Coronado Times

AI Agents for Everyone: How to Use Them and Why They Matter
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
In this engaging and accessible lecture, we’ll explore the growing world of AI agents—what they are, how they work, and how they’re becoming tools in everyday life. From simplifying personal tasks to transforming workplaces, AI agents are no longer reserved for tech experts. Learn how to interact with these intelligent tools, integrate them into your routine, and understand the societal impact they carry. Whether you’re a curious beginner or looking to stay ahead in a tech-driven world, this session will empower you with the knowledge to make AI work for you.
Sheldon Yu is a PhD Candidate at UC San Diego, advised by Professor Julian McAuley. His research focuses on recommender systems and large language models (LLM).

"Fragments of Change" Public Art Mosaic Unveiling
2025-05-29 17:00 | Coronado High School (CHS), 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado High School art students help put the finishing touches on a large-scale mosaic along Sixth Street. The 23 foot tall art piece is titled “Fragments of Change” and represents over ten months of work by CHS students. A public unveiling for the community will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 5pm. L-R: Sarah Alari, Brianna Hoak, Kristin Smith, Sofia Martinez, Edie Alicandri, Skiter Aurelia Chappel (safety consultant), Mia Coronado. Image: CUSD
“Fragments of Change,” a striking new public mosaic designed and created by students at Coronado High School, will be officially unveiled on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 5 pm at 6th Ave and D Street. The community is invited to attend the celebration.

More details:
Coronado’s Newest Public Art Installation Created by High School Students

An Evening with Viet Thanh Nguyen
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library as we welcome Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen. He’ll discuss his newest title To Save and To Destroy, a moving, personal meditation on otherness and a call for political solidarity, with Lily Hoang. Originally given as a series of Norton lectures, these captivating essays earned a starred review from Library Journal as ‘[a]n essential addition for collections about the process and theory of writing, authors of diverse backgrounds, and particularly the experiences of Asian Americans, immigrants, and refugees in the United States.”
A book-signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of To Save and To Destroy through Warwick’s bookstore. Please visit https://www.warwicks.com/nguyen-2025-reserved-seat or call the store at 858-454-0347 for more information.

About Viet Thanh Nguyen
Viet Thanh Nguyen is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer, Nothing Ever Dies, and, most recently, To Save and to Destroy. A recipient of the MacArthur Foundation and Guggenheim fellowships and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Nguyen is Aerol Arnold Chair of English and Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.
About To Save and To Destroy
Born in war-ravaged Vietnam, Viet Nguyen arrived in the United States as a child refugee in 1975. The Nguyen family would soon move to San Jose, California, where the author grew up, attending UC Berkeley in the aftermath of the shocking murder of Vincent Chin, which shaped the political sensibilities of a new generation of Asian Americans.
The essays here, delivered originally as the prestigious Norton Lectures, proffer a new answer to a classic literary question: What does the outsider mean to literary writing? Over the course of six captivating and moving chapters, Nguyen explores the idea of being an outsider through lenses that are, by turns, literary, historical, political, and familial.
Each piece moves between writers who influenced Nguyen’s craft and weaves in the haunting story of his late mother’s mental illness. Nguyen unfolds the novels and nonfiction of Herman Melville, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ralph Ellison, William Carlos Williams, and Maxine Hong Kingston, until aesthetic theories give way to pressing concerns raised by war and politics. What is a writer’s responsibility in a time of violence? Should we celebrate fiction that gives voice to the voiceless–or do we confront the forces that render millions voiceless in the first place? What are the burdens and pleasures of the “minor” writer in any society? Unsatisfied with the modest inclusion accorded to “model minorities” such as Asian Americans, Nguyen sets the agenda for a more radical and disquieting solidarity with those whose lives have been devastated by imperialism and forever wars.
About Lily Hoang
Lily Hoang is the author of eight books, including most recently A Knock at the Door (Texas Review Press’s Innovative Prose Series), Underneath (winner of the Red Hen Press Fiction Award), A Bestiary (PEN/USA Non-Fiction Award finalist), and Changing (recipient of a PEN/Open Books Award). She is a Professor of Literature at UC San Diego, where she teaches in their MFA in Writing.

Jet Trails & Tall Tales: Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello Discusses "Through the Yellow Visor"
2025-06-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library for a high-octane evening with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former TOPGUN instructor, combat pilot, and host of the popular Fighter Pilot Podcast, as he shares stories from his gripping memoir, Through the Yellow Visor.
More than just dogfights and flybys, Aiello’s book offers an unfiltered look into the real world of naval aviation — where grit, resilience, and teamwork matter more than ego. From flight school challenges to combat missions over Iraq, his journey reveals the human side of life at Mach speed.
Don’t miss this chance to meet the man behind the mic, hear what it’s really like to land on a moving aircraft carrier, and get a signed copy of the book that podcast fans have been waiting for.

About the Book:
Ride Along with a Real Top Gun and Get His View from the Cockpit
You’ve heard him as host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. More than 100k listeners have been waiting for this book.
Now ride along. From the cockpit of a Navy jet circling overhead, an aircraft carrier — 1,000 feet long and displacing 98,000 tons — looks no bigger than a child’s toy. No wonder the fighter pilots call it a boat. Try landing on one of these bucking broncos without boltering.
TOPGUN instructor and seasoned naval aviator, E. Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello takes readers on an exhilarating flight from being a wide-eyed eight-year-old peering into a jet’s cockpit at the Point Mugu Airshow to flying one. Not the Hollywood version by any means, Vincent explains his tough, terrifying, and trusted path to flying America’s war planes.
From flying F/A-18 Hornets on missions worldwide, to serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, to teaching the art of air combat at TOPGUN, Jell-O brings you into the adrenaline-fueled world of naval aviation while proving that persistence is a pilot’s most valuable skill.
After retiring from the Navy with more than 3,800 flight hours and 700 carrier landings, Vincent, now an airline pilot, hosts the popular Fighter Pilot Podcast, where he explores the fascinating world of air combat with stimulating revelations about:

The complex, multi-million-dollar aircraft,
The lethal weapons systems they employ, and
The fearless people who protect our country every single day.

This is the personal story of a boy with big dreams who became the man behind the yellow visor.
About the Author:
Commander Aiello is native of California. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles and was commissioned through the Navy ROTC Program in August 1992. Commander Aiello attended Navy pilot training and was awarded the coveted wings of gold in August 1995. Following initial training in the F/A-18 Hornet with VMFAT-101 at MCAS El Toro, Santa Ana, California, Commander Aiello’s first operational assignment was with VFA86 at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida. During this tour he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH aboard the aircraft carriers USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY.
In 2000, Commander Aiello reported to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at NAS Fallon, Nevada where he attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School, or TOPGUN, and remained on the staff as an instructor. In 2003 he was assigned to VFA97 in NAS Lemoore, California where he deployed to the Arabian Gulf aboard the carrier USS NIMITZ in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2004 Commander Aiello attended the School of Naval Aviation Safety at the Naval Postgraduate School before reporting to VFA-94 in Lemoore for his department head tour. In 2005 he again deployed aboard NIMITZ to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf in support of OIF.
Commander Aiello reported to the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific at Lemoore in 2006 and remained until 2009 when he was assigned to the staff of Carrier Air Wing FIVE in NAF Atsugi, Japan where he deployed to the Western Pacific aboard GEORGE WASHINGTON. Commander Aiello’s next assignment came in 2010 to the staff of Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet, San Diego, California where he deployed to Afghanistan as an ‘individual augmentee’ with a Joint Special Operations Command task force in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE. During this assignment Commander Aiello completed a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
In 2013 Commander Aiello returned to NSAWC in Fallon where he served as Program Manager for the Navy’s F-16 adversary fleet. In 2015 Commander Aiello reported to the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest at NAS North Island, California where he served as the F/A-18 Integrated Project Team Military Program Manager and F/A18A-F Hornet and Super Hornet functional check pilot.
Commander Aiello retired from the US Navy in March 2017 following nearly 25 years of faithful and honorable service. He accrued 3,800 total flight hours including 3,200 in all models of the F/A-18 and nearly 200 in the F-16A/B. He has flown more than 70 combat missions over Iraq and performed over 700 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, and numerous personal and unit decorations.
Commander Aiello is married to the former Beth Grimm of Rogers, Arkansas; they reside in Coronado with their three sons: Slater, Anthony, and Dawson.

Lights, Camera… Conspiracy: A.C. Adams discusses "Chasing Shadows"
2025-06-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Public Library and Ollie Media as they welcome author duo A.C. Adams to discuss their debut novel, a gripping tale of mystery, betrayal, and the search for truth. In Chasing Shadows, a young woman’s father disappears without warning and a cryptic message is all he leaves behind. Her quest to find him leads across continents and into a tangle of buried secrets that will shatter everything she believed about her family. The authors, veterans of the entertainment industry with backgrounds in both television and theatre, will discuss their inspirations for the book and more.
Watch the trailer for their book here.
A book signing will follow the talk. This event is free and open to the public to attend. Books will be available for sale.
About Chasing Shadows
When renowned professor Dr. Aidan Ryan vanishes without explanation, he leaves behind a haunting message revealing he has a new life and can never return. His devastated daughter Sofia embarks on a global search to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance. What she finds is more shocking than she could have imagined—a web of family secrets and lies that challenges everything she thought she knew.
After clues send her to Italy, Sofia reconnects with her estranged mother Ella who reveals a hidden past of trauma and deceit. When they discover Aidan’s ties to The Brotherhood, an elusive, powerful society that operates in the shadows of world affairs, Sofia and Ella become ensnared in a deadly conspiracy. Trapped in ancient catacombs beneath the Roman countryside, they must confront their mysterious captors and fight for their lives. But as they edge closer to escape, one question remains: Will Aidan choose his family or The Brotherhood?
A.C. Adams is the nom de plume of co-authors Anthony Leigh Adams and Christina Adams. They have written and produced film and television projects for studios including Disney, ABC, CBS, NBC, and OWN. Their production company, Adams Entertainment, is based in La Jolla, California. For more information about Chasing Shadows and A.C. Adams’s other projects, visit adamsentertainment.com.

Free Interactive STEM Show for Families
2025-07-09 12:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for a science-filled adventure the whole family will love! Join Science Heroes at the Coronado Community Center on Wednesday, July 9 at 12 PM for “Adventure of the Missing Color”—a FREE interactive STEM show packed with exciting experiments and theatrical storytelling.
Kids will be amazed by hands-on science fun exploring chemical reactions, air pressure, and explosive physics! This unique blend of education and entertainment will keep them engaged from start to finish. Happening in the Nautilus Room, this is a can’t-miss event for curious minds of all ages!
For more info, call 619-522-7342.

"Down to the Bone" Caitlin Rother and the McStay Family Murders
2025-07-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us for an evening of true crime and investigative insight as New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother discusses her latest book, Down to the Bone, a riveting deep dive into the San Diego-based McStay family murders. This high-profile case captured national attention—featured on the cover of People magazine and in several TV documentaries—and led to the conviction and death sentence of Joseph McStay’s business associate, Charles “Chase” Merritt.
At this special event thanks to the San Diego Writers Festival, Rother will take the audience behind the scenes of her reporting, unpacking how assumptions, missteps, and courtroom controversy—including claims of confirmation bias and prosecutorial misconduct—shaped the outcome of one this disturbing case.
Books will be available to purchase thanks to Bay Books Coronado. A book signing will follow the event.

ABOUT DOWN TO THE BONE
In her latest work of investigative nonfiction, DOWN TO THE BONE, New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother explores the messy high-profile case of the McStay family murders, which were featured on the cover of People magazine and in several TV documentaries. Rother takes readers step-by-step through the decisions, assumptions, and theories by detectives and prosecutors that ultimately led Joseph McStay’s waterfall builder, Charles “Chase” Merritt, to be sent to death row after a trial marked by accusations of confirmation bias and prosecutorial misconduct.
Joseph McStay was last seen on Feb. 4, 2010, when he had lunch with Charles “Chase” Merritt. Subsequently unable to reach Joseph for days, Merritt urged Joseph’s mother and brother to contact authorities, while Joseph’s other associate, Dan Kavanaugh, called the police himself. Joseph’s brother Michael finally reported the family missing on Feb. 15, but detectives found no blood or sign of a struggle in the house, and no clues to the family’s whereabouts. Soon, Merritt and Kavanaugh were pointing fingers at each other as they fought for control of Joseph’s business. The only thing that key parties in this case could agree on was that this case was about money.
Within months of the family’s remains being discovered, San Bernardino County sheriff’s detectives had focused their investigation on Merritt, despite the lack of forensic evidence tying him to murder at the house or in his truck and belongings. During a six-month trial, the defense illustrated that Kavanaugh, who was never considered a suspect and ducked a subpoena to testify, had the same alleged motive as Merritt.
This book takes a behind-the-scenes look at the flaws in the two sheriff’s investigations and the prosecution’s firm belief that they got the right man, despite contradictions in their timeline and the unanswered questions about when and where this family was killed.
After reviewing voluminous court files, including 1,200 exhibits, hundreds of photos, and thousands of pages of records, Rother was able to paint a comprehensive and compelling portrait of this family’s life at the time they disappeared. In addition to these public records, Rother’s book is based on her own interviews and crucial discovery materials—including witness interviews and investigative reports—that took a dozen years to obtain. This deep research enabled her to disclose new and exclusive case details that have never been released publicly, to describe the eventful journey to trial, and to sensitively portray the lasting impact on Joseph’s and Summer’s families.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caitlin Rother has written or co-authored 16 books, ranging from true crime to thrillers and memoir. A New York Times-bestselling author and investigative journalist, Rother worked nearly 20 years for daily newspapers. Writing books full-time since 2006, she draws from decades of watchdog reporting on topics from addiction to suicide, mental illness, murder, government, political corruption and the criminal justice system. A popular speaker, she has appeared more than 250 times on TV, radio, and podcasts as a crime expert. A former writing instructor of 10 years, she coaches a limited number of aspiring author clients. In her spare time, she goes ocean swimming, sings and plays keyboards in a jazzy, bluesy trio called In the Lounge.

Explore Weird Moons with NASA Ambassadors
2025-07-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Calling all young astronauts! Join us for a special program with NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors, David Narevsky and Lyford Rome. They will teach us about “weird” moons and other unusual objects in space, both in and outside of our solar system. Activity to follow!

The Battle of Leyte Gulf Lecture
2025-07-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us for a compelling presentation on the Battle of Leyte Gulf—the final major fleet operation of World War II and the largest naval battle in history. Spanning over 100,000 square miles and involving nearly 300 ships, this epic conflict resulted in the loss of 26 vessels and more than 400,000 lives.
Discover how this pivotal battle marked the end of the Japanese Navy as an offensive force, featuring four major naval engagements. The climactic final confrontation saw the lightly armed escort carriers of Taffy 2 and Taffy 3 face off against a powerful Japanese fleet led by the world’s largest battleship.
The battle also saw the first organized kamikaze attacks in the Pacific and set the stage for the U.S. liberation of the Philippines—culminating in General Douglas MacArthur’s iconic declaration: “I have returned.”

Wildlife Comes to Coronado: Free Live Animal Show at the Community Center
2025-07-16 12:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us at the Coronado Community Center on Wednesday, July 16 at 12 pm for a free live animal show that’s as educational as it is exciting.

Presented by Zovargo, a wildlife education organization, this event offers a hands-on learning experience where you can meet reptiles, mammals, birds, and more. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, the show takes place in the Nautilus Room and will introduce you to a variety of fascinating animals while teaching about their ecosystems and the importance of conservation. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature right in your own community!
For details, call 619-522-7342

College Admissions Essay Workshop
2025-07-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Five Secrets for WINNING Personal Statement Essays
Want your college essay to stand out in a sea of applicants? Join nationally recognized college admissions and essay expert Ms. G. as she reveals her Top 5 Secrets for crafting unforgettable personal statements. Perfect for students and parents, this free workshop will cover what colleges really want, powerful hooks, essay do’s and don’ts, and real examples that got students into Yale, Brown, Duke, UCLA, and more.
Presented by Ms. Eva Goetze (Ms. G.)
Founder of College Advising Boutique | Strategic College Consultant | Career & Major Specialist
Eva Goetze, known to families as Ms. G., offers elite, personalized college advising for students of all motivation levels—whether driven or still discovering their path. With nearly two decades of experience mentoring teens and over a decade in high-level leadership roles—including former COO and three-time Chief of Staff in FinTech, AI, real estate, and marketing—Ms. G. brings sharp strategy and real-world insight to the college admissions process.
At College Advising Boutique, she combines cutting-edge tools with a deeply personalized approach, guiding families through every stage: major exploration, college list development, essay editing, and application timeline management. Ms. G. stays on the pulse of emerging careers, trending majors, and competitive admissions standards, helping students prepare not just for acceptance—but for long-term success.
Ms. G. is especially known for her essay expertise, having taught English in over four international countries and edited more than 20,000 essays and drafts. Her students’ essays have helped them gain acceptance to top-tier and highly selective schools, including Yale, Brown, Duke, Rice University, Tulane, Michigan State, Claremont McKenna, and all University of California campuses, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego.
Her approach empowers students to find their authentic voice, tell powerful stories, and submit applications that rise to the top.

July Spice It Up, Coronado!
2025-07-18 02:30 - 15:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Discover a new favorite spice or herb with Coronado Public Library! Each month, the library invites community members to explore different spices used in dishes around the world. Registrants will pick up the monthly spice/herb selection at the library, cook with it, and join other food enthusiasts to discuss what they made and their thoughts about the spice.
For the month of July we will be sampling Cajun seasoning.
The meeting will be held, on Zoom, on Friday, July 18 at 2:30 p.m. The Zoom link will be emailed the day before we meet. Once registered, participants will receive an email about when they can pick up their sample of spice and a couple of recipes. This program is a great way to try new ingredients in your dishes and become a more confident cook in the kitchen!
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.

Callooh Callay! A Brillig Look At Wonderland Through A University Looking Glass
2025-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join Linda Cassady for a journey into the literary wonderland of Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, through the treasured Cassady Carroll Collection of University of Southern California’s Special Collections. This engaging lecture explores how a remarkable book collection has inspired students to discover the genius behind Alice’s adventures, transforming some into artists in their own right. Discover the extensive works by and about Lewis Carroll housed in the USC Special Collections, and learn how an innovative Wonderland Award competition sparks the imagination of Southern California students as they pursue and rediscover Dodgson’s legacy. Come see how students tumble down their own rabbit holes of creativity, finding Alice in the wonderland of their own imaginations through art, literature, and scholarly exploration.

The Carroll Collection
The Cassady Lewis Carroll Collection was established in 2000 and has grown to contain more than 6,000 rare books, pamphlets, letters, and other items related to the work of Lewis Carroll including inscribed editions, books from Carroll‘s own library, and many works by major illustrators of the Alice stories. There are signed copies of movie scripts, playbills from stage adaptations, Victorian-era playing cards, and pop-up books. More recently, comic books, graphic novels, manga editions, literary parodies, computer games, movies, and original art work related to Carroll and his Alice books are part of the collection.
The Wonderland Award
The Annual Wonderland Award is an annual multidisciplinary competition at the University of Southern California that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. A primary goal is to promote use of the G. Edward Cassady, M.D., and Margaret Elizabeth Cassady, R.N., Lewis Carroll Collection, held in Doheny Library at USC.
Since 2005, about 600 students have reimagined, reinterpreted, and remixed Carroll’s stories. Submissions include film and screenplays; poetry and readings; short fiction; book art [writing desks, boxes of wonder, missing diaries]; music, lyrics, scores, and performances; art [photography, painting, digital art, art installations]; ballet and dance; golf courses, board and digital games [with music, readings, and polysyllogisms]; illustrated novels; arts and crafts [dolls, ceramic tea sets, and fashion], and scholarly essays.

Linda Cassady and her husband, George Cassady, MD, gifted a Lewis Carroll Collection to the University of Southern California in 2000. Her area of “collecting” Carroll is as a sponsor and judge of the Wonderland Award, an annual multidisciplinary competition that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. Linda is a member of the USC Libraries Board of Councilors. She is the past president and current treasurer of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America.

Meet the Creatures of San Diego: A Free Live Reptile Show for Families
2025-07-23 12:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Community Center invites you to a free, live, interactive reptile show presented by The Living Coast Discovery Center on Wednesday, July 23 at noon.
This family-friendly presentation features local wildlife in their exciting “Move It!” program. Find out how animals slither, swim, jump, and fly in the most interesting ways. Participants will learn about local animals that call San Diego home. Through fun dance moves and up-close animal encounters, participants will walk away knowing how to crawl like a tortoise and slither like a snake.
No advanced registration is required; come to the Nautilus Room in the community center for some up-close and personal animal encounters right here in Coronado. Bring your family to share your love of nature with them.
For more information, call 619-522-7342.

Clean Eating Summer Snacks + Treats Cooking Demo
2025-07-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Learn to re-make all your favorite summer treats the healthy plant-based and gluten-free way with Katie’s Healing Kitchen! Come hungry as this class includes samples of all dishes.

Cake Batter Milkshake w/ Hidden Cauliflower
Totally Loaded Nachos w/ House-Made Cashew Cheese + all the fixin’s
“Snickers” Stuffed Dates

Registration is required.

Katie Farina is the owner and chef behind Katie’s Healing Kitchen. She teaches vegan and gluten-free cooking classes in San Diego. Katie is the author of “Katie’s Healing Kitchen,” a cookbook with over 100 vegan recipes focusing on using food as medicine. Find her at: www.katieshealingkitchen.com or on Instagram @katieshealingkitchen.

A Wild Encounter in Coronado – Up Close with Exotic Animals
2025-07-30 12:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Wild creatures are coming to Coronado! Enter the mysterious world of the rainforest—without leaving town! On Wednesday, July 30 at noon, the Coronado Community Center’s Nautilus Room becomes the gateway to Wild Wonders, an unforgettable wildlife experience. Watch in awe as captivating creatures from South America emerge from the shadows—Think a slinking boa constrictor, a wide-eyed kinkajou, or even a curious armadillo. This free event invites animal lovers of all ages to meet these exotic animals up close, guided by the knowledge and passion of a seasoned animal biologist. Let your wild side roam!

Summer Reading Teen Event: Fairy Garden
2025-07-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Teen Summer Reading events happen every Wednesday at 3 pm during the Summer Reading Program, June 16-August 9.
Today’s Activity: Make a Mini Fairy Garden — design and decorate your own mini fairy garden, complete with mini fairy house you’ll get to paint.
Teen events are for those entering or finishing grades 6-12.

Foamy Fun with Dynamite Dave
2025-08-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Dynamite Dave is back again for some foamy fun! Enjoy the end of summer with some non-toxic and hypoallergenic foam! For the third year in a row the library invites you and your family for this fun event. Bathing suits highly recommended, goggles suggested but not necessary!

Special Mystery Book Club: A History of Mystery with Bryan Plank
2025-08-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us for a special session of Mystery Book Club with guest speaker Bryan Plank, who will take us through a brief history of the genre and discuss some of the formative historic mysteries. Bryan first started reading mysteries in elementary school with the Sherlock Holmes stories and novels. What really connected him to the genre was reading Some Buried Caesar by Rex Stout. Ultimately, he has read hundreds of mysteries and watched thousands of mystery movies and television programs. He has visited and corresponded with some of the leading mystery writers of our times.
The Coronado Public Library’s Mystery Book club meets regularly on the third Monday of each month. Receive reminder emails about our meeting by registering below. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Summer on the Strand: Storytelling with Aunt Li-Anne
2025-08-06 09:30 - 10:30 | Silver Strand Youth Center, 1302 Leyte Road, Coronado, 92118, United States
Join us this Summer on the Strand! The Coronado Public Library, in collaboration with the Silver Strand Youth Center, will be hosting exciting events for all ages every Wednesday at 9:30 am all summer long. Kids, teens, and adults can sign up for our Summer Reading Program at these events, log their reads, and pick up their prizes while enjoying a different fun-filled event each week. These events will take place outside, so pack your sunscreen and a blanket to sit on and enjoy. * Please note that public restrooms are not available at this location.
This program is made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.

Come hear Professional Storyteller Aunt Li-Anne enchant your imagination with “Around the World with Stories: Tales of Kids and Critters from other countries.” Embark on thrilling adventures to Mexico, Europe, and Asia, where captivating tales of children and curious critters await. Aunt Li-Anne weaves magic with her vibrant narratives, bringing to life the rich cultures and traditions of distant lands. Spark your child’s curiosity and foster a love for global storytelling. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey!

Summer Reading Teen Event: Mini Droid
2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Teen Summer Reading events happen every Wednesday at 3 pm during the Summer Reading Program, June 16-August 9.
Today’s activity: Mini Droid. Make your own mini wooden, motorized droid. Choose from a number of different robot kits.
Teen events are for those entering or finishing grades 6-12.

Film Forum Coronado: "12 Angry Men"
2025-08-06 18:00 - 20:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Public Library, in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival, presents Film Forum Coronado, taking place the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 pm in the library’s Winn Room. Film expert Ralph DeLauro provides a brief introduction to each film and leads a discussion afterwards, often including pointers about how lighting or camera angles contribute to a scene’s mood or propel the story.

August 6: 12 Angry Men (1957, Approved, 97 min)
Sidney Lumet’s radical, behind-closed-doors look at the American legal system is an electrifying snapshot of 1950’s America on the verge of change. Henry Fonda is the lone dissenting member of an all-white jury passing judgement on a Puerto Rican teen charged with murder. With Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall, Jack Warden and Edward Binns.

Cooking Workshop: Tacos, Tostadas & Ceviche
2025-08-08 14:00 - 15:30 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Add some flavor to your afternoon with a vibrant, hands-on culinary workshop featuring three iconic Mexican dishes. On Friday, August 8, from 2 to 3:30 pm, the John D. Spreckels Center invites adult participants to learn from culinary-trained staff Naomi and Norma in a fun and interactive kitchen setting.
In this workshop, you’ll prepare and get to sample:

Ahi Tuna Tostadas – Chipotle mayo, fried leeks, avocado, and marinated ahi tuna layered over a crispy tostada.

Fish Ceviche Tostadas – Fresh fish marinated in citrus and spices, served atop a crisp tostada.

Tacos Gobernador – A savory mix of shrimp, melted cheese, and flavorful seasonings, folded into warm tortillas.

Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this small-group workshop offers an opportunity to build skills and enjoy flavorful creations in a fun and social setting.
The workshop will take place at the John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street. The cost is $60–$90 (depending on residency and senior discount).
To register, visit coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the John D. Spreckels Center in person.
Space is limited—early registration is encouraged with a registration deadline of 48 hours in advance.

Callooh Callay! A Brillig Look At Wonderland Through A University Looking Glass
2025-08-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join Linda Cassady for a journey into the literary wonderland of Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, through the treasured Cassady Carroll Collection of USC’s Special Collections. This engaging lecture explores how a remarkable book collection has inspired students to discover the genius behind Alice’s adventures, transforming some into artists in their own right. Discover the extensive works by and about Lewis Carroll housed in the University of Southern California Special Collections, and learn how an innovative Wonderland Award competition sparks the imagination of Southern California students as they pursue and rediscover Dodgson’s legacy. Come see how students tumble down their own rabbit holes of creativity, finding Alice in the wonderland of their own imaginations through art, literature, and scholarly exploration.

The Carroll Collection
The Cassady Lewis Carroll Collection was established in 2000 and has grown to contain more than 6,000 rare books, pamphlets, letters, and other items related to the work of Lewis Carroll including inscribed editions, books from Carroll‘s own library, and many works by major illustrators of the Alice stories. There are signed copies of movie scripts, playbills from stage adaptations, Victorian-era playing cards, and pop-up books. More recently, comic books, graphic novels, manga editions, literary parodies, computer games, movies, and original art work related to Carroll and his Alice books are part of the collection.
The Wonderland Award
The Annual Wonderland Award is an annual multidisciplinary competition at the University of Southern California that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. A primary goal is to promote use of the G. Edward Cassady, M.D., and Margaret Elizabeth Cassady, R.N., Lewis Carroll Collection, held in Doheny Library at USC.
Since 2005, about 600 students have reimagined, reinterpreted, and remixed Carroll’s stories. Submissions include film and screenplays; poetry and readings; short fiction; book art [writing desks, boxes of wonder, missing diaries]; music, lyrics, scores, and performances; art [photography, painting, digital art, art installations]; ballet and dance; golf courses, board and digital games [with music, readings, and polysyllogisms]; illustrated novels; arts and crafts [dolls, ceramic tea sets, and fashion], and scholarly essays.

Linda Cassady and her husband, George Cassady, MD, gifted a Lewis Carroll Collection to the University of Southern California in 2000. Her area of “collecting” Carroll is as a sponsor and judge of the Wonderland Award, an annual multidisciplinary competition that encourages new scholarship and creative work related to Lewis Carroll. Linda is a member of the USC Libraries Board of Councilors. She is the past president and current treasurer of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America.

Coronado Plein Air Art Exhibition Reception
2025-08-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
All are welcome to the opening reception of the Coronado Plein Air Art Exhibition. Meet the artists, listen to live music, and enjoy light refreshments. Meet the winner of the Coronado Art Prize, artist Mary Hale.
The exhibit will feature artists: Mary Hale, Jim Nix, Katie Karosich, Connie Spitzer, Jody Esquer, Doris Rice, Joan Nie, Matt DeGree, Nathan McCall, and Tina Christiansen
Cellist Peter Ko will perform from 2 to 3 p.m.
Exhibit is curated by the Coronado Art Colony and runs August 5 – November 1.

Musical Storytime Takeover with Ralph's World
2025-08-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for a fun filled morning of music with Ralph’s World at this special Baby Storytime takeover. Perfect for littles (and their bigger siblings) to enjoy musical favorites and interactive fun.
Baby storytime will resume as normal the following week.

Bowers Museum Cultural Day Trip
2025-08-12 08:00 - 18:00 | CA
Join the John D. Spreckels Center for a unique cultural outing to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, home to some of the most celebrated exhibitions in the country. This day trip offers a chance to experience the World of the Terracotta Warriors exhibition up close, featuring life-sized statues and artifacts buried over 2,000 years ago with China’s first emperor.
Photo by Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup on Unsplash
Guests will travel comfortably aboard a luxury charter bus with an onboard restroom. Upon arrival, enjoy a professionally guided tour of the exhibit, providing in-depth insights into one of the world’s most iconic archaeological discoveries.
In addition to the featured exhibition, visitors are encouraged to explore Bowers’ other exceptional galleries, browse the museum gift shop, and enjoy eating lunch outside of the galleries. Please bring a packed lunch or plan to dine by making a reservation at the Tangata restaurant. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Trip Details:
Date: Monday, August 12
Time: 8 am to 6 pm
Departure Location: John D. Spreckels Center, Coronado
Call for pricing: 619-522-7343
Senior discounts available (ages 55+)
Refund Policy: Cancellations must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore ancient history and world-renowned art at one of California’s premier cultural destinations. Space is limited—reserve your seat today!
To register: Visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the Spreckels Center at 1019 Seventh St., Coronado.

History of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter Lecture
2025-08-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Once home to the notorious Stingaree district, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has transformed from a rowdy red-light zone into a vibrant, historic hub of culture, architecture, and commerce. Join the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation as they trace the area’s evolution—from its Wild West beginnings and waterfront vice to its Victorian revival and present-day status as a National Historic District. Discover the stories behind the brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and preserved buildings that now shape one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation (GQHF) is dedicated to preserving the architecture, culture and history of the Gaslamp Quarter, a 16 ½-block area designated as a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
Through museum exhibits, tours, festivals and educational programs for children and adults, the GQHF opens a window to the past by depicting the historical development of downtown San Diego since 1850.
The Foundation operates from the oldest standing residence in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Davis-Horton House Museum, a repository of artifacts, photos and archives that we preserve for residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy.
Founded in 1981 as a nonprofit corporation and recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt entity, the Foundation is led by an active Board of Directors that provides vision and leadership, sets policy and oversees the organization’s financial health. A professional staff led by an Executive Director carries out board policies and manages the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and the Museum.

Learn to Save a Life: Free CPR & AED Training Offered
2025-08-15 11:30 - 12:30 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
In a cardiac emergency, every second counts. San Diego Project Heartbeat is offering a free, hands-only CPR and AED training session to help community members learn how to act quickly and confidently when a life is on the line.
The one-hour training will take place on Friday, August 15, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street in Coronado.

This class is designed to teach participants how to recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and how to properly perform hands-only CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). While this training does not provide official CPR certification, it offers essential skills that could make the difference between life and death in an emergency.
The goal of Project Heartbeat is to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by providing community access to training and defibrillators. According to health experts, CPR—especially if performed immediately—can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Participants can sign up online at coronado.ca.us/civicrec, by calling 619-522-7343, or by visiting the Spreckels Center front desk.
Take this opportunity to learn how to save a life—it could be the most important hour of your summer.

Armchair Travel: Japanese Temple Gardens
2025-08-20 17:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Travel Talk at 5 PM · Armchair Presentation at 6:30 PM
John D. Spreckels Center
Join us for an evening of cultural exploration at the John D. Spreckels Center’s popular Armchair Travel event on Wednesday, August 20.
The evening begins with Travel Talk from 5 to 6 pm in the lounge — a free, informal gathering where travelers can share tips, experiences, and destination advice. All are welcome.
Then at 6:30 pm, enjoy Armchair Travel: Japanese Temple Gardens, a captivating presentation by Susan Anderson, daughter of Helen Anderson, founder of the Armchair Travel series. A former U.S. Embassy staff member in Tokyo, Susan visited more than 35 temples during her time in Japan and will share her passion for the country’s stunning temple gardens, culture, and spiritual architecture.
In the spirit of the evening, feel free to wear a kimono or traditional Japanese attire.
Pricing varies for Armchair Travel admission. Light refreshments included.
Register online at ca-coronado.civicrec.com
call 619-522-7343, or visit the Spreckels Center front desk at 1019 Seventh Street.
No passport needed—just curiosity and a love of travel!
