Thursday, March 28, 2024

Mayor Joins Coronado Sharks and Mermaids Beach Clean-Up

Coronado Lifeguards provide educational training and Mayor Bailey joins the clean up crew. Photo courtesy of Roberta Ghelke Lenert

The Coronado Sharks and Mermaids group was busy as the end of summer approached, cleaning up Silver Strand State Beach August 4th and then Stan Searfus Memorial Beach August 19th. Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey joined the group for the August 19th clean up that followed a short educational briefing from a Coronado Lifeguard. After learning about stingrays and rip tides, the group set off to clean the beach that has seen a large influx of tourists all summer.

Kailani and Cameron Lenert enjoying the beach. Photo courtesy of Roberta Lenert.

Coronado Sharks and Mermaids was started by Roberta Gehlke Lenert and her two children, Kailani (a 7th grader at CMS) and Cameron (a 5th grader at Village), who moved to Coronado last year and want to share their passion for the environment and keeping our oceans clean. “We feel it is so important to educate the children about why we need to work together to clean up our planet and oceans,” said Roberta. “We try to educate them on the marine life and how they can help our friends under the sea. We have tons of new events hitting the calendar in the next couple months, so check us out and help us make a difference!”

Sharks and Mermaids enjoying S’mores after their hard work August 4th.

The group began meeting April 15th and have had monthly meet-ups where they learn about their environment, do something positive for the environment like a beach clean-up, and then have some fun, like the post clean-up bonfire and s’mores they enjoyed on August 4th.

Those interested in joining the Coronado Sharks and Mermaids can find them on Facebook and join the group for information on upcoming meetings. The next beach clean-up is scheduled for September 15th to support Coastal Cleanup Day, and the very next week on September 22nd, following Coronado’s 92118 Day celebration. Sharks and Mermaids is also combining forces with the Surfrider foundation and Southbay Clean Water as they continue grow.

Photo courtesy of Chris Kelly.

 



Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie is a retired Naval Aviator and Public Affairs Officer whose post-Navy career includes freelance writing, PR Consulting and a two year stint as the San Diego Padres Military Affairs Advisor. Having been stationed in various parts of the country including Washington D.C., Florida and Hawaii, Jeannie appreciates how amazing the Coronado community is and loves the experience her children have had growing up here. Jeannie earned her BS in Marine Biology from Auburn University, her MS in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and her MA in Communication and Media Relations at San Diego State University. A life-long learner and avid traveler Jeannie enjoys writing travel pieces, Navy stories and anything else that will broaden her perspective. When she is not working you will find her watching her boys play sports, walking Odin at dog beach, hiking, playing beach volleyball or spending time with the family.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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