Coronado Times

Explore Weird Moons with NASA Ambassadors
2025-07-15 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

Wine & Lecture: It's Not Your Grandfather's AI
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
CORRECTION: This listing was incorrectly put on the calendar for Aug. 28. We apologize for the error. The event took place on Aug. 21.

Join us for our first Wine & Lecture of the season! The Coronado Historical Association will host long-time Coronado resident Captain George Galdorisi (U.S. Navy – retired), who will talk about AI-technologies and their impact on our daily lives.
Have you ever wondered about how we arrived where we are with AI today? It goes back further than most people think. Join us Thursday, August 21 at 5:30 pm.
Tickets are available now
Member ($15 each)
Non-Member ($20 each)
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.
About George Galdorisi

Captain George Galdorisi (U.S. Navy – retired) is a career naval aviator and national security professional. During his 30-year career, he had four tours in command and served as a carrier strike group chief of staff. Additionally, he led the U.S. delegation for military-to-military talks with the Chinese Navy. He is Director of Strategic Assessments and Technical Futures at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.
He is the author of seventeen books, including four consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is co-editor of the U.S. Naval Institute book: AI At War: How Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Changing Naval Warfare. His most recent book is Algorithms and Armageddon: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Wars. His most recent novel, Fire and Ice, is eerily prescient, as it foresaw Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Service Academy Information Night
2025-08-25 16:30 | Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego, CA, 92109, United States
On August 25, Representative Scott Peters will host an informative reception for students interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Peters has the privilege of nominating students to attend our nation’s service academies, which include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. The information night will allow students to talk with representatives from the five military service academies and members of the nomination selection board, learn more about the schools they wish to attend, and ask questions about the nomination application process.
Students, educators, and counselors from high schools within CA50 are expected to attend. Rep. Peters will provide brief introductory remarks, then attendees can speak with service academy representatives in a college fair style event.
Learn more here.

RELATED:
Coronado Students Receive Service Academy Nominations from Congressman Scott Peters

Who's Afraid of Intelligent Tools?: Autonomous Systems, Guardian Angel Systems, and the Dangers of Cognitive Offloading
2025-08-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems increasingly permeate our daily lives, we face new questions about trust, dependence, and the erosion of critical thinking. University of San Diego’s Dr. Darby Vickers explores the the psychological and ethical consequences of offloading human judgment to machines.

Write Your Story: Memoir 101
2025-09-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library and the San Diego Writers Festival will host a series of writing workshops this fall. Each focused on a different topic, writers both new and experienced will find new strategies to hone their craft. Writers who attend a workshop will have the opportunity to have the entry fee waived if they choose to participate in Acorn Publishing Debut Author contest (details available here.)
This month, attendees will learn the art of memoir writing. Are you seeking a way to transform the stories of your life into a compelling, page-turning memoir? Join Tracy J. Jones, developmental editor and writing coach, for a fun, interactive writing workshop that will educate and inspire your own memoir-writing journey.
Topics include:

The difference between a memoir, a personal essay, and an autobiography
Identifying your memoir’s container
What’s your character arc?
How to identify your memoir’s theme
A checklist for effective scene writing

This event will take place via Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link for this event.

Tracy J. Jones is a content writer, developmental editor, writing coach, and International Memoir Writers Association president. She co-produces the San Diego Memoir Showcase and co-edits the award-winning anthology, Shaking the Tree: brazen. short. memoir. Tracy is a co-instructor for the Memoir Certificate program at San Diego Writers, Ink, and runs three writing groups. She is currently working on her memoir, Starting Over at Ground Zero.

College Admissions Essay Workshop
2025-09-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
5 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.

Wine & Lecture: Navy Nurse Corps
2025-09-18 17:30 - 19:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Historical Association welcomes Captain Nancy Owen (ret.) for the next installment of the Fall 2025 Wine & Lecture Series. Captain Owen will be speaking on the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.
Nurses have served in the Navy since 1908 in a variety of duty stations, stateside and overseas, on board hospital ships, aircraft carriers, as flight nurses, on rapidly deployable medical and surgical teams, in fleet hospitals, in the White House, and even in Yosemite National Park. Captain Owen will share experiences from her surprise and unique deployment to Zagreb, Croatia, as part of Fleet Hospital SIX in support of Operation Provide Promise in 1994.
Join us on Thursday, September 18, at 5:30 pm for a wine & cheese reception followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available now
Member ($15.00 each)
Non-Member ($20.00 each)
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.

About the Speaker:
Captain Nancy Owen received her Diploma in Nursing from Saint Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1972. In 1982 she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of San Diego, and in 1990 a Master of Science Degree in Critical Care Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania.
She joined the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps in 1972 during the Vietnam era and served for nearly twenty-five years in a variety of assignments stateside and overseas including a tour at the former U.S. Naval Hospital, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. From March to August 1994, Captain Owen served as Director, Nursing Services, U.S. Fleet Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia, a 60 bed tent hospital on the tarmac of the Zagreb airport. She was one of 150 medical personnel from Fleet Hospital SIX who deployed in March 1994 in support of OPERATION PROVIDE PROMISE and over 40,000 United Nations Protection Forces in the former Republic of Yugoslavia.
Captain Owen retired from the U.S. Navy in September 1997. Her last duty station was Naval Medical Center San Diego, where she served as Special Assistant to the Commander for Patient Relations, responsible for responding to Congressional inquiries and patient letters of concern and appreciation.
Captain Owen is a longtime member of and served as President of the Navy Nurse Corps Association of Southern California from 2000-2009. She has been the editor of their newsletter, The Oakleaf, for the past 15 years. She is a member and current secretary of the California Veterans Home, Chula Vista Support Foundation, Charter Member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, life member of the Military Officer’s Association of America, and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2422.
She is married to Commander Wayne Owen, Supply Corps, USN (retired). They have an adult son, Paul.

¡Guerra! The People and Places of the US-Mexico War in San Diego Lecture
2025-09-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
In December 1846, the largest battle of the US-Mexico War in California occurred about 30 miles north of Old Town, in the San Pasqual Valley near today’s San Diego Zoo Safari Park. American and Mexican forces struggled for control of Alta California and the battle paved the way to the eventual Mexican surrender near Los Angeles, a month later. As part of the broader war from 1846 to 1848, the action near San Diego secured control of Upper California for the United States and ensured its inclusion as part of the land ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848 under the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 175 years ago, in 1850, California became the 31st state.

David Miller received his PhD from the University of California, San Diego in 2007. His research focus is the social and cultural history of the nineteenth-century United States.
David has been with USD since 2005, offering a range of upper and lower-division courses including The Civil War and Reconstruction, The Civil War and Reconstruction in Popular Culture, US Immigration History, California History, A History of Race and San Diego, US History to 1877, and Race and Ethnicity in the American Experience. Miller received the 2017 Faculty Award for Exceptional Teaching, the 2019 Center for Educational Excellence “Best Attendance” award, and in 2020 the Center for Catholic Thought and Culture travel grant to explore the history of immigration in San Francisco and New York City from a Catholic perspective. He is the History Department’s internship program coordinator.
David also serves as the co-editor of The Journal of San Diego History, a joint venture with the San Diego History Center, and can be found on any given day out and about exploring our city.
