Emerald Keepers holds its first member event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Kel Casey

Motor Cars on Main Street -- EV Section

The 10,000-plus crowd attending MotorCars on MainStreet enjoyed visiting the new Emerald Keepers’ exhibit of electric cars. The variety of EV makes and models included compacts, sedans, trucks, SUVs, and a minibus. Luxury EV manufacturer Lucid encourage people to sit inside their EV sedans and explore their many features. Local bicycle shop, Hollands, brought electric bicycles that highlighted the range of electric transportation options. One of the crowd pleasers, was a classic VW van converted to an EV by Zlectric.

Circuit, which runs FRED in downtown San Diego, showed an electric mini shuttle similar to Emerald Keepers’ proposed OZ. In addition, the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego brought several vehicles along with volunteers who answered general questions about EVs.

Emerald Keepers at the Flower Show

Earth Friendly Home Fronts - 2023

 Emerald Keepers was proud to partner with the Coronado Floral Association for Home Front judging. Emerald Keepers awarded 255 home fronts with Earth Friendly Green Ribbons. Congratulations to all Earth Friendly Home Front winners. The top three were:

BEST EARTH FRIENDLY HOME FRONT 801 Country Club Lane

FIRST RUNNER-UP 711 Country Club Lane

SECOND RUNNER-UP 307 First Street

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. 

Emerald Keepers Recognizes Top Water Wise Home Fronts

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

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

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

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

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

Coronado Conversations and Connections for the Triangle Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coronado Cays Yacht Club Restaurant is Emerald Green, Ocean Blue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate Coronado Taste of Oils -- An Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business!

“We live in a beautiful part of this world with the best beaches in this Country. This I attribute to people caring for and appreciating their environment. It makes good sense as a small business owner to do our part and demonstrate to others what we can do collectively to be as GREEN as possible by taking conscious business practice steps in our daily routine.” – Michael Fisher, Owner, Coronado Taste of Oils

Celebrate Accalia Salon — An Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business!

“I like sustainable resources as we only have one earth to leave for the next generations.”  -- Jessica Kephart, Accalia Salon

Celebrate High Tide Bottle Shop and Kitchen — Our New Emerald Green Ocean Blue Business

“We use recycled containers from a company called The Bottlebox. The reusable takeout containers use post-consumer reprocessed PET(polyethylene terephthalate), which has a lower carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60%. We like to think making sure takeout containers don’t end up in a landfill makes the pizza even yummier.”  - Tom Latona, High Tide Bottle Shop and Kitchen 

Sharp Coronado Hospital: Emerald Green, Ocean Blue

Sharp Coronado Hospital is not merely a center for healing and health care. It also focuses on mindfulness and sustainability. Sharp Coronado Hospital is Emerald Keepers’ newest Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business andRestaurant. Making this designation a priority, CEO of Sharp Coronado Hospital, Susan Stone, stressed, “We definitely have made huge progress in this area. It has been a journey.”

The team at Sharp Coronado has successfully reduced their collective impact on the environment through actions that include: 

·      Campus-wide LED lighting upgrades.

·      The Villa earned an Energy Star Certified Building Award 

·      The facilities earning the Energy Star Building Recognition for the 8th straight year.

·      Installation of water bottle filling stations (On the 3rd floor alone, nearly 7,000 bottles have been saved). 

·      Implementing numerous waste reduction and recycling projects.

·      Continued participation in Sharp Health Care “All Ways Green” initiatives.

·      Converting the patient belonging bag to reusable or paper bag.

Stone credits Ken Gibson, Engineering Director, with reducing energy consumption and helping Sharp Coronado Hospital earn the coveted Energy Star. Gibson said, “This is for the future, all the families here, and the future of our world. If everyone does their part, it makes the world a little better. We are saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases.”

Stone is especially proud of the hospital’s effort to make The Mindful Cafe at Sharp Coronado Hospital Emerald Green, Ocean Blue. They have eliminated straws, use sustainable takeout containers, and only dispense plastic cutlery upon request. The Mindful Café uses best practices for recycling and energy efficiency and offers healthy plant-based options. 

Emphasizing that becoming Emerald Green, Ocean Blue was a team effort. Chief Financial Operating Officer and strong advocate for sustainability, Fahd Benjalil said, “It is important for us to reduce our carbon footprint not only for this generation but for generations to come.” 

In addition to Sharp Coronado Hospital facilities being Emerald Green, Ocean Blue, their Coronado Vaccine Clinic became Emerald Green, Ocean Blue after encouraging volunteers and staff to bring refillable bottles to eliminate single-use water bottles. They also eliminated paper registration by moving to electronic check-in.

“Being Emerald Green, Ocean Blue is a priority for us because our passion is improving the health of our community and our community can only be healthy if our planet is healthy,” explained Stone. “In this beach community, it is so important that we contribute to improving the health of our planet. By working together to reduce our impact on the planet and help this beautiful community be healthy and well, we are securing the health of many, many future generations.” 

Congratulations, Sharp Coronado Hospital! 

CHS Emerald Keepers Club Begins Compost and Garden

Straight Outta of Compost

Let the fun begin!

The Coronado High School Emerald Keepers Club “broke ground” on the new school garden and composting facility at the newly reestablished Angela’s Garden on Village Elementary School grounds Saturday. The team assembled and started their first two composting piles under the guidance of Coronado Master Composter Laura Wilkinson on Saturday. 

Reducing food waste is one of a few climate solutions that costs almost nothing but delivers financial and environmental benefits. The average household throws out over $1300 in “food gone bad” every year, which is more than they pay for gasoline in a year according to the ReFed. According to their website, food waste accounts for more greenhouse gas than the entire airline industry. 

“I love being able to lead such an amazing project in our community. It’s so fun getting together in the morning with my peers, getting our hands dirty, and making a positive impact,” said Jesse Hill, CHS Emerald Keepers Club Co- President.  

The ongoing project will allow opportunity for Coronado students of different grade levels and community groups such as scouts to participate with plots in the garden. The composting element will set benchmarks for sustainability by measuring pounds of food and yard waste diverted from our landfills and calculate emissions prevention metrics.  

“It’s been incredible to see these kids work in such a hands-on environment. Watching them learn and problem solve at our site makes me so hopeful for the future of our planet!”  said DaniRose Hill, CHS Emerald Keepers Co-Advisor.

The CHS Emerald Keepers Club members will be working with the community to ask for your organic food waste to help build the compost. When the composting process is completed, the rich composted soil will be available for gardening and, once established, Coronado residents who would like to earn that “blue ribbon” for their garden. EDCO has kitchen composting caddies available at no charge to Coronado residents to keep handy in the kitchen to collect everything from eggshells to carrot tops to fruits and vegetables gone bad (no meat or dairy may be composted but may be dumped into your green bin for EDCO).

Marla Steele, Co-President, CHS Emerald Keepers Club, added “I am so proud of this group of young individuals who recognize how important it is to protect our Earth. It is beautiful to come together with my passionate peers and work to make a change. I have learned so much already and I cannot wait to see the impact this project makes on our school, our community, and beyond.”

For more information about the compost and garden visit www.emeraldkeepers.org. To help fund garden for the kids, please visit www.coronadogarden.com. All contributions are tax-deductible. To order your own free composting caddy, visit www.edcodisposal.com go to the Residential Services tab and click Organic Recycling. Scroll down to the “Request a Kitchen Caddy” button. Be an Emerald Keeper, reduce food waste, compost and/or participate in EDCO’s Organic Waste program.

Emerald Keepers' Banners on Orange Avenue

Thank you to the City of Coronado for selecting Emerald Keepers for the January - March Banner Program. May they remind you to use sustainable habits for the health of our oceans. Being Emerald Green, Ocean Blue means you are making a concerted effort to make positive changes for our planet. From using reusable grocery bags to picking up trash every day to driving less and walking more, everyone can commit to a bing an Emerald Keeper.