The Wonder of Coronado

from Coronado Magazine - May 2020

Operation Homelife

Rescue pup Porsche is not convinced about being used as a substitute face mask for Wag'N Tails owner Melanie.

Just when you think you couldn’t love Coronado any more…

by Belinda Jones

We always knew our island community was something to be treasured, but seeing such resilience, resourcefulness and good humor at this most challenging time has filled us with even more pride and wonder.

Everywhere you look in Coronado, bad news is countered with positivity - rainbow hues chalked on sidewalks, flowers blooming at every turn, a comedic face mask serving your morning coffee, an empathic exchange with a stranger because we’re all keenly aware that everyone is facing their own struggle.

As soon as the shutdown was announced, locals clamored to volunteer their services and the N2N Neighbor-to-Neighbor program quickly evolved, checking block by block to make sure everyone, especially at risk seniors, was cared for. Meanwhile PAWS Helping Paws ensured our furry family members were also offered protection.

While off-island supermarkets experienced uncouth crowding and ravaged shelves, Boney’s Bayside Market remained calm and well-stocked and our usual singsong “thank you” to the sweet staff took on a whole new gravitas. Down the road at Tuesday’s Farmers’ Market, shoppers quickly adhered to the new social distancing rules, patiently lining up and waiting their turn to buy local fare in the sunshine.

We are fortunate that even if our exercise quota was limited to walking around the block, it would still be enchantingly scenic. Of course many choose to cycle, and bike use and purchase is up, meaning Holland’s Bicycles has a steady flow of customers seeking expert advice or help with a repair. Speaking of repairs, there’s no putting off those home improvement jobs with hardware stores open long hours at both ends of the island!

While some people have had extra time on their hands, certain essential workers have had to take on extra shifts. Postal worker Stacie McKissick confided that the new rules of not touching your face hadn’t

fazed her since she had been trained during the anthrax scares in 2001. Despite being under extra pressure, she hasn’t missed one day of breezy cheer on her route.

While most offices were obliged to close, the City of Coronado has redoubled its efforts, keeping everyone informed with clear, consistent COVID-19 updates and responding to the heart-wrenching plight of our small businesses by offering $2 million in Lifeline Loans. The Coronado Chamber of Commerce personally called every eligible Tier 1 business owner (all 134 of them!) and within a week of receiving the first application, the city began cutting $15,000 checks “with an ease that could bring us to tears,” so said Kristy Pierre and Katherine Farley, florists of Root 75.

Shannon Wiegel of Charisma Home & Gifts was equally delighted, speaking from beneath her Hotel Del face mask: “It means the world to us to feel supported in this way!” Shannon also credits her faith for sustaining her family through this time, as does Melanie Parks of Wag’NTails pet store, doggedly determined to get through this crisis and now happily offering self-service dog washing in upgraded tubs.

There are certainly an abundance of angels living among us on this island. The landlord who called a local non-profit and told them he would not be collecting rent for the month of April, the woman who placed an order with Coronado Cupcakery to show her appreciation to our local firefighters, Coronado Public Art Commissioner Brad Willis fundraising to enable FiveLoaves

Laura Tovar of Crown Bistro sends a beautiful message to her customers with her outfits as well as her delicious fare, served with pretty floral accents.

Shannon Wiegel of Charisma Home & Gifts gives the City a thumbs up as she collects her Lifeline Loan check wearing her Hotel Del face mask from FiveLoaves TwoFishes.

TwoFishes to distribute free face masks to the community, the Pay It Forward campaign inviting locals to buy gift cards for Night & Day so that our first responders and health workers could collect an appreciation meal.

David Spatafore of Blue Bridge Hospitality has been hit hard having multiple restaurants on the island but, thanks to a donation from the McMillan family, was able to bring 170 meals from the Little Frenchie kitchen to Sharp Healthcare doctors and nurses.

Meanwhile, Garage Buona Forchetta announced, “No one goes hungry on our watch!” and delivered free Family Meals to locals in need, despite having debuted their Coronado restaurant just as closure orders were issued. Many have marveled at their cheer in the face of adversity.

“It’s easy to be charming when things are going well,” co-owner

Marco Sedda notes. “It’s when the times are hard the true test comes.”

There can be no doubt that Coronadans’ elegant optimism and grateful attitude have been key in keeping us all buoyant.

“Our focus is now on a brighter future,” confirms Sandro Lattenero Of Nado Republic, revealing plans to beautify the Crown Shops parking lot so that, one Sunday when the restrictions are lifted, he can set out tables and bring the pleasures of an Italian piazza to Coronado.

What could be nicer - locals coming together to chat about the week while enjoying al fresco fare and, best of all, the opportunity to look around and see the faces of our friends and neighbors, united once more.

Here’s to that day!

Sandro Lattenero of Nado Republic is making plans for brighter days ahead.

Charles of Ace Village Hardware can help you with everything from keys to clamps to candy.

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