Coronado Police Department List of Frequently Asked Questions
Coronado’s Fourth of July celebration is the City’s biggest holiday celebration. It’s a day filled with activities for the entire family. As the City prepares for the big day, which includes the popular parade, it wants the community to be prepared.
Remember, parking is at a premium starting hours before the 10 a.m. parade, which draws many people from all over the region. Locals are asked to take alternative transportation, such as the Free Summer Shuttle and bicycles.
Big crowds are expected throughout the day and into the evening. Activities include a 12K run, 5K run/walk, rough water swim, a 1-mile run, a parade, and a concert and art display at Spreckels Park. The day is capped by a fireworks show, which is sponsored by the Port of San Diego Tidelands Activation Program. The run will head down Orange Avenue at approximately 9:15 a.m. shortly after Orange is closed in preparation for the parade. Runners will sprint from Fourth Street to Star Park Circle.
Pay attention to parking restrictions, road closures and safety zones. The Coronado Police Department will create a safety zone around the parade route to ensure event security and to provide a safe area for emergency vehicles. Steel bollards will be in place once again as a barricade around Orange Avenue. Once the 300-plus bollards are in place, those access points to Orange will be closed for the duration of the parade. However, alleys will remain open.
The City has created the following list of frequently asked questions including when the medians open, road closures towed vehicles and bus service. Things to keep in mind this Fourth of July holiday:
What time does the center median open?
The Orange Avenue medians will open at 5 a.m. on July 4. There is no camping or staking out. People on the median prior to 5 a.m. will be asked to leave and subject to a citation. Items left unattended on the center median will be removed and taken to the Coronado Public Services building, located at 101 B Avenue, where they can be claimed on July 5, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Items not claimed by 2 p.m. on July 5, will be discarded. You may set up on the sidewalk side of Orange Avenue before 5 a.m.; however, you cannot leave items unattended or block public rights-of-way. There also is no loading or unloading of items or passengers while stopped in traffic lanes.
What new security measures are being taken?
In response to world events over the past few years, where common vehicles have been used as weapons against people in public gatherings, the City of Coronado has taken measured steps to provide more defined and secure perimeters for our City events that take place in public rights of way. Anchors for more than 300 steel bollards were installed on the perimeter of the Fourth of July Parade event area. Bollards will be placed in these anchors on the morning of July 4, starting at 8 a.m. They are in locations where police barricades and vehicles were positioned in the past. Once the bollards are placed, those access points to Orange Avenue will be closed for the duration of the event. The bollards will be removed following the conclusion of the parade by Public Services crews, as they restore Orange Avenue to its pre-parade condition, starting at First Street.
Where does the parade start?
The parade starts at First Street and Orange Avenue and ends at Churchill Place and Ocean Boulevard and lasts about two hours. The parade travels in the southbound lanes of Orange Avenue.
When does the parade start and what is the new pre-parade event this year?
The parade officially starts at 10 a.m. and there will be a pre-parade Fun Run down Orange Avenue at approximately 9:15 a.m. This event is hosted by the Islander Sports Foundation. Just after Orange Avenue is closed in preparation for the parade, runners will sprint from Fourth Street to Star Park Circle. This pre-parade run will last about fifteen minutes. The Islander Sports Foundation will have volunteers positioned along the route to keep the area clear for runners. Please be sure to use caution during the Fun Run as runners will be sprinting down Orange Avenue.
Where is the best place to watch the parade?
The parade can be viewed anywhere along the southbound lanes of Orange Avenue from First Street to Churchill Place. The parade is also broadcast live on Coronado TV, on Spectrum 19 and AT&T 99.
What roads are closed during the parade?
Orange Avenue will be closed between First Street and R.H. Dana Place. Vehicle traffic may only cross Orange during the parade at a road closure at Third and Fourth streets. The 100 and 200 blocks of D, E, F, G, H, I and J avenues will be blocked or have access restricted. First Street between Alameda Boulevard and Orange will be closed, as will Churchill Place and a portion of Isabella Avenue.
When will the Police Department start towing vehicles?
Towing will start along Glorietta Boulevard, the parade route and staging areas at approximately 4 a.m. Pay attention to posted signs, park legally and your vehicle will not be towed.
What if my car gets towed?
If your vehicle is towed, please contact the Police Department at (619) 522-7350 or stop by the Police Department’s main lobby, 700 Orange Ave. A release form for $116 from the Police Department is required to claim your vehicle at the tow facility. The registered owner of the vehicle will need to show the Police Department a valid driver’s license in order to get the release form. There also will be additional fees applied by the tow yard.
How do I catch the bus? Is there a bus for Cays residents?
Public transportation will continue to be provided. Routes normally located within the parade route will be relocated during the closures. The Free Summer Shuttle operating hours will be expanded on the Fourth of July. The shuttle will run in the Village from about 8 a.m. to about10:45 p.m. The City has contracted with MTS to provide special, free bus service on the July 4th holiday for Cays residents. This free bus will operate from about 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in 30-minute intervals, from the bus stop across from the Cays Fire Station to the turnaround at the Community Center. See map of Cays service here.
Are fires or barbecues allowed on the public beach?
No fires are permitted to be built on any public beach except in a City-provided fire pit or portable barbecue. All coal and debris from a portable barbecue must be discarded in an official fire pit or hot coal container. The Coronado Municipal Code states that a fire in a fire pit or portable barbecue shall be used only to build beach fires for cooking or warmth, and it shall be unlawful to use the same as incinerators to burn waste or any material restricted by the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. The materials used for fires on the public beach shall not exceed a height of 12 inches above the upper edge of the fire pit or portable barbecue and shall be contained within the inside edge of the fire pit or portable barbecue. All fires must be properly extinguished before being left unattended. Ashes cannot be covered. All unburned wood shall be removed or placed in receptacles provided by the City. Glass items or containers of any type are not allowed on the beach. Alcohol is not allowed on public property, including the beaches or in the water.
Are anchorage permits needed for Glorietta Bay (A-5) on July 4th?
Permits will not be needed from noon on July 3 until noon on July 5, in Glorietta Bay. Coronado Lifeguards will be directing boaters to the special anchoring area. Vessels attempting to enter before that time will be turned away. A-5 will be closed due to its close proximity to the fireworks barge. Overnight anchoring permits will be required starting July 5.
Can I smoke in Coronado?
The City prohibits smoking on all public property, and on private property within 25 feet of an enclosed building, including vaping devices and marijuana.
What time do the fireworks start?
The fireworks display at Glorietta Bay will start at 9 p.m. The barge is in the water between the Coronado Golf Course and the Coronado Community Center. The fireworks will last about 15 minutes. The Coronado fireworks display is not connected to the Big Bay Boom.
Are fireworks legal in Coronado?
No, only by special permit. The Coronado Municipal Code regulates the use and display of fireworks in accordance with the 2016 California Fire Code as amended and adopted by the City of Coronado. The use and display of fireworks is only allowed by special permit from the Coronado Fire Department. This applies to all fireworks; including those known as consumer or safe-and-sane fireworks. This even applies to sparklers. Fireworks found in the possession of individuals will be confiscated. Individuals are subject to citation for violation of the City’s Municipal Code.
Where can I park my vehicle in Coronado?
Parking is authorized in any marked legal parking spot. The parking meters and permit parking will not be enforced on July 4; however, all other parking rules and regulations will be in effect. Vehicles that are parked illegally are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense. If you see a “No Parking” sign, do not park your vehicle there or you will be subject to being towed or receiving a citation. The parking restriction signs are certified by the Coronado Police Department several times prior to and on the Fourth of July so moving a sign will not be a valid excuse. Saving parking spaces is not allowed. See map of event traffic control (large file) here.
Where can I park my motor home/RV/trailer?
Motor homes can be parked in any legal space they fit into. Oversized vehicles are not required to obtain an oversized vehicle permit on July 4; oversized vehicle permits are required prior to and after July 4. No awnings or slide outs from motor homes, RV’s or trailers will be allowed as they create hazards for other vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. All trailers must remain attached to vehicles being towed and there is no overnight camping or lodging allowed in the City.
What time does Silver Strand State Beach open on the Fourth of July?
Silver Strand State Beach is set to open at approximately 6 a.m. on July 4, which will allow vehicles to enter about an hour earlier than normal. The State Beach gates will close when the park is full on July 3. Vehicles, motorhomes and trailers are not permitted to stop, park or line up along any part of the highway or roadway at any time.
Where do I report issues with public or portable restrooms?
Contact the Public Services Department at (619) 522-7380 for matters related to public bathrooms and service, or maintenance issues.
The City reminds the community to keep a watchful eye on their children. Parents of lost children should contact a Police Officer, security staff or call 911. For non-life-threatening emergencies, contact the Police Department at (619) 522-7350.
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Related: 4th of July Schedule of Events
