In true Coronado fashion, as soon as the coronavirus pandemic gained a foothold in San Diego, the offers to help others on the island started rolling in. On social media, concerned citizens offered trips to the grocery store for elderly or high-risk residents. Others wanted to help with refilling prescriptions, or arranging childcare with Coronado schools closed for at least the next three weeks.
“The Uyesugi family is here to help,” said Ken and Shelley Uyesugi. “Please contact us if you need anything.”
“I’m here to help, I live in the Country Club Area,” said Emily Lacklen Foster. “I can do pickups and deliveries.”
Even city council members offered to help those in need.
“I’m comfortable heading out in public to run errands for you, if you’re not comfortable doing so,” said Whitney Benzian, Coronado City Councilmember, via a post on his Facebook page. “Don’t take the risk. Give me a ring. Seriously, I’m game.”
Then the Coronado Girl Scouts got in on the action.
“The Girl Scouts will be putting together some kind of virtual chat (Skype, FaceTime, Zoom) with seniors in the community to help them feel more connected,” said Melissa Province Bennett.
Others wanted to help with childcare, nannying or schooling.
“My daughter is available for daycare or nanny,” said Lesley Angelino. “PM me.”
“I’m a K-8th teacher who has her mornings free due to school closings,” posted Mary Jolley on Facebook. “I am available for childcare plus in-home tutoring on the island. I am open to suggestions on what we can do to make the best of these unprecedented times.”
Other concerned citizens shared information about their businesses to help.
“I’m a local here in Coronado. Grew up and went to school here as well. I’m happy to say that I am available for any errands you may have,” said Emily Parker, owner of Crown City Errands. “I look forward to serving this wonderful community.”
“During these uncertain times our Get Organized team can help with many things in our local community as we have in the past,” said Renatinha De Oliveira from Get Organized San Diego. “Our team will be on standby to help with child care, house cleaning and organizing, shopping or meal drop off, errands, elderly care, driving, pet walking, and laundry.”
Kelley Kraft Casey, a local resident, started the Facebook group “Coronado Coronavirus Help- People Helping People.” Coronado locals are invited to join the group to get current information and resources for help.
Not to be outdone, our local restaurants stepped up their offers for curbside delivery, in-house delivery and takeout specials.
“We’re all in this together, and we will all need to support each other during these very scary times,” said David Spatafore of Blue Bridge Hospitality. “Each of our restaurants has all of their menu items available from curbside pickup. And beginning tonight, we’ll offer delivery from each of our restaurants. We will also offer a full ‘Family Meal’ option from Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge, Little Frenchie, and Stake Chophouse.”
The newly-opened Buona Forchetta is set to debut curbside pickup and an in-house delivery service, and Crown City Bistro is offering 10% off all takeout orders for the next month.
As always, High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen in Coronado delivers delicious pizza, salads, wine, beer, and liquor.
The Coronado Chamber of Commerce has listed all the Coronado restaurants offering takeout options in addition to normal service on their Facebook page, please visit for more dining info.
Here’s a working list of resources for those looking for a little extra help and support during this unprecedented time of social isolation. If you would like to add yourself or a resource to help, please do so in the comments, or email [email protected].
Help or errands:
The Uyesugi Family, 808-398-5101
The Iversen family, 520-488-7277
Fina Yarbro, 619-887-0644
Emily Lacklen Foster, 757-635-2218
Whitney Benzian, 619-261-5374
Heather Michelle Canton, 619-302-2329
Yelena Abdul Samad, 619-709-7026
Melissa Sheridan, help to Coronado Shores residents, [email protected]
Margo Rhodes, 415-317-6117
Julie Dabberi, 619-261-2463
Kraig Nicolls, 619-520-9119
Childcare:
Emily Angelino, 619-495-1409
Mary Jolley, 919-523-2733
Heather Michelle Canton, 619-302-2329
Yelena Abdul Samad, 619-709-7026 (including special needs)
Sonia Rubillo, 609-432-8071.
Businesses to help with errand running:
Get Organized San Diego, 619-366-7850
Crown City Errands, 619-844-7103
Other help or services:
Sonia Rubillo, Occupational Therapy for young adults to seniors, 1-609-432-8071.
Coronado SAFE, Youth and family Counseling Services, 619-522-6884
Peak Health Group, I.V. bags to support the immune system, home health visits: 619-522-4005
Catalina de Leon/yoga, meditation, healing: 619-746-0960
Nicole Dodson Ward, Wine Expressions wine delivery: 415-710-3744
Fair Trade Decor Shopping and delivery: 619-675-0072
City of Coronado Coronavirus information and links
San Diego County Coronavirus information
