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. 

Meet Brian Trotier - May Emerald Keeper of the Month

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerald Keepers Recognizes Top Water Wise Home Fronts

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

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

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

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

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

Emerald Keeper of the Month, Tracy Tempest

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

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

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

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

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

Arbor Day Planting A Great Success!

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

Emerald Keeper of the Month: Bridge and Bay Garden Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerald Keepers Welcomes 12 CHS Student Interns

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

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

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

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

Coronado Conversations and Connections for the Triangle Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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