Coronado Times

Behind the Headlines with Andrew Keatts at Coronado Democratic Club meeting
2025-10-22 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club invites the community to its October evening meeting featuring Andrew Keatts, one of San Diego’s most respected journalists.
Keatts has been a distinguished voice in San Diego journalism for 15 years. He began
his career with The Daily Transcript, later became an investigative reporter and
managing editor at Voice of San Diego, and most recently co-founded Axios San Diego.
In 2018, he was named Journalist of the Year by the San Diego Society of
Professional Journalists. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, he lives in Golden Hill
with his wife and two young sons.
Keatts will share insights from his years covering San Diego’s civic life and discuss
stories that highlight collaboration, progress, and optimism about the region’s future.
Doors open at 5:30 PM for a half-hour social; program begins at 6 PM.

Bridge & Bay Garden Club: Low and Behold
2025-10-27 09:15 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Moving beyond tall, imposing centerpieces, the BBGC will demonstrate how to design eye-level and below florals to enhance any tablescape. Come watch BBGC members Nancy Baldwin and June Meehan show off their floral skills.
Social time will begin at 9:15 am and the program will follow at 9:30 am.

Exhibit Opening Reception & Lecture: Bitter Sweet with Kitty Morse
2025-11-06 17:30 - 19:00 | CA
CHA is proud to announce the opening of its newest WWII exhibit. In honor of this exhibit, join us Thursday, November 6, for an exhibit opening reception and lecture featuring author Kitty Morse. Kitty will discuss her new book, Bitter Sweet: A Wartime Journal and Heirloom Recipes from Occupied France. This book was written after she discovered her great-grandfather’s journal chronicling the advance of the Germans in Le Grand Est (Alsace-Lorraine) between April and December 1940, and two notebooks filled with recipes written in her great-grandmother’s hand in a suitcase left to her by her mother. Bitter Sweet takes place in and around her mother’s birthplace, Châlons-sur-Marne (now Châlons-en-Champagne). Blanche Lévy-Neymarck, Morse’s maternal great-grandmother, died at Auschwitz in 1944 along with one of her daughters and her son-in-law. Blanche’s husband Prosper, an army surgeon in WWI, was twice the recipient of the Légion d’Honneur. This book is not just the story of a family torn apart by war, but it also features 70 unique recipes that show the rich history of a family.
On Thursday, November 6, a wine & cheese reception at 5:30 pm will be 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: Award-winning author Kitty Morse was born in Casablanca, Morocco, to a French mother and a British father. She emigrated to the United States at the age of 17. While studying for her master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kitty catered Moroccan diffas, or banquets, and went on to teach the intricacies of Moroccan cuisine in cooking schools and department stores nationwide. In June 2002, she conducted a Culinary Concert on Moroccan culture and cuisine hosted by Julia Child, as a benefit for the Harry Bell Foundation of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Kitty’s books have been translated into French, German, Polish, and Czech. In 1984 (and for the next 25 years) she initiated annual gastronomic tours to Morocco that included culinary demonstrations in her family home, a Moorish riad south of Casablanca. Her monthly e-newsletter, The Kasbah Chronicles, in French and in English, is now in its 12th year of circulation.

Wine & Lecture: Historic Districts 101
2025-11-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Coronado Historical Association, 1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
What makes a neighborhood historic—and why does it matter?
Join us for an engaging evening exploring the ins and outs of historic districts. From quaint main streets to architecturally significant neighborhoods, historic districts help communities preserve character, foster civic pride, and encourage thoughtful stewardship through tools like the Mills Act and the California Historical Building Code.
This lecture will also highlight Coronado’s own historic preservation program, including how to create historic districts, how property owners can benefit from designation, and what recent updates to the municipal code mean for Coronado’s future. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the steps involved in creating a historic district in their own neighborhood.
Whether you’re a homeowner, longtime resident, preservation enthusiast, or simply curious about how communities protect their past, this talk will offer practical insights and local perspective.
Join us on Thursday, November 13, 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.

Crown Garden Club meeting
2025-11-20 09:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Crown Garden Club’s general meeting is on Thursday, November 20, in the Winn Room at the Coronado Public Library.
The social hour is at 9:30 am, the meeting begins at 10 am, and the Guest Speaker is at 10:30 am.
The Club’s November speaker is floral designer Kathy Taylor de Murillo who will be sharing ideas for holiday floral design. Kathy is a lifelong Southern California girl who moved to San Diego 40 years ago. She joined Bonita Valley Garden Club and began taking floral design classes. She has taught floral design classes for the San Diego Floral Association and has made floral demonstrations at schools, libraries, and garden clubs around the county. A graduate of the rigorous Flower Show Judges School, Kathy has judged numerous flower shows throughout the state including the Coronado Flower Show.
The meeting is open to the public.

Coping with grief during the holidays, in-person virtual presentation
2025-11-20 14:00 - 15:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The John D. Spreckels Center is partnering with Sharp Coronado Hospital to offer a free, live virtual presentation: Coping with Grief During the Holidays.
Grief can feel especially heavy during the holiday season. This compassionate discussion, led by experienced medical professionals from Sharp Coronado Hospital, will explore healthy ways to understand, navigate, and cope with loss during this time of year.
This program is part of Sharp Coronado Hospital’s ongoing series of quality health presentations, created in response to community feedback.
To register or learn more, visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the Spreckels Center in person.

Coronado Democratic Club November general meeting featuring Dr. Allison Gill
2025-11-22 10:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club welcomes members and guests to its November general meeting on Saturday, November 22, in the Winn Room at the Coronado Library. Doors open at 10:30 am for a brief social, and the program will begin at 11 am.
We are pleased to feature Dr. Allison Gill as our guest speaker. A Navy Veteran, comedian, and the award-winning podcaster behind the popular MSW Media network, Dr. Gill brings sharp insight and engaging commentary to today’s political landscape. Known by many through her online presence as “Mueller, She Wrote,” she blends humor, depth, and clarity in a way that resonates with audiences nationwide.
About the Speaker
Dr. Gill served in the U.S. Navy and later became known for her advocacy work, including her appearance in the Oscar-nominated documentary The Invisible War, which helped spotlight the issue of military sexual trauma. She went on to earn her doctorate and has been a strong national voice on government accountability, public service, and veterans’ issues.
Following her federal service, Dr. Gill launched the MSW Media podcast network, which now produces several award-winning shows focused on news, politics, and justice. Her work has established her as a trusted commentator with a uniquely compelling blend of expertise and humor.
The Coronado Democratic Club is proud to host Dr. Gill for what promises to be an insightful and energizing program.

Edible Landscapes with Chuck McClung
2025-11-24 09:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Bridge and Bay Garden Club presents Chuck McClung speaking on edible landscapes. Chuck is a talented botanist and author. Six of his books will be given away.

Inside the Hanoi Hilton: The Story of POW Doug Hegdahl
2025-12-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library and Historical Association invites you to a virtual event on Wednesday, Dec. 3 as Marc Leepson, the author of the best-selling book, The Unlikely War Hero: A Vietnam War POW’s Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton, discusses the amazing Vietnam War story of Doug Hegdahl, the youngest and lowest-ranking POW captured in North Vietnam and held in Hanoi.
This event will take place via Zoom. Register through the “Register Now” button below to receive the Zoom link for this event.
Register Now
“What a strange, fascinating, and ultimately powerful account of one man’s endurance of life as a POW during the American war in Vietnam . . . This book, I believe, will stand the test of time as one of the finest nonfiction narratives to emerge from the Vietnam War.” —Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried

Journalist and historian Marc Leepson is the author of eleven books, including four biographies: What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life; Lafayette: Idealist General; The Ballad of the Green Beret; and The Unlikely War Hero. A former staff writer for Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C., he written for many newspapers and magazines, and the Encyclopedia Britannic, and has been interviewed many times on radio and television, including on The Today Show, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and The BBC NewsHour. He is Senior Writer, Arts Editor and columnist for The VVA Veteran, the magazine published by Vietnam Veterans of America, and taught U.S. history at Laurel Ridge Community College in Warrenton, Va. from 2008-15.
Marc Leepson graduated from George Washington University in 1967. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1967-69, including a year in the Vietnam War, he received his honorable discharge and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in history from George Washington in 1971. He lives in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Armchair Travel: Bill Altaffer, “The World’s Most Traveled Person”
2025-12-10 18:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This month’s Armchair Travel presentation on Wednesday, Dec. 10, features renowned world explorer Bill Altaffer, internationally known as “The World’s Most Traveled Person.” Bill will share insights and stories from his third journey to Albania since the country’s transition to democracy.
Albania has become an increasingly popular destination, appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere, dramatic landscapes, and rich, complex history. Travelers can explore striking castles, traditional towns, and significant archaeological sites, along with a coastline that is drawing attention as an emerging Mediterranean getaway.
Bill will also introduce us to Kosovo, Albania’s neighboring independent state, celebrated for its mountain scenery, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural life.
This monthly Armchair Travel program offers an engaging evening of exploration and storytelling — perfect for anyone interested in discovering new cultures and destinations. Light bites provided. Doors open at 6 pm and the presentation begins at 6:30.
The presentation takes place at the John D. Spreckels Center, located at 1019 Seventh Street. To register or learn more, visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the Spreckels Center in person.

CHS interns: America250 Project presentations
2025-12-17 15:00 - 16:00 | 1000 Orange Ave, 1000 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Coronado Historical Association and the Coronado Public Library for special presentations by the fall 2025 Coronado High School interns. In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary, the interns will share their projects, which feature interviews with members of the Coronado High School Class of 1976.
This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Wine & Lecture: El Presidio de San Diego
2025-12-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Coronado Historical Association, 1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Historical Association is delighted to host noted historian, author, and SDSU lecturer Richard Carrico for the final installment of the fall 2025 Wine & Lecture Series. Mr. Carrico will be covering the buried history of San Diego’s lost city: El Presidio Real de San Diego. Established in 1769 and abandoned by 1835, El Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific coast and was the base for all the Spanish missions that spread throughout California. Come explore the history and hidden remnants of this National Historic Landmark through this fascinating lecture.
Join us Thursday, December 18, 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. No walk-ins will be admitted.
If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.

About the Speaker:
Richard L. Carrico, writer and educator, is a U.S Army veteran. He is a lecturer in the Department of American Indian Studies at San Diego State University and lives in Warner Springs. He is a well-respected scholar, public speaker, and researcher who has made significant contributions to our understanding of local Native American culture.
His primary area of research is the Indian people of southern California and northern Mexico followed closely by the Spanish colonial period in San Diego County. Richard was recently presented with the prestigious Norman Neuerburg Award for Outstanding Contributions Towards the Study and Preservation of California’s Missions, Presidios, and Ranchos.
In addition to more than 30 publications in professional journals, Richard is the author of an award-winning true crime book Monsters on the Loose (2024), History of Wines and Wineries of San Diego County (2016); Ramona and other books including the revised Strangers in a Stolen Land: The Indians of San Diego County (2018).
Beyond the academic realm Richard has authored historically or archaeologically based articles for the San Diego Union, California Magazine, Ranch and Coast Magazine, San Diego Home & Garden, and other popular magazines. He also has authored stand-alone chapters in four academic books.
LEARN MORE
Archaeologist and historian uncovers the story of San Diego’s Lost City

The Hive of 5: Historical fiction author event
2026-01-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
One incredible night, five New York Times bestselling historical fiction authors.

Kate Quinn (The Astral Library), Stephanie Dray (Becoming Madam Secretary), Kristina McMorris (The Girls of Good Fortune), Allison Pataki (It Girl), and Madeline Martin (The Secret Book Society) will come together to share the research, revelations, and hidden histories that bring their novels to life, offering readers a rare glimpse into the past through their collective expertise. After their discussion, a Q&A and 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 the newest release of one of the authors through Adventures by the Book. Please visit https://adventuresbythebook.com/calendar-event/history-hive-1-8-26/ for more information.

Kate Quinn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction whose work spans ancient Rome, the Italian Renaissance, and most recently the 20th century with hits like The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, The Diamond Eye, and The Briar Club. A native of Southern California with degrees in Classical Voice from Boston University, she now lives in Maryland with her husband and rescue dogs. Her upcoming novel, The Astral Library (February 2026), offers a fantastical adventure inviting readers into a world where books become portals to new lives and limitless possibilities.

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author known for richly researched historical novels such as The Women of Chateau Lafayette, My Dear Hamilton, and America’s First Daughter. Her award-winning work on the often-overlooked Founding Mothers has been translated into eight languages. Based in Maryland with her husband, cats, and a home full of history books, she recently released Becoming Madam Secretary, about trailblazing labor secretary Frances Perkins, and will soon publish A Founding Mother, an intimate portrait of Abigail Adams timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Kristina McMorris is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of ten historical works, including the million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday and the international bestseller The Ways We Hide, a top Target pick of 2022. A recipient of more than twenty national awards and a former television host who began her career at age nine, she now divides her time between San Diego and Oregon, where she’s raising two collegiate sons. Her latest novel, The Girls of Good Fortune, explores family, identity, and buried histories tied to Portland’s mysterious Shanghai Tunnels.

Allison Pataki is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous historical novels—including Finding Margaret Fuller, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, and The Queen’s Fortune—as well as a memoir and children’s books, with her work translated into more than 24 languages. A former news writer and producer, she has contributed to major media outlets and appeared on national television programs. A Yale graduate and certified yoga instructor, she lives in New York with her family. Her forthcoming novel, It Girl (March 2026), chronicles the dramatic rise of America’s original “It Girl.”

Madeline Martin is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and romance, including The Booklover’s Library, The Keeper of Hidden Books, and The Librarian Spy, with her novels translated into more than 25 languages. Living in Florida with her family and two spoiled cats, she credits her love of history to her upbringing as an Army brat in Germany. Her newest release, The Secret Book Society, a USA Today bestseller, transports readers to Victorian London for a tale of a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and brave women defying convention.

From Plate to Page: An evening with Jessica Secrest
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Public Library, in partnership with Warwick’s Bookstore, welcomes @applesauceandadhd Jessica Secrest as she discusses her new cookbook OF COURSE IT’S GOOD! on Tuesday, January 13.
This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and a paid ticket is required to enter. Ticket options are:

$10 entry only
$31.60 for admission for one person and one copy of OF COURSE IT’S GOOD
$39.83 for admission for two people and one copy of OF COURSE IT’S GOOD
Check-in starts/doors open at 6:15 pm. Please print out your tickets or have the QR code available on your phone.
Seating is first-come, first served.
“With Book” ticketholders will receive a paperback copy of OF COURSE IT’S GOOD at check-in.
Additional books will be available for purchase at this event.
The Performing Arts Center is directly behind the Coronado Public Library. You can view a parking map HERE. The two lots marked “school parking lots (for select events only)” will be available.
Purchase tickets online HERE.

About the Author
Jessica Secrest is a mom, home chef, and the creator of the popular social media page @applesauceandadhd.

About OF COURSE IT’S GOOD: None of the Nonsense, All of the Flavor
Prepare delicious meals with this no-frills, all-flavor recipe collection from Jessica Secrest, the wildly popular home chef known for her hostile humor and affordable recipes. Her long-awaited debut cookbook has an array of mouthwatering meals that focus on low-effort ingredients and techniques — think pre-shredded cheese, tater tots galore, and your handy-dandy slow cooker — so you’ll have an endless source of recipes to feed your family without wasting time or money.
Jessica’s signature style is present throughout each page, loudly guiding you in the kitchen and reminding you that tasty cooking doesn’t always need to be done with a smile. Recipes include:
– The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese
– Taco Potato Tot Casserole
– Egg Roll in a Bowl
– Cowboy BBQ Burgers
– Teriyaki Pork
– Fried Pickle Quesadillas
– Sloppy Joe Fries
– Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Whether you are looking to tackle weeknight dinner, Sunday breakfast, or an out-of-nowhere dessert craving, you’ll have Jessica in your corner each step of the way, aggressively reminding you that no matter what you create, there’s no doubt it’ll be good.

Sharp Coronado Hospital emergency readiness presentation
2026-01-15 14:00 - 15:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Take part in a lifesaving First Aid, CPR, and AED training presentation hosted by Sharp Coronado Hospital. This important seminar equips participants with essential skills to confidently respond to emergencies—because knowing what to do can make all the difference.
Please note that this presentation does not provide First Aid, CPR, or AED certification. The presentation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 2 to 3 pm, and is open and free to the public.
The presentation will be held at the John D. Spreckels Center, which continues its partnership with Sharp Coronado Hospital to bring quality health and medical related presentations to the community. Sharp Coronado Hospital presentations are taught by experienced medical professionals, with topics selected based on community feedback.
For more information or to register call 619-522-7343, sign up online at coronado.ca.us/civicrec or stop by the center.
Community members are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn practical emergency response skills from trusted medical professionals.
