (and ok maybe some neighbors just aren’t. )

However, an islander quickly realizes that a place is what you make of it. I think it’s important to us to nurture the good where you can.

There is a very nice Canadian family that owns the house across from me that visits their second home frequently. I bring them avocados and limes from my back yard when they are in season.

Here’s the thing that I think is special about island living. We have got to support the positives of island culture if we want the island community here to continue to flourish. I think visitors do add value to a healthy main-street vibe because they support our local businesses and some great dining choices too. However it’s up to the locals who are truly the community builders of the quality of our island lives.

If you know a local business owner, please make sure you support them and shop there especially. (Like Rene at Muhl’s Jewelry. I think she and her family are one of the exquisite jewels on our local crown. )

I appreciate that I don’t have to go off island for all the special foods and products you can find at Boney’s Market.

Being an islander means we support each other in more ways than one. Like the high school. Did you know there’s not enough Islander kids to make up the classes , so we actually import them? Well I say that’s what’s so special and typical of our island culture.

We welcome those that come to our shores in a way that benefits us all. All of these children need our support and encouragement. Without the off -island children our schools would not be able to be self- supporting in class size and teacher/subject quality .

I think that the class of 2026 will grow up the better for knowing each other because they come from all over the place. They will also all grow up better if we support COSA by attending their talent shows and athletic booster activities.

Maybe you can find a way to reach out in a meaningful way to the military personnel and their families that spend part of their lives with us.

There is a lot of hidden talent and some great people in this town.

Hey maybe instead of a go-fund me -approach, you should go -find -them…

Go -find the great people in this town and support them as best you can.

In closing, I think that one of the most important community building things you can do if you are a local is to please vote. There are so few of us that do.

I follow the activities of our City Council quite closely. You wouldn’t believe the hours, the thought and dedication they each put in to the elected positions they temporarily hold.

If you see a Councilmember around town, please do recognize them with a smile, because each one of them is a local too :).

VOL. 116, NO. 8 - Feb. 25, 2026

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The Coronado Junior Woman’s Club (CJWC), host of the annual A Taste of Coronado, is proud to announce that La Corriente has been named Best Taste of Coronado 2025, earning the Popular Vote at last year’s record-breaking event.

La Corriente had just opened its doors on Orange Avenue when it participated in Taste 2025, making its debut a memorable highlight of the evening. Their vibrant flavors and enthusiastic participation quickly made them a crowd favorite among attendees celebrating Coronado’s dynamic culinary community.

“Our restaurant partners are truly the heart of A Taste of Coronado, and La Corriente’s enthusiastic participation, combined with the community’s response to their cuisine, made them a standout at last year’s event,” said Micki Palmer, Restaurant Lead for Taste 2025. “We’re thrilled to celebrate their recognition and excited to see them continue bringing that same energy and flavor to Orange Avenue.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the Coronado community and to CJWC for this recognition,” said Kathia Iturrios, Coronado Manager of La Corriente. “Participating in A Taste of Coronado on our opening day was such a meaningful experience for our team, and we’re honored to be part of this vibrant and supportive local food community.”

Hosted annually by the Coronado Junior Woman’s Club, A Taste of Coronado is the Club’s signature fundraising event, bringing together local restaurants, sponsors, residents, and visitors for an unforgettable culinary experience along Orange Avenue. Proceeds support CJWC’s philanthropic initiatives and community impact projects.

With 2025 marking the most successful Taste to date, planning is already underway for A Taste of Coronado 2026, promising another elevated celebration of Coronado’s vibrant food and hospitality community.

Restaurants, sponsors, and community partners interested in participating can learn more at: atasteofcoronado@gmail.com or https://coronadojuniorwomans.org/a-taste-of-coronado.

VOL. 116, NO. 8 - Feb. 25, 2026

For nearly two decades, families posed for photos beside his towering sandcastles, couples got engaged in front of them, and holiday visitors returned year after year to see what he would build next.

Now, the man affectionately known as "The Sandcastle Man" is no longer building on the stretch of Southern California beach where he became a Coronado fixture.

Hotel del Coronado confirmed to Fox News Digital that it and sand artist Bill Pavlacka "have parted ways" effective Feb. 5, ending his nearly 20-year run crafting elaborate sculptures on Coronado Beach outside the historic resort.

"We can confirm that Hotel del Coronado and The Sandcastle Man have parted ways effective February 5. We wish The Sandcastle Man continued success," a hotel spokesperson said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

The hotel did not provide any additional details about the decision.

Pavlacka’s sand creations, ranging from whimsical holiday displays to custom wedding proposals, anniversary tributes and birthday messages have long-drawn crowds along the iconic shoreline adjacent to San Diego.

The circumstances surrounding his departure were detailed in a letter and interview quotes reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune, as well as in statements Pavlacka shared on social media.

The Union-Tribune reported that Pavlacka was formally notified in a letter from the hotel’s human resources director that he was no longer permitted to operate on hotel property. According to the newspaper, the letter said that in recent months a new incident had come to light "involving consumption of alcohol, resulting in a negative guest experience."

Pavlacka denied that allegation in an interview with the Union-Tribune.

"There was no alcohol. I don’t drink alcohol out there," he said. "I asked the hotel guy who complained, ‘Did you see me drinking?’ He said, ‘We’re not going to go there.’ If they want me out of there, that’s OK. I’m not going to fight and argue with them."

The Union-Tribune also reported the letter stated Pavlacka was "no longer permitted to operate ‘The Sandcastle Man’ or any other business on the premises of the Hotel del Coronado… explicitly including the Hotel’s beach."

The newspaper further reported that the hotel owns portions of the beachfront and, citing the California Coastal Commission, has the right to control that property so long as public access is not denied.

Pavlacka told the Union-Tribune he believes the decision may have been influenced by messages he sometimes carved into his sculptures. The newspaper reported the hotel letter said that as a condition of operating on the hotel's beach property, Pavlacka's sandcastle content was to be "neutral" and "free of political or controversial messages."

Pavlacka said he had incorporated phrases such as "I believe in freedom of speech" and "I love democracy," along with a quote attributed to Mark Twain: "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."

He said the messages were interpreted as political.

"The hotel always says I do not work for them, but they kicked me off the property," he told the Union-Tribune. "But I have tremendous support in San Diego and almost all the feedback I’ve gotten is positive. So I can’t understand why all of a sudden things changed."

Local supporters echoed that sentiment.

"Bill is hardworking and quiet and never have we ever seen him drinking," Kimberly Weed told the Coronado Times. "This is a huge loss for the people of San Diego, and everyone loves ‘The Sandcastle Man.’ Bring him back and appreciate the joy it brings people from all over the world."

Ken Fitzgerald told the outlet, "There is nothing controversial, much less offensive, about a quote from one of America’s greatest authors about the importance of truth and objective reality in our nation’s civic life."

Pavlacka addressed the split in a Facebook post.

"After nearly two decades, Hotel del Coronado and I have parted ways. Building sandcastles in front of the hotel, and meeting guests from all over the world, has meant everything to me," he wrote.

"While I’m saddened this chapter has ended, I’m excited for greater creative freedom ahead," he added, directing supporters to find him "just north of the main lifeguard tower on Coronado Beach."

In his interview with the Union-Tribune, Pavlacka said he plans to continue building sandcastles elsewhere.

"I won’t give up, I’ll still build sandcastles. It may not be here, it will be somewhere," he said.

Pavlacka also publishes a price list on "The Sandcastle Man" website.

The page states: "Sandcastles and lessons on Hotel Del Coronado property must be pre-approved by the hotel." It adds that prices are subject to change based on design complexity and may include add-ons such as music, lights, rose petals and travel fees.

Pavlacka is currently seeking donations per his most recent Facebook post.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Pavlacka for additional comment.

Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.

A new chapter in children’s literacy has begun in Coronado with the opening of Stop & Grow, a curated children’s bookstore designed to support young readers and their families.

Owner Amanda Johnson, an elementary teacher by trade, has lived in Coronado for almost five years with her husband and three children. “We are a military family from New Jersey and are Philadelphia Eagles fans,” she said. “Go Birds.”

Stop & Grow officially opened its doors a week before Christmas. Johnson says business has been fluctuating but steadily increasing as word spreads. She describes it as “lovely meeting and conversing with travelers, locals, young families, former students, teachers, and my favorite so far, the sweetest grandparents stopping by to shop for their grandchildren near and far.”

The bookstore carries a curated selection of titles for children from birth through middle grades, along with a small selection of educational toys and gifts. Johnson says she enjoys “encouraging and supporting learning and enrichment,” a natural extension of her years in the classroom.

“I come from a family of teachers and taught elementary school for 7 years before having my children,” Johnson explained. While living in Coronado, she has taught a preschool STEAM class at St. Paul’s UMC and later preschool at Graham Memorial. She recently decided to pursue her long-held dream of starting a small business. Her early ideas, she recalls, “were not of a bookstore per se, but did always surround a space that supported young children, parents, and had an element of enrichment.”

Her motivation is rooted in her experience as a working parent. “When I had my daughter, I wished there were more places that supported working parents with young children,” she said. “I dreamed of a place where I could bring my babies, and I could get some work done, while they were safe and engaged close by.”

Johnson’s professional background has always centered on young children. “My first job in high school was working at my best friend’s mother’s preschool,” she said. After graduating from Hampton University, she taught lower elementary and, most recently, preschool. “My favorite age to work with is about 4–7. I love teaching reading, watching children grow so much in just a year is amazing.”

The name of the store reflects Johnson’s vision for the space. “The name Stop and Grow is my intention for those who visit the store,” she said. “There are so many fast-paced, technology-driven stimuli pulling at our attention these days. I wanted to create a space families could come on an outing that offered connection, relaxation, and enrichment.”

Johnson hopes Stop & Grow will serve as a resource for early childhood education in Coronado. “I would love for Stop & Grow to be seen as a supplemental resource to the community when it comes to early childhood education,” she said. “I enjoy recommending books based on interest and reading level and have a lot I’ve learned in my years of teaching and working with young children.” As she meets more customers, she has already begun ordering more books aligned with the requested interests and levels.

She also emphasizes the atmosphere. “Stop & Grow will always offer a calming, nurturing, and enriching environment,” Johnson said. “I want parents to know and children to feel as though they can look, touch, and explore the books and resources to find the perfect one just for them. Stop & Grow is meant to be a place to fill your cup, not to drain it.”

Readers can learn more about Stop & Grow at www.stopandgrowbooks.com, on Instagram at @stopandgrowbooks, or by calling the store at (619) 837-3467.

Store hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Johnson encourages community members to help shape the store’s offerings. “Please feel free to request specific books, series, or topics you do not see in store and would like to,” she said. “And if you haven’t come yet, come stop by and say hello.”

VOL. 116, NO. 6 - Feb. 11, 2026

Preserving Coronado’s architectural heritage is a true labor of love, and each year the Coronado Historical Association recognizes those efforts with the annual GEM Awards, to be held this year on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Nautilus Room.

Established in 2013, the GEM Awards (short for “Going the Extra Mile”) celebrate property owners who prioritize restoration over replacement. These neighbors do more than just maintain a house; they serve as stewards of our collective history, ensuring the architectural integrity of our Crown City remains intact for the generations to come.

This year’s ceremony, themed “The Way We Were,” promises an evening of communal pride and nostalgia. Guests will enjoy a seated dinner while hearing from two of Coronado’s most beloved preservationists, Gerry MacCartee and Nancy Cobb. Known as foundational figures in our community, Gerry and Nancy bring an engaging storytelling style that masterfully illuminates our local heritage.

The highlight of the night is the presentation of the GEM Awards, the most prestigious local accolade for historic restoration. Leading up to the ceremony, CHA is highlighting this year’s nominees to share the stories behind their remarkable restoration journeys. This week’s nominees are:

1027 F Avenue

For the owners of 1027 F Avenue, this restoration was rooted in a deep sense of family responsibility. The house was the place where the homeowner and her brother grew up, purchased by her parents in 1983. After they passed, she and her husband took on the property, determined to honor her father’s reverence for the home’s history. Her father had personally researched the architect and ensured the home was placed on the City’s Historic Register, setting a high standard for future stewardship.

The project required a total overhaul of the home’s structural and functional systems. Architect Christian Rice and builder Jack Wonders worked closely with the family to ensure every modification respected the original character. Repairs ranged from cosmetic to structural, and nearly every functional system required attention. The guiding goal was to preserve and enhance the features that defined the home’s historic character. Even though the homeowners were living in Los Angeles and raising young children at the time, they refused to cut corners on quality or historical accuracy.

Many of the home’s most meaningful details remain exactly as they were decades ago. The original hardwood stairs were meticulously preserved, and a custom dye was created so the new flooring would match the old perfectly. Today, the home is recognized by neighbors who regularly stop by, grateful it wasn’t torn down, often remarking that the modernization somehow made it look more like its original self. For the current homeowners, being stewards of this piece of Coronado’s history is both a gift and a responsibility, and the home is a bridge between their past and their children’s future.

870 D Avenue

For the homeowners of 870 D Avenue, purchasing the Victorian behind Vons was less of a real estate deal and more of a rescue mission. Once destined for demolition to make way for a modern four-plex, the 1892 redwood structure was saved just in time. With their hearts set on the house, realtor Molly McKay helped them navigate the very tricky and ongoing process of purchasing the house, which was also attractive to developers.

The restoration required stripping away decades of use and multiple layers of wallpaper and paint. Beneath the surface, they discovered original redwood trim and 12-foot old-growth redwood beams. The homeowners spent countless hours at salvage yards to find period-correct switch plates and vent grills, ensuring every detail felt authentic to the late 19th century. They even found 1920s glass shoe-shine bottles in the backyard, which now serve as decorative vases.

The result is a home that feels both grand and intimate. Landscaper Israel Talavera helped bring the garden to life and transform so much of the property with wonderful living greenery. Today, the home’s wrap-around porch is a favorite spot for the family. Situated in a high-traffic area of town, the porch offers a lively vantage point to greet neighbors and watch the local high schoolers on their lunch break.

The neighborhood reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. After 40 years of decline, residents have stopped by to share that the house finally “looks happy and smiling.” For these homeowners, the reward is in the stewardship. Their advice to others considering restoration over demolition is simple: be patient and hold onto the vision. They say, “It’s such a rare opportunity to own an old home. They have such soul, so many stories. It’s a privilege to get to preserve them and care for them so they can be part of the stories of the generations to come (and vice versa)!” By saving 870 D Avenue, they haven’t just preserved a building; they’ve protected some of the earliest historical fabric that makes Coronado a community.

Tickets for the GEM Awards are available now. General admission is $150, while a VIP ticket is $200 and includes an exclusive “Meet the Nominees” reception at 5:00 PM. Reserved tables for eight are also available for $1,500. We encourage you to secure your spot soon, as this event consistently reaches capacity. Detailed information and ticketing can be found at www.coronadohistory.org.

VOL. 116, NO. 6 - Feb. 11, 2026

The Coronado boys’ basketball program prides itself on its defense. All season, Coach Anthony Ott had preached the importance of creating turnovers not only to limit opponents’ possessions but also to help the Islanders consistently get out on the fast break.

While the defense has been the calling card for the Islanders a majority of this season, it was an offensive explosion that carried them to an 83-58 victory over the Hoover High School Cardinals.

“We had five guys in double figures, which is crazy. Guys shared the ball, and they look geared for a playoff push,” said Ott.

The Islanders’ 83 points against the Cardinals were their highest point total of the 2025-2026 season. Leading the way for Coronado in scoring was Ah’mahn Oliver. The sophomore provided Coronado with 21 points on 60 percent shooting, while also tallying three rebounds and three assists.

Point guard Austin Brown was once again key in the win, as the junior led the team with eight assists, while also finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, and four steals. It marked Brown’s 10th game with seven or more assists this season.

“The biggest thing for Austin going into the postseason is for him just to keep things even keel,” Ott said. “He does such a great job of getting his teammates involved and keeps the energy high across the board. It starts with him on offense, and in these last few weeks, he has also shown the ability to score in bunches.”

Along with big nights from Oliver and Brown, Kesler Tillner provided Coronado with key minutes off the bench. The Islanders’ leader in three-point percentage this season finished with 10 points, which included a pair of three-pointers, four rebounds, and two steals.

“Kesler and I had a nice long conversation coming into the week about his need to be ready,” Ott said. “We are going to need him, his high basketball IQ, and ability to knock down a three-ball come playoff time.”

While Coronado scored at an efficient rate, they also controlled the glass. As a team, they’d finish with 40 rebounds. Leading the way on the defensive glass was Spencer Reidarson. The senior finished with 12 rebounds, two of which came on the offensive glass, five points, and a game-high three blocks.

“Spencer is a really intelligent and humble player,” Ott said. “He may not always show up on the scoreboard, but he has been a critical part of this team, especially in these last 10 to 15 games. He has done a great job of fronting the post, getting steals, and dishing out some exceptional outlet passes.”

With the dominant win against Hoover, Coronado’s record now stands at 13-13, with only two regular-season games left before the playoffs.

On Tuesday, February 10th, they’re set to take on Lincoln High School, only to return to the hardwood two days later for the regular season finale against Crawford High School.

“We have some bulletin board material with both Lincoln and Crawford,” Ott commented. “I think we are well prepared for both games. We’ve watched plenty of film, and we know what adjustments we need to make for both of these matchups.”

VOL. 116, NO. 6 - Feb. 11, 2026