Friday, October 30, 2026

News briefs: Glenn Curtiss Park, Village Elementary leadership, sound baths, county pollution crisis chief

Help shape the future of Glenn Curtiss Park

The City of Coronado is exploring improvements to Glenn Curtiss Park (Palm Park) through a potential grant opportunity with the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. Community input will help identify priorities for new recreation opportunities and park improvements and inform the city’s grant application. Funding through this competitive grant program is not guaranteed.

The community is encouraged to “bring a friend, bring the kids, and most importantly, bring your ideas.” Stop by one or more of our community planning meetings (Oct. 30, Nov. 4, Nov. 6, Nov. 10) to share your suggestions on what would make Glenn Curtiss Park more enjoyable for everyone.

Formerly known as Palm Park, this small park is bound by I Avenue, Palm Avenue and Third Street. The park was renamed in recent years to commemorate Glenn Curtiss, “The Father of Naval Aviation”. No amenities are available.


Sound baths at John D. Spreckels Center

Slow down and enjoy a peaceful hour at the John D. Spreckels Center’s monthly sound bath. Relax to the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other instruments designed to create a calming atmosphere, ease tension, and help you unwind. No experience is needed. Simply get comfortable, relax, and enjoy time for yourself.

The next sound bath sessions take place Friday, November 20, and Friday, December 18, from noon to 1 p.m. The cost is $23 for Coronado residents and $29 for nonresidents. Register in advance at www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or visit the John D. Spreckels Center at 1019 Seventh Street. Please arrive early to get comfortable, as doors close promptly at noon.


Village Elementary School leadership update

Mr. Kuhns has resigned from his position of Principal at Village Elementary School for personal and family reasons. In a statement, the district said they appreciate his service and contributions to its students, staff, and school community and wish him continued success in his future endeavors. Donna Tripi will continue to serve as Interim Principal, and staff and families will be notified of any future updates.


County announces new pollution crisis chief to coordinate Tijuana River Valley pollution response

The County has welcomed Bridget Premont as its first pollution crisis chief, a new role coordinating regional efforts to address longstanding pollution and sewage problems in the Tijuana River Valley.

Premont will lead teams across county departments and work closely with local, state, federal and Mexican partners to strengthen the region’s pollution response.

Premont has long been involved in the Tijuana River Valley advocacy. From 2017 to 2021, she served as the political and economic chief at the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana, where she also served as the acting consul general. Her work helped secure more than $340 million in U.S. and Mexican federal funding to combat cross border water pollution.

She previously directed the Office of Environmental Quality in the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. In that role, she led international environmental negotiations, commercial diplomacy and the managed $110 million in environmental grants to support global environmental initiatives—experience she will bring to the county’s work to address cross-border sewage contamination affecting the Tijuana River Valley and South Bay communities.

The county estimates the crisis costs the regional economy $500 million annually, with businesses in Imperial Beach and other South Bay communities particularly affected.

 



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Coronado Times Staff
Coronado Times Staff
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