A Coronado cultural icon almost 20 years in the making has been told to pack up his things and leave. Or, in this case, pack up his shovels, buckets and tools and vacate the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado.
On Thursday Feb. 5, a representative from the Hotel Del Coronado reportedly approached the Coronado Sandcastle Man and told him he was no longer permitted to build his sandcastles on the beach in front of the hotel, “effective immediately.”
This took the Sandcastle Man — otherwise known as Bill Pavlacka — by surprise.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Pavlacka. “I was just thinking in my head, what is this about? I love doing my art. This is what I do. It’s fun and people appreciate it.”
Pavlacka has been building sandcastles at the Hotel Del Coronado for almost 19 years. It started as hobby — something he did with his children when they were toddlers. Now, he creates sand art celebrating holidays, memorializing Hollywood legends, even creating special messages like marriage proposals. His work in Coronado has been featured in videos, on local television news stations, travel websites like TripAdvisor, and is a favorite attraction among locals and visitors alike.
So what’s the problem?
Pavlacka says he was told to leave after he built a sandcastle which contained a quote attributed to Mark Twain. He said a manager of the Del, named Nick, tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to follow him upstairs to an office.
“He told me this the final straw,” said Pavlacka. “That this message was totally unacceptable.”
The Mark Twain quote reads, “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” The Sandcastle Man insists that the quote wasn’t meant to be controversial, and he’s surprised by the reaction.
“I thought Mark Twain was a loved American writer,” he said. “I actually thought the quote was kind of funny. And they didn’t say that any hotel guests complained.”
Although its history is a little murky, the quote is usually attributed to Mark Twain as noted in conversations within Nobel Prize-winning author Rudyard Kipling’s work, From Sea to Sea: Letters of Travel, written in 1899. Today, the quote is sometimes used to highlight the manipulation of data and how truth is twisted to fit an agenda.
This isn’t the first time managers have approached Pavlacka about his messaging, he said. According to Pavlacka, hotel management also complained when he created sandcastles with messages like “I love democracy,” and another one that celebrated the freedom of speech.
But then the conversation changed.
Pavlacka said the manager accused him of drinking alcohol on hotel property, which is prohibited by their agreement. Then the manager handed him a letter claiming the decision was made “as a result of conduct that violated Hotel policies.” The letter referenced a “new incident” involving alcohol that resulted in a “negative guest experience,” according to Pavlacka.
“But I was not drinking any alcohol,” said Pavlacka. “I asked him, when and where? He didn’t answer. I have sugar diabetes and I can’t really drink anyway.”
On another occasion in the past, Pavlacka said the manager approached him on the beach while he was a building a sandcastle, asking to inspect his cooler.
“Maybe he thought I had alcohol inside, but it was really just a bunch of herbs from my garden,” said Pavlacka.
Some Coronado residents aren’t buying the story either. Kimberly Weed says the Sandcastle Man is a big asset to The Del.
“Bill is hardworking and quiet and never have we ever seen him drinking,” said Weed. “This is a huge loss for the people of San Diego, and everyone loves the Sandcastle Man. Bring him back and appreciate the joy it brings people from all over the world.”
Other residents describe the Sandcastle Man as a kind person who diligently creates his art. One community member said he’s “peaceful, mediative, and joyous” and compared him to an “incognito Zen monk.”
Coronado resident Ken Fitzgerald says the Del’s decision is “ridiculous” and residents are understandably upset. Dozens of community members, including Fitzgerald, have reached out to the Hotel Del via text, phone and email.
“There is nothing controversial, much less offensive, about a quote from one of America’s greatest authors about the importance of truth and objective reality in our nation’s civic life,” said Fitzgerald. “You should re-examine your corporate values, if they exist.”
A representative from the Del sent an email message confirming that the Hotel Del Coronado and the Sandcastle man have “parted ways.” The representative said “we wish the Sandcastle Man continued success.” No other details were provided.
While Pavlacka says he doesn’t technically work for the Del, he does build his art on part of the beach that they own. He’s also worked alongside the Del to create sand art for corporate events.
For now, Pavlacka is regrouping. He says he’s getting lots of phone calls and texts, and hasn’t even begun to sort through his email. All of the messages, he says, are ones of support.
And, as of today, he’s back at work in a new location. He shared in a Facebook post that he has moved to just north of the lifeguard tower on Coronado Beach.
“I love Coronado,” said Pavlacka. “I love making my art. I have a lot of friends here and have made many messages for lots of people.”
He said he appreciates the kind words and encouragement from residents. More than 100 residents have expressed their dismay with the Del’s decision in social media groups.
“They are stepping on a Coronado tradition,” said Monica Flynn. “He is a loved feature on the beach and many people enjoy his art and contribution. You are either part of the fabric of the community or you aren’t. They need to choose.”
Boycott the hotel
He got Nicks pronoun wrong
I used to love Coronado, but it’s gone downhill in so many ways. So disappointing.
The Del’s Director of HR, Brad McPherson should be looked into! I can attest firsthand that he’s an atrocious “leader” of Human Resources.
I witnessed this personally too…
People are saying Brad drinks on the job…
Thank you Ken McNeill for the clear picture. I feel so badly for The Sandman to be treated so poorly and disrespectfully in this community. Shame on Hotel Del management to allow such a person to manage…
Nick is probably a short guy with a big ego
As someone who has run a business with 50 employees when I make a mistake I admire it and rectify it. That’s what real men do
Wrong … a tranny
Well can’t say this is a surprise. The entire Island seems to be going the way of trying to make as much money as possible. Kicked out Brueggers, La Avenida Inn left, the chinese restaurant shut down all to seemingly make it more high-end. Oh well, all good things do come to an end I guess.
It’s a shame the Del doesn’t value long-time creative members of our community the way we do. Bill is a valued part of the ‘Coronado Beach’ scene, and the Del took advantage of that. Was his firing factually justified, or was it one Del staffer with a chip on his shoulder? I can share some light…
As the owner/operator of the Coronado Beach Cruiser Experience, an e-bike tour on Coronado, I have the opportunity to stop behind the Del on the public ‘easement’ boardwalk during my tours. Bill and I talk about our businesses and ‘run-in’s’ with the Del’s new management team.
While Bill technically has been allowed to operate on Del property just off the boardwalk, he has always been appreciated and respected by the Del.
Essentially the friction started when Del staffer Nick Leon started dictating what messages could be.. and couldn’t be on the castle. That’s right, they won’t pay him or make him part of the Del team, but they want to split hairs over messaging. Bill has ALWAYS been tasteful and thought-provoking with his messages, or he wouldn’t have lasted so long with the Del.
This is a mid-level manager with a chip on his shoulder and an axe to grind. I personally witnessed Nick Leon come out the day after the Charlie Kirk killing and erase the message Bill had inscribed the castle – a kind message of ‘Rest in Peace Charlie’. Not that I’m a fan, nor is Bill, but that’s not my point. He’s always been fair and respectful to all visitors.
Nick has also personally censored historic ‘Presidential Quotes’ on President’s Day. It’s this ‘Hotel Del Coronado’ oppression and desire to control sandcastle messaging while not paying him that reflects their lack of commitment to support him and other local independent business operators. They just take advantage of his art attraction while trying to minimize his earning potential.
Nick also has continued to request Bill remove his transparent tip jars and labeling, as he doesn’t like it. This has also been a source of contention. Bill works for tips! Nick has tried to micromanage that too! WTF? You allow him to be there for your guests, but have an issue with his tips?? I don’t believe Nick ever wanted Bill on the boardwalk and has been difficult since day one.
Lastly, many of us will buy Bill a beer. It’s hot out there some days. Nick then banned him from having any alcohol, even though there has never been and issue. Bill is a diabetic and can’t drink anymore for health reasons. But what’s ridiculous is the fact he’s not a Del employee, but the Del sets up a beer stand right next to him and serves to everyone. My guests drink during their tours. Sometimes I do to! But not Bill. That’s a Nick rule to keep his micromanagement campaign understood. He is simply keeping up his personal campaign of ‘total control’ to satisfy his need for unquestioned authority. This is an immature Napoleonic management tactic by one guy… not the Del. Nick went to war with Bill, and others. This is what Nick always wanted. He needs to be let go. 🌴😎
Bottom line, the Del’s Hilton team seem to not appreciate (or understand) the agreement with the City of Coronado to make the boardwalk a celebrated public space (in exchange for granted expansion permits).
Nice work, Nick (Dick??). Seems you may have become the most hated person in Coronado!
The Del is (was) defined by the people and characters that have shaped its history.
This is so sad – and a total infraction on freedom of speech. Was he considered an employee? Did they have an agreement?
They are losing a valuable asset. Shame on the current leadership. The Del is becoming a money-making machine losing touch with its ties to the local community.
I wasn’t aware that a private party–individual or entity–could “own” a beach or any portion of it. The allegation of him abusing any agreement because of an alleged use of alcohol, or abuse of alcohol, better be backed up by hard evidence or, sadly, the Del may have other problems besides sandcastles to worry about.
All about money, Hilton changed a lot about the Del and most of it not for the good of the community.
Makes sense to me. I feel sorry for the Del not being able to use the space that the sand castles take up. They need more $160.00 Firepit & S’mores or Igloos for Two by Nobu (Starting at $650.00) Money, Money, Money……..
Lol
Did you ask the Hotel Del management for their comment, or did they only provide the short statement mentioned here? It isn’t logical for them to have taken this step without some factors we aren’t reading here. This reads like a one-dimensional hit piece IMHO.
It’s curious but not surprising how almost everybody jumps to a conclusion while only knowing half of the story.
What half of the story is missing, Frank? The Del was asked for their input and disingenuously wished Bill well.
Who doesn’t love the sand man?! The Del does not own the beach, they have already overstepped there boundaries by spreading there themselves all the way to the ocean front. So sad, its gloves off everywhere.
Very disappointed as well! His creations are amazing. It is not like he is not vandalizing anything. Shame on you, Hotel Del! Great article. Thank you.
Tisk tisk hotel del coronado. Perhaps another brief chat with your corporate communications and marketing team will yield better results. Micro-community support and local partnerships make large hospitality chains like your’s feel like local boutique experiences. When I was growing up in SD, we avoided your property because it felt touristy. Bummer the heart and soul of your management doesn’t shine through and it’s clearly still and stone-cold-hearted chain with aspirations of vanilla tastes.
Tisk tisk hotel del coronado. Perhaps another brief chat with your corporate communications and marketing team will yield better results. Micro-community support and local partnerships make large hospitality chains like your’s feel like local boutique experiences. When I was growing up in SD, we avoided your property because it felt touristy. Bummer the heart and soul of your management doesn’t shine through and it’s clearly still and stone-cold-hearted chain with aspirations of vanilla tastes.
This is extremely disappointing. As a local, we go there all the time to look at the Sandcastle Man’s art. Afterwards we eat at the Del and do some shopping. It’s also a destination to take out-of-town guests. I guess with no sandcastle art there is no need to go there anymore. Since the renovation and now this, it’s completely lost its charm and appeal.
Thank you for this poignant profile. The Hilton’s stewardship of a National Historic Landmark is clearly corrupted by monetization. Costly timeshares, margaritas hawked from an architecturally incongruous tiki bar, and “ curated” offerings in a plague of plastic blisters all disregard tradition in favor of profit. The only exception on that stretch of commoditized beach has been the amazing sculptures created in the outdoor studio of our beloved Sandman. His dismissal is an assault on freedom of expression, and a wound to the community who have enjoyed his work for almost 20 years.
“A half-truth is the most cowardly of lies”. – Mark Twain
The Hotel Del just isn’t the same after all the renovations, it’s lost it’s charm. Why couldn’t they just leave well enough alone. If I had the money to buy the Del I would put it back to it’s original look, bring back the Tennis Pro Shop and the Tennis courts and bring it back to it’s original beauty and make it affordable for everyone to enjoy and not just for the elite and entitled that think they are better than everyone else. Management is horrible and you can forget asking someone who works there anything because most don’t speak English. What the Del is today is nothing but another run of the mill chain that doesn’t impress me whatsoever.
Hotel management obviously has a knot in tgeir knickers. How stupid of them! He should sue them. Nineteen years is plenty of precedent to establish his legal riggt to be there.
Sorry for the typos.
“THE DEL” IS OWNED BY BLACKSTONE. CO-FOUNDER & CEO Stephen Schwarzman (NET WORTH $45 BILLION) is a prominent, lifelong Republican and major donor. known for backing Donald Trump and funds key Republican super PACs. FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS NO LONGER FREE!
Not their decision. So?!
I knew it had to have something to do with that egomaniacal f@t @ss in the WH.
Not at all
Typical angry dem
I agree… Nick aka Nicole got its feelings hurt
The Del should remove the manager instead!!!
100%
That is a much better solution!
That is a much better solution!
I thought they sounded very MAGA
Sounds more leftist… they them it’s
The Hotel Del is nothing more another Hilton property that will put a little extra money in their pockets. $50 breakfast , night audit team that sleeps in shifts!! employee lawsuits.. not to mention the perversions of a GM they had some years ago.. Lastly the very selective hiring process (skin tone matters much??) Sandcastle man made me smile sooo many times going on break and seeing him working was swell. And whatever manager that was prolly is a drunk himself most of us do.
The crown is slipping.
I’d much rather see a wonderful creative sandcastle on the beach than those stupid domes!
I spent every childhood summer in Coronado.
21 summers with my mother, father and 3 older brothers.
In the 1960’s a Navy plane flew overhead every few minutes. My Father was an Aerospace Engineer and a WWII veteran. – Air Force. He knew all about those planes.
I didn’t know that the beach in front of the Del could possibly become any more charming than I remember. Until I read this story and saw these pictures of sand sculptures on the beach.
Pure magic!
If the management are so stupid as to want rid of this enchanting artist and his work… I fail to see any value… Any vision or good judgement for the wellness of the Del.
They are probably hiring at the Motel 6.
Omg! This is so embarrassing! They should be ashamed of their silly behavior and invite that extremely talented ICON (hellooo$$$$) back with an apology STAT! Seriously!
What a shameful way for management to show the community (and the rest of the whole wide world for that matter), how unworldly, poorly educated, culturally stunted, and not at all well rounded that they are! There is definitely a childish need for power here and there is an EGO in need of a check! I gotta meet this hotel manager! I feel there is a tic tock star in the making! Move over Karen, hellooóooo Nick!
I just can’t understand why this is happening! I guess Nick needs room to start his nightly bonfire book burning parties! There is a lot of censorship that needs to go down in that Coronado town and I think Nick is the man to do it! BAN ALL ART! NO MORE BIKINIS ON THE BEACH! MOST OF ALL …. ABSOLUTELY NO SMILING SND NO HAVING FUN! -signed THE HOTEL DEL MANAGEMENT
Went once for dinner at the “new” restaurant visit: Parking$35.00. Daughter’s guest brought a bottle of wine. Corkage fee $35.00. Ordered dinner. Wait. Wait. Portions were spare and miniscule, except for my daughter, whose two inch square lonely only piece of salmon came after we got the astronomically disproportionate tab! No more Del visits for us. I agree , it is not a Coronado friendly place any more.
Hypocrisy never ends…wasn’t former Del owner caught for his dishonest claim for being some kind of veteran shameful …all those years of joy now being swept away
Shame on the hotel’s decision. Our friend, The Sandcasle Man always made us smile especially during such turbulent times. As a regular summer visitor we often engaeged with others about the sayings on these beautiful castles. Of course we’d then head to the Del, for one of their overpriced drinks something we will unlikey wish to do again.
Eat the Rich!
“Spread the love. “These are words Bill said again again. He is everything our world needs right now. We are from Minnesota. Through his art, he shows, “How to love your neighbor.”
The crown is slipping.
Since the del is a Hilton hotel and is now suppressing free speech Will the ice agents that “aren’t” at the Super Bowl be checking in anytime soon?
Give it a rest beta. He was on their property. Like it or not, free speech has nothing to do with anything. I for one took much greater offense to the Covid Nazis demanding compliance with neurotic diktats no beach, no vax, no mask. As for the city they should focus on the disaster they allowed the del to create on Avenida del sol. Delivery trucks parked in fire lanes every day with zero enforcement.
As a Jew, and an RN, I personally take “greater offense” to you minimizing the horrors of the Holocaust, and the tragedies of Covid with your loose and casual off-hand term, “Covid Nazis.”
Someone’s bitter…
Is it Stan??
Free speech is not limited to public property!
Figures, just like tRUMP and his never ending lying rants about the 2020 election he LOST, you’re ranting about your selfishness during the pandemic!
Talk about “give it a rest”!
Most of the employees don’t speak English, maybe ICE needs to make visit to the Del.
Maybe God needs to make a visit to you and teach you some basic humanity.
The beach is public. The Del may be a big deal but they don’t own the beach. Payback time!
They do own the beach as Coronado has allowed them to…nowhere else can you own the beach..it’s ridiculous…
Boycott Hotel Del
Sad day for the hotel
They should worry about the beach being closed for the last 2 years then someone making sandcastles.
They are concerned but Gavin Newsom and the weak leftists running California haven’t done squat to get the Mexican government to clean up the sewage and trash they dump into the ocean.
The Del has fallen so far, so fast, with the community that has allowed them to build an additional $400 million expansion and the disruption (worse parking, more crowded streets). As an entity (Larry Lawrence’s era comes to mind), the Del has historically been part of the community. Now it seems they are here to extract our resources and pay only the TOT tax. They’ve become strangers in our midst. Sad. We’ll stroll up the beach to see the Sandman, as he was the draw for our daily walks with our dogs.
Larry Lawrence was a sheister. The del was run down. You say the city “allowed” them to invest 400 million as if that is a bad thing. They allowed the project to create problems along Avenida del sol for loading. Parking and overwhelmed infrastructure is being cause by the state overriding local zoning laws with adu’s and single family lots being allowed to build 4 units. If you want to complain about anything point the finger at the Star Wars bar scene governor and legislature in Sacramento.
It’s rather amazing that the Del can be so stupid. Probably won’t be promoting them to our out of town friends who visit. Actually, will probably steer them to other places.
We have had our out-of-town visitors stay at the Glorietta Bay Inn for years and years. They are the nicest and most accommodating people. Bike, beach toys for the kids, they have them for you (at no charge if you’re a guest). You’re directly across the street from the Del and beach, without getting fleeced. Never had a bad experience there. Look at Tripadvisor to see the comments about the Hotel Del Coronado… hint– it ain’t that great.
Good for you Bill Seager. Thanks for this❣️
Picket the Del until they allow him back.
Go for it!
Go for it!
You can start the picketing
Isn’t the beach technically Coronado’s Beach and NOT that of The Del’s, although they’ve (The Del) taken it over (with the acceptance of the city)? This is ridiculous and The Del needs to have their private use of the city beach revoked as it was always meant to belong to the community anyway, not The Del. The Del should not be able to dictate that he move anywhere on a public beach.
Great article, Christine. Thank you for letting Coronado know that the Hilton doesn’t care about the Coronado Community, free speech or democracy. What a sad disappointment for all of us who have always been so proud of the hotel. We have celebrated weddings, anniversaries and other special events there for years. Now it seems like a very unfriendly place. We will miss the Sandman and our visits to the hotel
Devasted, hearbroken and disgusted. Not seeing Bill would be like going to Disney and not seeing Mickey. Visiting for 30 years and seeing him is always a highlight. Shame on you Nick. We’ll take our business elsewhere. You need to apologize. Your actions have been unwarranted, unjustified and petty. BRING BACK BILL!!!
Isn’t the beach technically Coronado’s Beach and NOT that of The Del’s, although they’ve taken it all over with the acceptance of the city? This is ridiculous and The Del needs to have their private use of the city beach revoked as it was always meant to being to the community anyway, not The Del. They shouldn’t be able to dictate that he move a public beach.
Terrific article. Anyone could take that quote and be satisfied that “the other side” distorts their truth, making it actually a neutral. So did the manager choose not to think , or choose to use this as an excuse for a false narrative ? Accusing someone living with a medical disability that impacts vision, stamina, balance and mobility of being under the influence is additionally despicable. Bill has local support for good reasons and I hope it follows him wherever he lands.
Excellent article. The Hotel Del Coronado really goofed on this one. Don’t mess with one of Coronado’s most beloved people. I hope they’re inside, chasing their tails as the try to untangle this PR mess. For their highly unethical practice of not actively and adequately informing their guests about the unsafe water quality, they deserve to be publicly embarrassed, if not shamed.
Don’t think the del relies on locals for much in the way of commerce. The town does take a lot of money in occupancy tax from the del. While I enjoyed the Sandmans art, he was allowed there gratis by the del. It is their property.
Thanks for the informative article, Christine. It would help me and possibly your readership and the hotel staff to know just where the jurisdictional boundaries on the beach are between private property, the city, the state and the feds. Thanks, and keep up the good reporting.
Great piece, thanks. The hotel should be ashamed.