Coronado Times

Tween Dungeons and Dragons Club
2025-12-19 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Tween Dungeons and Dragons Club is for students aged 8-13. Beginners are welcome and Dungeon Masters are provided by The Goblin Guild.
Registration is required as we have a very limited number of seats. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
This program is made possible by the Friends of Coronado Library.

Poetry for the People
2026-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This year’s course will feature poems by state poets laureate. The responsibility of a State Poet Laureate is essentially the same as the U.S Poets Laureate, “…to make public appearances at poetry readings or literary events and to promote awareness of poetry.” 46 states and the District of Columbia have a State Poet Laureate, most appointed for a one or two-year term.
Those participating in Poetry For The People XXlll will read selections from these State Poet Laureates and, most importantly, are encouraged to bring to the discussions their own insights, observations and perceptions. Class members’ contributions are a vital part of the class experience.

Chuck Kamar received his bachelor’s from Boston State and his master’s from Boston University. He taught for 34 years in the Newton Public Schools, the last 20 of which were at Newton North High School. In 1998 he won the Paul E. Elicker Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Register to receive reminder emails for this series. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Wine & Lecture: Coronado's Owners Before the Beach Company - SOLD OUT
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Registration has closed as the event is full.
The Coronado Historical Association invites you to the first lecture in the 2026 Spring Wine & Lecture Series, Coronado’s Owners Before the Beach Company: A Cast of Characters. Join us as Christian Esquevin helps us discover Coronado’s history before Babcock and Story. Coronado’s long history is witnessed on land titles, bearing names like a 19th-century novel, which stretch back to the Mexican land grants and the days of whaling ships in Coronado. A review of those names discovers important persons in the history of California and the country.
Join us on Thursday, January 15, at 5:30 pm for a wine & cheese reception followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available
Register Now

Member – $15 each
Non-Member – $20 each

Important Registration Information: Capacity is limited, and reservations are required. Please be aware that tickets for the wine & lecture events are non-refundable, as proceeds support our educational mission.
If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.

About the Speaker
Christian Esquevin was born in Marseille, France. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended California State University, Los Angeles, with a B.A. in Anthropology, followed by a Masters in Library Science from the University of Southern California. He served 30 years as Director of the Coronado Public Library from 1988 to 2018, where he oversaw the major expansion and remodel of the library building, including the restoration and addition of the Ramos Martinez “La Avenida” murals.
Esquevin received the “Jewel in Our Crown Award” from the Coronado Historical Association in 2008 and the “Coronado Citizen of the Year Award” from the Coronado Private Bank in 2016. He is currently president of the Coronado Roundtable and also serves on CHA’s Acquisitions Committee.
Esquevin is the author of Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label, published by the Monacelli Press, New York, 2008. His recent book is Designing Hollywood: Studio Wardrobe in the Golden Age, published by the University Press of Kentucky, 2023.
He is married to Sydney Stanley and lives in Coronado.

Island Icon Induction Ceremony
2026-01-16 17:00 - 18:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Historical Association is thrilled to invite you to attend the Island Icon Induction Ceremony, where we will be honoring the 2024/2025 icons who participated in this crucial initiative for capturing local history. We hope you can join us!
2024 Inductees
Sherry Martin
Marco Palumbo
Gus & Emma Thompson
Bill Hiscock
Susan Keith
Emily & Joe Talbert
Doug St. Denis
2025 Inductees
Beverly Bass
Tippy Thibodeau
Ron Mandelbaum
Susie Vetter
Bill Lemei
Norma Nicolls
Liza Butler
George Lanman

Rose pruning workshop
2026-01-17 09:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Image by Arturs Budkevics from Pixabay
Learn how to prune roses on at the Harlow Rose Garden in front of the Library. Please bring sharp bypass pruners and gloves to participate in this hands-on workshop. This event is also an opportunity to get information about fertilizing roses, as well as dealing with pests and fungal diseases. This free event commences at 9 am and is open to the public and led by Consulting Rosarian and Master Gardener, Rita Perwich, Master Gardeners Maria Mata and Carvill Veech, and Consulting Rosarian Natalie Stout.
The Master Gardener Tool Committee will be on-site starting at 8:30 am to provide free cleaning and sharpening of one pair of pruners or loppers for each attendee of the workshop. Tools must be in good working condition to be cleaned and sharpened.

Chanoyu Japanese Tea Ceremony
2026-02-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Choose Healthy, 171 C Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Experience a moment of tranquility and tradition at a Japanese tea ceremony (Chado) presented by Sokei, Morita, certified and experienced tea master. She has been practicing Chado for 18 years with the intention of bringing piece of mind, which is a universal human desire. Join us for a formal tea preparation where we will honor the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. ​
Event includes:

Demonstration

Matcha and sweets

Lecture: History of tea, The spirit and philosophy of chanoyu, Seasonality, concept of hospitality

Number of guests: 5 (maximum)

Price: $75 per person

CSF Day of Giving
2026-02-19 | CA
The Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF) is proud to announce the return of CSF Day of Giving (AKA the new Telethon) on Thursday, February 19 — a 24-hour community-wide event dedicated to supporting the programs that make Coronado schools exceptional. This annual celebration of generosity invites residents, families, alumni, and local businesses to give big…and win big too!

This year’s event features an exciting new lineup of donor challenges and exclusive prize drawings to inspire participation and amplify community impact. Donors will have the chance to win amazing prize packages including:

A two-night stay at The Bower plus a $100 dining credit to DIVE Rooftop
A Kona Ice Party for 20 — the coolest party in town
A two-night stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort with breakfast for two at Crown Landing
A curated prize package from Emerald City Surf Shop valued at $500
A two-night stay at Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa plus a $100 gift card to The Henry
A brand new e-bike from Holland’s Bicycles

For every $100 donated, supporters will receive one entry toward the prize drawing of their choice. Donate early and pick the prize of your choice.
Coronado Schools Foundation is committed to building momentum and excitement for our students. Follow along with us on Feb. 19 for special donor prizes, including rewards for the first donor, the first recurring donor, the first $250 donation, and many more. We’ll be giving away fantastic prizes including F45 passes, Sweet Soles gift certificates, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park passes, plus additional surprises throughout the day.
CSF Day of Giving fuels STEM & Arts programs not covered by traditional school funding, including fine arts, music, coding, robotics, and hands-on science. Every contribution directly strengthens student learning, sparks creativity, and expands access to innovative curriculum-enhancing experiences. Join us, support our students, and celebrate with a little fun along the way!
To donate or learn more, visit csfkids.org or follow along with the fun on Instagram at csfkids.

A huge thank you to the event sponsors including Mullins Orthodontics, Hotel del Coronado, F45, Dr. Stephen Dao of Coronado Family Dental, Garage Buona Forchetta, Kory Kavanewsky of CMG Home Loans, IB Pet, Island Integrative Health, Blanco Cocina & Cantina, Clayton’s, Singleton & Schreiber, Elevate Wellness, Emerald City Surf Shop, Nicolls Design + Build, The Henry, Holland’s Bicycles, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado Island Marriott, The Bower, Kona Ice, Crown City Magazine, Golden Flutter Photography, Spiro’s Mediterranean Cuisine, & Coastal Carts RMV.

Wine & Lecture: Ellen Browning Scripps - SOLD OUT
2026-02-19 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
SOLD OUT

The Coronado Historical Association invites you to join us for this month’s installment of the popular Wine & Lecture Series on Thursday, February 19. Enjoy a captivating evening with a fascinating look into the life and legacy of Ellen Browning Scripps (1836–1932) — the celebrated philanthropist who appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 1926 after giving away the equivalent of $100 million to institutions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps Memorial Hospital, and Scripps College.
This engaging lecture will explore Scripps’s remarkable career as a journalist, her lifelong dedication to social advocacy, and the pivotal role she played in shaping modern philanthropy. We will also highlight the broader legacy of women in philanthropy — a powerful tradition of leadership that continues today.
Join us for a wine & cheese reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available now on our website.

Member: $15.00
Non-Member: $20.00

Important Registration Information: Reservations are required. Please be aware that tickets for the wine & lecture events are nonrefundable, as proceeds support our educational mission.
If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.
Purchase the book through the University of Nebraska Press by clicking the image below:

About the Speaker
Molly McClain (PhD, Yale) is a professor of history at the University of San Diego. Her academic honors include USD’s distinguished University Professorship and the Davies Award for Faculty Achievement. A ninth-generation San Diegan, she is the author of four books and numerous articles, including Ellen Browning Scripps: New Money and American Philanthropy (2017). An editor of The Journal of San Diego History for over a decade, she encouraged writers to explore the region’s fascinating and understudied past. McClain has worked on a variety of public history projects, including the successful designation of the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. She is a former board member of the La Jolla Historical Society.

Soroptimist program on human trafficking awareness and prevention
2026-02-23 17:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Children as young as eight years-old can fall victim to trafficking, and the average age is just thirteen. Trafficking has been reported in all schools in San Diego, and it happens in plain sight. The Center for Justice & Reconciliation at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is fighting this attack on our youth with an outreach program showcasing in San Diego middle and high schools. Students in grades six through twelve learn to recognize grooming tactics and hear about practical tools designed to protect themselves and their peers from exploitation. Coronado Soroptimist invite middle/high school students and their families, CUSD faculty, as well as all interested community members to attend this important information session on Monday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 pm in the Winn Room.
PLNU’s outreach program, kNOwMORE, is a drama-based and student-centered human trafficking awareness and prevention curriculum grounded in the latest sex trafficking research in San Diego and developed in collaboration with leading experts. The main vehicle for presenting this information is a film that will be shared with attendees. The film features actors portraying various at-risk situations before participating in a follow-up panel discussion.
Ebony Robinson, kNOwMORE’s program manager and a survivor of exploitation herself, will be the evening’s speaker. She is a leader in the field of assisting survivors of trafficking with over ten years of experience in a number of different settings, including schools, the juvenile justice system, and survivor transition programs.

Please join the Soroptimists as they seek to strengthen our community’s awareness and expand understanding of the tools needed to protect local youth from the consequences of trafficking in the San Diego area.
kNOwMORE website link
Coronado Soroptimist

Small Changes, Big Impact: Electrification That Fits Your Home
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | John D. Spreckels Center Activity Room, 1019 7th St., Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join Emerald Keepers for a free talk at the Coronado Spreckels Center’s Activity Room (1019 7th St.). Kathy Nicholson of the San Diego Building Electrification Coalition (SDBEC) will provide information and advice on electrifying your home to reduce energy and gas consumption. The talk will be followed by a Q&A.
Subjects include:
* Why electrification matters (health, safety, efficiency)
* Common myths (cost, reliability, complexity)
* Opportunities to update your home including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, and heat pump dryers
* Which updates have the biggest impact
Click here to register.

February Spice It Up, Coronado!
2026-02-27 14:30 - 15:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Like a book club, but for cooking! Explore new spices each month, pick up a sample, cook at home, and discuss your creations in our monthly Zoom discussion.
For the month of February we will be sampling hawaij.
See photographs and recipes from past Spice It Up, Coronado! HERE, then click on Open Access.

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Wine & Lecture: Rooted in History, The Coronado Flower Show's Century of Blooms
2026-03-06 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
On Thursday, March 19, the Coronado Historical Association invites you to explore the vibrant legacy of the Coronado Flower Show at its Wine & Lecture installment, “Rooted in History: The Coronado Flower Show’s Century of Blooms.”
The event begins with a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the panel discussion from 6 to 7 pm at the Coronado Historical Association, located at 1100 Orange Avenue. Tickets are $15 for CHA or Coronado Floral Association members and $20 for non-members. Because capacity is limited and reservations are required, guests are encouraged to register early at coronadohistory.org. For questions, please contact info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.

LEARN MORE HERE:
Rooted in history: Celebrating a century of the Coronado Flower Show

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering
2026-03-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Petco Park, 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
More than 100+ activities, performances are planned for this free event on Saturday, March 7.

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will be held on Saturday, March 7, 10 am-5 pm at Petco Park, and will be a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fun provided by hundreds of San Diego area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. Admission is free and open to the public, no registration is required. A clear bag policy will also be in effect.

This year’s event is presented by Illumina Corporate Foundation and more than 20,000 people are expected. Featured areas include:

College and Career Connections: This will foster awareness and create meaningful connections for local middle and high school students who will have the opportunity to meet with over 20 higher education and industry partners, including San Diego State University. There will be two panels: at 11 am and 2 pm.
The Art Pavilion: Back by popular demand, The Madhatters return to teach attendees how to knit baby caps that will be donated to the local children’s hospital. Students and community groups will showcase their creative expressions infusing the STEM experience with artistic flair. This exciting new space will encapsulate the powerful synergy between science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Teacher Workshops: The ScienceBridge Enzyme Lab will take place between 11 am and 1 pm and is for educators with students in the 9th-12th grade. The Algae Academy is appropriate for any K-12 teacher, and will be held from 2-4 pm.

Sara Pagano, Executive Director of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, says, “The festival aims to make STEAM learning enjoyable for all ages, from pre-K to gray. The event highlights San Diego’s leadership and innovation in science, technology and engineering fields and simplifies complex subjects for everyone.”
There will be dozens of returning hands-on learning experiences, interactive activities, and experiments to inspire kids (and kids at heart!) to engage in all things STEAM.
Two main stages will offer a variety of performances including math raps sung by The Music Notes, a High-Temperature Fusion show from General Atomics, an SD Mad Science-Fire & Ice performance, Fleet Science Center’s spectacle: Don’t Try This at Home, and EcoVivarium’s ‘Reptiles, Amphibians, and Bugs, Oh Why?’
ADDITIONAL ON-SITE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

DNA fun and genomics education with Illumina Corporate Foundation
The pre-K zone is filled with engaging activities for little learners
Virtual reality experiences
Rockets and explosions with General Atomics
Make slime, learn about underwater sea life, play with robots, watch a drone show and more!

The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering’s mission is to engage kids in science and engineering. By doing this, the organization expands the general public’s understanding of the relevancy of science and engineering in everyday lives, illuminates why the United States must maintain its leadership role in science and technology, and work with parents and teachers to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematical (STEAM) innovators.

College List Masterclass: Finding your best-fit schools
2026-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for your college visits with this strategic workshop.
Stop guessing. Start strategizing.
Join Eva Goetze, Founder of College Advising Boutique, for a high-octane workshop designed to transform college stress into a sophisticated roadmap. This isn’t just a presentation — it’s a strategic planning session.
In this “Power Hour,” families will:

Curate an Elite List: Learn to align ambitious academic goals with the current admissions landscape.
The 76% Rule: Use our signature Diversity & Culture metric to identify where students will actually thrive.
Tour Like a Pro: Master the “Audit Method” for upcoming spring college visits.
The Bonus: Every student receives a Personalized College Scorecard to rank and track their top-tier schools in real-time.

Stick around after the presentation for a chance to chat with your peers and get your questions answered.
About the presenter: Eva Goetze | Founder, College Advising Boutique
Specialized in students in grades 8–10, Ms. G. transforms admissions into a strategic, stress-free roadmap. A former COO, she brings executive precision to her niche: integrating high-value internships and career matching with the college search. Over 18 years, Eva has guided 2,000+ students into elite institutions like Yale, Duke, Rice, and USC. A leader in the Coronado and San Diego communities and a member of the Coronado Chamber, she provides personalized 1:1 consulting — in-person and virtually. Her methodology allows parents to just be parents by handling the strategy and accountability, ensuring the journey remains fun and focused on results.

A Century of Service: 100 years of the Rotary Club of Coronado
2026-03-11 - 2026-06-14 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On view through June 14
Celebrate a century of community impact. Since 1926, Coronado Rotarians have lived by the motto “Service Above Self,” shaping the spirit of Coronado island and improving lives across the globe.
This landmark Centennial exhibit offers an exclusive look into the Rotary Club’s storied history, featuring never-before-seen photographs, artifacts, and personal stories. The exhibit highlights the decades-long partnership between Rotary and the Coronado Historical Association (CHA), a collaboration that was formalized in 2024 when CHA was designated as the official repository for the club’s historical records. By moving these treasures from private garages into CHA’s professional archives, 100 years of “Service Above Self” is protected and accessible for generations to come.
The archives and artifacts in the exhibit show how a century of dedication has nurtured the civic and cultural fabric of Coronado, from local youth programs to international humanitarian efforts. See why the Rotary Club remains a cornerstone of our community.

SOLD OUT Wine & Lecture: Rooted in History
2026-03-19 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The event is sold out.

The Coronado Historical Association invites you to join us for this month’s installment of the popular Wine & Lecture Series on Thursday, March 19. Rooted in History: The Coronado Flower Show’s Century of Blooms will dive into the vibrant history of the Flower Show, a community tradition spanning over 100 years. Join our panel of organizers as they share personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and the show‘s evolution from a village event to a cherished community centerpiece.
Join us for a wine & cheese reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the panel discussion from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available now on our website.

Member: $15.00
Non-Member: $20.00

Important Registration Information: Capacity is limited and reservations are required. No walk-ins will be admitted.
If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.
Harold Taylor Slide 116. Coronado Historical Association.

Flower Show Workshop – Learn how to enter
2026-03-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
At the Friends and Flowers event on Thursday, March 19, attendees will get an overview of the 2026 Coronado Flower Show (April 18-19) with its “Welcome to the Jungle” theme.
Featuring the Section Chairs for Cactus and Succulents, this presentation will provide information from the Horticulture Division of the Flower Show. You will learn how to enter the various categories at the annual show for which you might just bring home a coveted blue ribbon.
All are welcome to this informative workshop in the Winn Room at the Coronado Library, 5:30-7 pm, on Thursday evening.
The Coronado Flower Show art was created by Gina Falletta design. This is Falletta’s fourth year creating the show’s art.

San Diego Storytelling Festival
2026-03-21 10:00 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Storytelling Festival Returns to the Coronado Public Library

Head over the Coronado Bridge for the San Diego Storytelling Festival as it returns to the Coronado Public Library on Saturday, March 21. This year’s theme, “Light in the Dark,” invites audiences to explore stories that illuminate hope and resilience through a full day of free performances, workshops, and interactive experiences.
The festival opens at 10 am with Light in the Dark, featuring local and visiting storytellers sharing folktales, history, and personal narratives inspired by the international theme At 11 am, audiences can choose between Sea to Shining Sea, celebrating America’s 250th birthday through stories from coast to coast, and Good Craic: Irish Stories and Music, where twice All-Ireland storytelling champion Mairtín de Cógáin brings the lively Irish seanchaí tradition to life with wit and charm.
The day will also include a special workshop with Grammy winner Adam Mellema, who will share his “secret sauce” for gathering and preserving family stories. In the afternoon, Deidra Davis will create a live art installation with stories during A Community Tree, while Darci Tucker’s dynamic first-person portrayal in Revolutionary Women offers a vivid look at colonial America.
The day also features Out Loud: Teen Voices, showcasing student storytellers from Morse High School, and a Story Circle/Open Mic where community members are invited to share short, heartfelt stories of their own. The festival concludes with Voices at the Water’s Edge, an inspiring celebration of personal and traditional stories designed to send audiences home with new stories, good memories, and light in the dark.
Hosted in partnership with Storytellers of San Diego, which has brought oral storytelling to the region for more than 40 years, the festival is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to join for one event or stay for the day to experience storytelling in its oldest and most vibrant form. Learn more at coronadolibrary.org.

The Green of West Plaza: 90+ Years of the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club
2026-03-26 - 2026-09-13 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On view through September 13
The Green of West Plaza: 90+ Years of The Coronado Lawn Bowling Club celebrates over 90 years of the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club (CLBC) with an emphasis on its history, community involvement, and contribution to the sport of lawn bowling. The bilingual English/Spanish exhibit features trophies and medals won by members of the CLBC, highlighting the skill and sportsmanship that women and men have excelled at both on a national and international level.
To complement the successes of the club, the exhibit explains the game of lawn bowls along with the equipment used. Very little equipment is necessary to play bowls, making it an accessible sport for all demographics. Lawn bowling is one of the few sports that allows women and men to compete together on an equal platform regardless of age.

San Diego Writers Festival
2026-03-28 09:00 - 18:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The San Diego Writers Festival is a free, community-based event designed to celebrate the power of writing and storytelling.
Stories transform both the teller and the listener. In whatever form you welcome a story into your life—by reading a memoir or graphic novel, listening to a podcast or a poetry reading, watching a movie or play or going to the theater—stories are our pathways, our links, our bridges to one another.
At the San Diego Writers Festival, we ask two important questions: What if there was a place where all stories could be nurtured and heard? What if we opened up our community to stories from those who have been under-served, disenfranchised, or neglected?
We invite you to join us on our mission to hear one another, be educated and illuminated by one another, and inspired by one another—one story at a time.
Jodi Picoult headlines 7th annual San Diego Writers Festival in Coronado

Kids Eco Camp: Water Conservation
2026-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Coronado High School Garden, Garden behind the high school stadium, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
These fun, free camps, led by Emerald Keepers high school interns and held at the Emerald Keepers High School Garden, are designed as an introduction to environmental stewardship for elementary schoolchildren. Campers will be gardening and playing games while learning about the environment.
First through fifth graders are welcome.

CIFF Educational Classic Film "The Maltese Falcon" (1941)
2026-04-12 13:30 - 16:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Island Film Festival presents Director John Huston’s 1941 Best Picture Oscar Nominated feature film, “The Maltese Falcon” on Sunday, April 12, 1:30-4 pm in the Coronado Public Library Ruby Room. The screening is free and open to the public of all ages and is part of this year’s Educational Classic Film Series – “The Art of Adaptation.”

John Huston’s Landmark Film Noir Classic: “The Maltese Falcon”
As darkness descended on Europe in the late 1930s and early ’40s, a new movie genre, (in retrospect) labeled Film Noir, emerged from Hollywood. It featured stories of the darker side of human nature and fatalistic themes of murder, crime, double-dealing, and corruption. The moral ambiguity of the genre appealed to the anxieties of audiences facing a world seemingly gone mad.
Warner Brothers long held the film rights to Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel, The Maltese Falcon, based on a story he serialized in the pulp fiction magazine Black Mask. The Warners produced a notorious pre-code version in 1931 and a later comedic version in 1936, “Satan Met a Lady,” starring Bette Davis that was a notable flop.
The Warners offered a young, promising screenwriter, John Huston, the opportunity to adapt and remake Hammett’s story for a third time as his directorial debut. The result: perhaps the most enduring, admired, and imitated detective mystery movie ever made. “The Maltese Falcon” is a definite must-see in the American film canon.
In addition to the story’s appeal with audiences, Bogart’s “hard-boiled” detective, Sam Spade, proved his breakout role as a leading man. The supporting ensemble cast includes an exceptional roster of Warner Brothers Golden Age contract talent: Mary Astor as the story’s femme fatale, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre in their first of many screen pairings and the inimitable Elisha Cook, Jr. as Greenstreet’s gun-toting “boy” who Bogart’s Sam Spade continually delights in humiliating.
Featuring a roster of menacing, murderous, deceitful characters, and crackling, quotable dialogue, all wrapped in Arthur Edeson’s shadowy cinematography, its themes of betrayal, greed, and cynicism make “The Maltese Falcon” the quintessential example of the Film Noir genre. Don’t miss this timeless 1941 Warner Brothers Classic!
This screening is free and open to the public of all ages.

Wine & Lecture: San Diego's South Bay Railroads
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Historical Association invites you to join us for this month’s installment of the popular Wine & Lecture Series on Thursday, April 16, about San Diego’s South Bay Railroads! Enjoy an engaging evening with Bruce Semelsberger, archivist at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, as we explore how the opening of the California Southern Railroad in 1885 transformed San Diego and sparked the Great Southern California Land Boom of the 1880s. Discover how San Diego’s would-be rail barons set their sights on Coronado and the South Bay — and find out what happened next in this fascinating chapter of local history.
Join us on Thursday, April 16, at 5:30 pm for a wine & cheese reception followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available now on our website.

Member: $15.00 each
Non-Member: $20.00 each

Important Registration Information: Reservations are required. Please be aware that tickets for the wine & lecture events are nonrefundable, as proceeds support our educational mission. If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.

About the Speaker
Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1947, Bruce Semelsberger received his education in Cuyahoga Falls and briefly pursued electrical engineering at the University of Akron before joining the U.S. Navy, serving in electronics from 1966 to 1970. Afterward, he built a long career in San Diego’s electronic component industry until retiring in 2016.
His lifelong fascination with railroads began with a few old maps and led him to join the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in 1984. What started as a volunteer cataloging project became a decades-long commitment as Research Director, Librarian, and Archivist. Bruce has lectured widely, taught railroad history at Cuyamaca College, and helped restore trains, tracks, and facilities.
Today, he continues collecting material for a book on San Diego’s early railroad history while hiking, researching, and preserving the region’s rail heritage for future generations.
LEARN MORE HERE:
Wine & Lecture: San Diego’s South Bay Railroads

Plein Air painting
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-24 | CA
Learn to paint outdoors in Coronado this spring.

Doris Rice, an internationally known Watercolor Instructor, is coming to Coronado to paint Plein Air for five days, from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, from morning until later afternoon, with different subjects featured each day.
You can also see Doris ahead of the workshop volunteering at the Coronado Flower Show the weekend before demonstrating plein air watercolor painting.
Courtesy photo
For more information, contact Doris at doris.watercolor@gmail.com at 603-724-7779 (in New Hampshire).

Kids Eco Camp: Recycling and composting
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Coronado High School Garden, Garden behind the high school stadium, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States

Drawing & Painting a Portrait
2026-05-14 17:00 - 19:00 | John D. Spreckels Center and Bowling Green, 1019 7th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Portrait by Nolan Lee
Master the art of portraiture in this dynamic two-session workshop with talented artist Nolan Lee. Learn proven techniques to capture accurate facial structure and achieve a strong likeness, then bring your work to life with acrylic painting — exploring color mixing, skin tones, and value. A rewarding, skill-building experience designed to challenge and inspire artists.
Second class on Thursday, May 21. For ages 18+

2026 Preservation Symposium
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
May is National Preservation Month, and Coronado is joining communities nationwide in celebrating our unique heritage. We’re fortunate to have so many meaningful historic places, and we’ll be highlighting them throughout the month. Our celebrations include a City Council Proclamation, the presentation of plaques to recently designated historic homes, and the beloved Historic Home Tour on Mother’s Day.
The celebrations will culminate in the annual Preservation Symposium on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 pm. A wine and cheese reception will be followed by the the program at 6 pm.
This year’s program features a documentary screening and discussion with filmmaker Scott Goldstein.
The evening will address the unforgettable impact of loss in architectural history, highlighted by the demolition of the iconic Maslon House in Rancho Mirage — designed by Richard Neutra in 1962. The razing of this modernist masterpiece in 2002 caused international outrage and directly inspired a new preservation movement in the region.
Filmmaker Scott Goldstein will join us to present a portion of his documentary work and share his intensely personal connection to this landmark structure. Through interviews and archival footage, the film brings the house back to life, exploring the home, the Maslon family, and their incredible collection of modern art.
Goldstein will recount his powerful story of returning to the desert only to find the magnificent home gone, replaced by a structure that “just wasn’t the same.” Join us to hear this powerful, firsthand account, see related footage, and discuss why architectural preservation matters and how the loss of history shapes the present.

Wine & Lecture: Navy SEALs: The Beginning
2026-06-11 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Historical Association invites you to join us for this month’s installment of the popular Wine & Lecture Series on Thursday, June 11, for an engaging evening exploring the origins and evolution of the U.S. Navy SEALs. The lecture will trace the SEALs’ beginnings with the Underwater Demolition Teams during World War II and their emergence in 1958–1959. Guests will hear fascinating stories about what SEAL training was like in the 1950s and learn how the SEAL mission has evolved from that time to the present day.
Join us on Thursday, June 11, at 5:30 pm for a wine & cheese reception followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available now by clicking HERE

Member: $15.00 each
Non-Member: $20.00 each

Important Registration Information: Reservations are required. Please be aware that tickets for the wine & lecture events are nonrefundable, as proceeds support our educational mission. If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.

CSF Gala at The Del
2026-09-12 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
