Coronado Times

Navy League/MOAA Dinner Meeting
2025-08-11 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Yacht Club, 1631 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
CALLING ALL NAVY LEAGUE/MOAA MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Join us in welcoming Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Thomas as guest speaker at our Navy League/MOAA Dinner Meeting on Monday, August 11, at the Coronado Yacht Club (CYC). Cocktail hour begins at 5:30, followed by a lovely buffet dinner and fascinating update on the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS), to promote a free, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific.
VADM Thomas’ extensive 38-year naval career included numerous assignments on fast-attack submarines and senior-level positions in the Fleet and the Pentagon. His final operational tour was in command of the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) in Yokosuka, Japan, in 2013-15; he later retired as Director of the Navy Staff in 2017. VADM Thomas currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow with the University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation and full-time faculty member at UC San Diego’s Graduate School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS).
RSVP
To attend this great event, please RSVP to Coronado Navy League President Joyce Murphy, via email (Joyce.Hage.Murphy@gmail.com) or text (757-642-5881), by Friday, August 8; then purchase your $40 dinner ticket at the door.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Coronado Democratic Club Meeting & Bayfront Social
2025-08-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Boathouse, 1985 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Democratic Club Hosts Bayfront Evening of Insight and Community
The Coronado Democratic Club invites members and the public to join us for our August General Meeting on Wednesday, August 20, at the scenic Coronado Boathouse (1985 Strand Way), overlooking Glorietta Bay Park.
Club Room & Boathouse. Image: City of Coronado website
Meeting & Speaker Program: 5:45 – 6:45 pm
Our featured speaker, Jason Bercovitch (South Area Vice Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party – District Director for Congressman Scott Peters), will address immigration and border issues—a timely topic in today’s political climate. Jason will share valuable insights into current challenges, opportunities, and concrete actions our members can take to make a difference.
Bayfront Social Gathering: 6:45 – 7:30 pm
After the program, relax by the bay with friends and fellow members. Enjoy wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, along with light food. Gather around the fire pit for s’mores under the stars.
Childcare Available:
Free supervised childcare in the park will be provided starting at 5 pm, so parents can fully participate in the meeting.
Want to Contribute?
We welcome donations of beverages (wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options) and finger foods for the social hour.

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

Coronado Democratic Club Welcomes Will Rodriguez-Kennedy
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club will welcome Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, as the featured speaker at its general meeting on Sept. 20.
Program Title: All Hands-On Deck!
The recently elected Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, will give his report from the field about the fight to pass Prop 50. He will highlight what’s at stake and share his vision for building momentum and engaging the community in the critical elections ahead.
About Will Rodriguez-Kennedy:

Marine Corps veteran and community leader
Chair, San Diego County Democratic Party
Defense and Veteran Affairs Field Representative for Congressman Scott Peters
President, San Diego County Civil Service Commission
Vice Chair, San Diego Convention Center Corporation
Advocate for veterans and the LGBTQ+ community

This meeting is free and open to the public.
Doors Open / Social: 10:30 – 11 am
Program: 11 am – 12 pm
* Club business and announcements
* Featured Speaker: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy
* Q&A

Join Bridge & Bay Garden Club for a lecture on home landscaping design
2025-09-22 09:30 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Bridge & Bay Garden Club as Kris Madsen from Terra Bella Nursery talks about landscaping ideas for your home.

Social time will begin at 9:15 am with the program to follow at 9:30 am.

Behind the Headlines with Andrew Keatts at Coronado Democratic Club meeting
2025-10-22 18:00 | 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.

Rotary Youth Exchange program informational meeting
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Coronado High School – Multipurpose Room, 650 D Ave, Coronado, CA, United States
Coronado high school-aged students looking for adventure, cultural experiences, the opportunity to travel, or to learn a new language should attend the Rotary Youth Exchange Information Night in the Multipurpose Room at Coronado High School on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 6 to 7 pm. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is offered by Rotary Club of Coronado and allows teens to travel to any one of 100 different countries and become fully immersed in the local culture and customs.
LEARN MORE HERE:
Coronado students offered study abroad opportunity through Rotary Youth Exchange

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.

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.

Best of the Best Book Club: "There, There" by Tommy Orange
2025-11-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.
For our October meeting, we will discuss the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award winner There, There by Tommy Orange, a wondrous and shattering novel that follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize.
Place this title on hold via our online catalog, or check out the e-book through the CloudLibrary app.
About There, There
Among them is Jacquie Red Feather, newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind. Dene Oxendene, pulling his life together after his uncle’s death and working at the powwow to honor his memory. Fourteen-year-old Orvil, coming to perform traditional dance for the very first time. They converge and collide on one fateful day at the Big Oakland Powwow and together this chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American — grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism
A book with “so much jangling energy and brings so much news from a distinct corner of American life that it’s a revelation” (The New York Times). It is fierce, funny, suspenseful, and impossible to put down — full of poetry and rage, exploding onto the page with urgency and force. There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary and truly unforgettable.

Democratic Club meeting with guest speaker Jeremy Addis-Mills
2026-01-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Start the new year informed and empowered:
Social media training at Coronado Democratic Club’s January meeting
The Coronado Democratic Club invites like-minded individuals interested in constructive ways to make a difference to its first general meeting of 2026 on Saturday, January 17, featuring a timely and practical program on using social media as a tool for civic engagement. Doors open at 10:30 am, with the meeting running from 11 am to 12:30 pm in the Winn Room at the Coronado Library.
The featured speaker, Jeremy Addis-Mills, is the founder of Digital Impact!, a communications firm that helps organizations and individuals communicate more effectively online. His presentation, “Become a Social Media Activist,” will focus on how everyday people can use social media thoughtfully and responsibly to share information, connect with others, and make their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
Rather than focusing on politics as conflict, this training emphasizes communication, influence, and participation — offering practical guidance on crafting messages, engaging audiences, and understanding why social media has become such a powerful platform for community dialogue.
The meeting will also include the election of club officers for 2026.
Community members interested in learning how to better navigate today’s digital landscape — regardless of experience level — are encouraged to attend.

Bridge and Bay Garden Club meeting
2026-01-26 09:40 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Learn about the jungle theme of the 2026 flower show and make a hand-tied bouquet. No cost to attend.
The Bridge and Bay Garden Club encourages interest in all phases of home gardening, better horticultural practices, civic activities, the principles of artistic design and the conservation of natural resources.
Come join in the fun; you do not need to be an expert or have a green thumb, a little enthusiasm and love of our community is all it takes!
The Coronado Flower Show art was created by Gina Falletta design. This is Falletta’s fourth year creating the show’s art.

Mystery Book Club: M is for Malice
2026-01-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Mystery Book club will meet regularly on the third Monday of each month. Due to the holiday this month, we will be meeting on the fourth Monday. Receive reminder emails about our meeting by registering below. Registration is encouraged but not required.
We will be discussing M is for Malice by Sue Grafton. Check out the book in print or ebook format from the Coronado Library Catalog by clicking here.

Best of the Best Book Club: "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" by Richard Flanagan
2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.
For our January meeting, we will discuss the 2014 Booker Prize Winner The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan, a magisterial novel of love and war that traces the life of one man from World War II to the present.
Place this title on hold via our online catalog, or check out the e-book through the CloudLibrary app.
About The Narrow Road to the Deep North
August, 1943: Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans is haunted by his affair with his uncle’s young wife two years earlier. His life, in a brutal Japanese POW camp on the Thai-Burma Death Railway, is a daily struggle to save the men under his command. Until he receives a letter that will change him forever.
A savagely beautiful novel about the many forms of good and evil, of truth and transcendence, as one man comes of age, prospers, only to discover all that he has lost.

Bill Eddy, nationally recognized mediation expert, to speak in Coronado
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club is honored to welcome internationally respected mediator and conflict resolution expert Bill Eddy for a special presentation on Saturday, February 21, in the Winn Room at the Coronado Public Library.
Doors open at 10:30 am for a half-hour social gathering. The formal program will begin at 11 am and conclude at 12:30 pm.
Bill Eddy is a lawyer, therapist, professional mediator, and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute. For decades, he has trained judges, attorneys, mental health professionals, and organizational leaders across the country in managing and resolving high-conflict situations. He is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in understanding high-conflict behavior and its impact on families, workplaces, and civic life.
At a time when productive dialogue can feel increasingly difficult, Eddy’s presentation will focus on practical tools to de-escalate conflict, improve communication, and respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. His work blends psychology, mediation strategy, and real-world experience, offering actionable guidance that attendees can apply in everyday interactions — from personal relationships to community engagement.
This timely and important program is open to members and interested guests. Seating is limited.
For additional information, please visit CoronadoDemocrats.com or contact communications@coronadodemocrats.com.

Bridge & Bay Garden Club: Art Alive
2026-02-23 09:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Bridge & Bay Garden Club members will showcase a piece of artwork from their home alongside a floral creation they’ve made inspired by the art.

Best of the Best Book Club: "Beloved" by Toni Morrison
2026-02-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.
For our February meeting, we will discuss the 1988 Pulitzer Prize Winner Beloved by Toni Morrison, which was named as one of the Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years by The Atlantic.
Place this title on hold via our online catalog, or check out the e-book through the CloudLibrary app.
About Beloved
Sethe was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. Sethe has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. And Sethe’s new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.

She Talks Global Experience
2026-03-07 08:00 - 16:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
She Talks is a nationally recognized movement and event series centered on creating safe, intentional spaces for women to share real stories, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build authentic connection through live events, facilitated conversations, and community gatherings. She Talks focuses on themes like vulnerability, resilience, personal growth, and empowerment.
On March 7, women from around the world come together for the She Talks Global Experience — a dynamic, high-energy day designed to inspire, connect, and elevate. This one-of-a-kind experience brings together visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and change-makers for powerful stories of impact, authentic connection, and meaningful conversations that move women forward.
TICKETS
Coronado Cays resident Dr. Julie Ducharme is the CEO and founder of She Talks and is one of this event’s speakers.

Democratic Club to host political scientist Dr. Casey Dominguez
2026-03-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club will hold its next general meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room, featuring Dr. Casey Dominguez, PhD Department Chair and Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of San Diego, as the evening’s featured speaker. The meeting will also include the installation of the club’s newly elected officers.
Dr. Dominguez is widely recognized for her expertise in American politics, congressional elections, political parties, and campaign dynamics. Her research focuses on electoral competition, campaign finance, and the strategies political parties use to recruit candidates and shape election outcomes. Through her scholarship and public speaking, Dr. Dominguez helps audiences better understand how elections function at the local, state, and national levels and how political institutions influence voter behavior and representation.
Her presentation will offer timely insight as the nation approaches the midterm election cycle, examining how political dynamics at multiple levels of government interact and how civic engagement shapes democratic outcomes. Known for translating complex political science research into clear and engaging discussions, Dr. Dominguez is expected to provide valuable perspective for community members interested in understanding today’s political landscape.
In addition to the featured presentation, the evening will include the formal installation of the Coronado Democratic Club’s newly elected officers, signaling the start of a new chapter for the organization. The club has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to expand its programming, civic engagement, and community involvement.
Event Details
Coronado Democratic Club General Meeting
Date: Wednesday, March 11
Location: Winn Room, Coronado Public Library
Doors Open: 6 pm
Social: 6–6:30 pm
Program: 6:30–8 pm
For more information about the Coronado Democratic Club and its programs, please visit www.coronadodemocrats.com.

Bridge & Bay Garden Club floral design workshop
2026-03-23 09:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join us to learn how to create a floral design – from start to finish.
Screenshot

SDSU Professor Dr. Brian Adams to speak on local elections at Coronado Democratic Club meeting
2026-04-11 10:30 - 12:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club will host Dr. Brian Adams, Professor of Political Science at San Diego State University, as its featured speaker on Saturday, April 11, at the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room.
Dr. Adams specializes in the study of local politics, with research examining voter behavior, campaign finance, and electoral dynamics in city council and school board elections. His work explores how candidates communicate with voters, the role of ballot cues, and the factors that influence decision-making in local contests.
His presentation will focus on how local campaigns take shape, including the importance of early engagement, fundraising, and voter outreach. As communities begin looking ahead to the upcoming midterm cycle, the discussion will provide perspective on how local races develop and why early activity can play a decisive role.
Local elections, while often less visible than state or national contests, have a direct impact on schools, governance, and community priorities. Dr. Adams’ talk will offer insight into how these elections function and what influences outcomes at the local level.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.
Timing:

10:30 AM – Social
11:00 AM – Program Begins
12:30 PM – Program Concludes

For additional information, please contact the Coronado Democratic Club.

Maker space for crafters
2026-04-21 16:00 - 19:00 | John D. Spreckels Center and Bowling Green, 1019 7th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Calling all crafters and artists! Enjoy three hours of dedicated, uninterrupted time in a bright, well-lit makers space designed for focus, productivity and building community. Spread out on your own table, bring your supplies, and make meaningful progress on your creative projects. This is a self-led session with tables, chairs, and a small sink provided — just bring your materials and get creating.

Coronado Job Fair
2026-04-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado residents in need of employment will have an opportunity to meet directly with local businesses at the free Coronado Job Fair on April 22. Now in its third year, the fair continues to expand to address need on the island.
The fair is open to job seekers of all ages and experience levels. Retired residents and seniors are encouraged to participate as a way to apply their decades of professional experience, stay engaged in the community, make new friends, and earn supplemental income.
The Coronado Job Fair comes at a time when numerous residents are looking for work following government downsizing and amid rising costs for housing, food, utilities and healthcare. The event will take place in the Winn Room at the Coronado Public Library and is meant to connect Coronadans with jobs close to home. Four of Coronado’s resorts and about a dozen Coronado businesses will have hiring representatives available to discuss current openings and collect resumes.
Event hours have been adjusted this year (noon-4 pm) to fully accommodate students from Coronado High School, allowing them to explore summer employment opportunities with local employers.
“We want this event to open doors for residents at every stage of life,” said Claudia Ludlow, Interim Chair of Discover Coronado. “Whether someone is looking for their very first job, returning to the workforce, or looking to stay active in retirement, the Coronado Job Fair connects our community with real opportunities right here at home.”
The April 22 Coronado Job Fair is open to the public and attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes. More details can be found at DiscoverCoronado.com.

Mystery Book Club: "The Word is Murder"
2026-05-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
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 here. Registration is encouraged but not required.

We will be discussing The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz. Check out the book in print or ebook format from the Coronado Library Catalog by clicking here or by searching the title in Cloud Library and/or Libby.

Coronado Democratic Club to Host Jeremy Addis-Mills
2026-06-11 18:30 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Democratic Club will hold its next general meeting on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 6:30 pm, featuring guest speaker Jeremy Addis-Mills, Founder and President of Digital Impact &.
Addis-Mills specializes in digital strategy, campaign communications, advocacy, and online storytelling. His work has included electoral campaigns and advocacy efforts in the United States, European Union, and Australia. Through his firm, he helps organizations, candidates, and community leaders communicate more effectively in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.
His presentation will offer timely insight into how digital platforms shape public conversation, civic engagement, and political participation.

Best of the Best Book Club: "The Thirty Names of Night" by Zeyn Joukhader
2026-06-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Library, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Public Library’s Best of the Best Book Club meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss books that have won major awards.
For our June meeting, we will be discussing the winner of the 2020 Lambda Literary Award The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhader, a novel about three generations of Syrian Americans haunted by a mysterious species of bird and the truths they carry close to their hearts.

About Thirty Names of Night
Five years after a suspicious fire killed his ornithologist mother, a closeted Syrian American trans boy sheds his birth name and searches for a new one. As his grandmother’s sole caretaker, he spends his days cooped up in their apartment, avoiding his neighborhood masjid, his estranged sister, and even his best friend (who also happens to be his longtime crush). The only time he feels truly free is when he slips out at night to paint murals on buildings in the once-thriving Manhattan neighborhood known as Little Syria, but he’s been struggling ever since his mother’s ghost began visiting him each evening.
One night, he enters the abandoned community house and finds the tattered journal of a Syrian American artist named Laila Z, who dedicated her career to painting birds. She mysteriously disappeared more than sixty years before, but her journal contains proof that both his mother and Laila Z encountered the same rare bird before their deaths. In fact, Laila Z’s past is intimately tied to his mother’s in ways he never could have expected. Even more surprising, Laila Z’s story reveals the histories of queer and transgender people within his own community that he never knew. Realizing that he isn’t and has never been alone, he has the courage to claim a new name: Nadir, an Arabic name meaning rare.
As unprecedented numbers of birds are mysteriously drawn to the New York City skies, Nadir enlists the help of his family and friends to unravel what happened to Laila Z and the rare bird his mother died trying to save. Following his mother’s ghost, he uncovers the silences kept in the name of survival by his own community, his own family, and within himself, and discovers the family that was there all along.

Spice It Up, Coronado!: Stories and lore on honey
2026-06-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Golden, sweet, and treasured for thousands of years, honey has flavored feasts, medicines, celebrations, and legends around the world. Storyteller Marilyn McPhie, an enthusiastic participant in the “Spice It Up, Coronado” program, will share the folklore, history, and delightful lore surrounding honey — from sacred honey cakes and ancient remedies to tales of abundance, sweetness, and temptation.
Note: There is no featured sample spice for the month of June. We will be meeting in person in the Winn Room.
Registration is not required.

Marilyn McPhile is the President, Storytellers of San Diego, www.storytellersofsandiego.org
ORACLE Award, National Storytelling Network, 2022
TEDx talk: “Storytelling: Do Try This At Home”
Miramar College, Child Development Advisory Committee
Global Neighborhood Project, Board of Global Advisors

See photographs and recipes from past Spice It Up, Coronado! HERE, then click on Open Access.

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