Giving Back Christmas Traditions The Dish on Cioppino
DECEMBER 2020
Timeless Designs for Life Timeless Designs for Life Timeless Designs for Life Timeless Designs for Life
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IN FOCUS | DEL LIGHTS AGLOW BY WILL HOLDER
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In Focus: By Will Holder
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A Note from the Publishers
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Holiday Events: December 2020
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Giving Back: Homelessness in San Diego
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Giving Back: Swinerton Energy
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People: Artist Connie Spitzer
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History: Christmas Traditions
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Chef Clyde: Cioppino
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Around Town: Local Volunteer Opportunities
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Lifestyle: Vintage Rugs
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Forks & Corks: Stake Chophouse & Bar
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Shop Local: Winter Fashion 2020
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Astrology: Path & Purpose
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Community: Coronado Gives Back
Front Cover: A cheerful photo of the Hotel Del’s 28th annual holiday ornament. This year’s ornament celebrates the spirit of the holiday season at the Del. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Coronado School's Foundation. Ornaments are available for purchase at the The Del Shop or online at store.hoteldel.com Photo Courtesy of the Hotel Del Coronado Website: store.hoteldel.com | On Instagram as @delcoronado In Focus (pages 2 & 3): The Hotel Del is looking glamorous with her holiday lights aglow under a full moon in this photo captured from the ocean water by local photographer Will Holder. Artwork is available for purchase online at willholder.space. Photo Credit: Will Holder | Website: willholder.space | Instagram @will_holder | Facebook: Will Holder Photography Back Cover: Coronado local, Christopher Canton snapped this great shot of Coronado Historical Association volunteers, Judy and Doug Clarke during Coronado's Holiday Parade in December of 2019. The local couple are driving Hotel del Coronado's old Laundry Truck. This classic Ford Model T acquired by CHA in 2007 delivered laundry for The Del from 1923-1930. Photo Credit: Christopher Canton 6
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PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER CANTON
CONTENTS & CREDITS | DECEMBER 2020
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | Vo l u m e 3 I s s u e 1 2
PUBLISHER | Amy Slack amy@crowncitypublishing.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Heather Canton heather@crowncitypublishing.com
EDITOR | Heather Canton heather@crowncitypublishing.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Gina Falletta Design SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Gina Falletta Design COPY EDITORS Alex Larratt, Aly Lawson, Rose Wojnar CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Whitney Benzian, Scarlett Chepke, Christine Van Tuyl, Carol Pastor, Clyde Van Arsdall IV, Karyn Frazier, Jessica Nicolls, Emma Jane Wellings, Cameron Martin, David Throop CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS The Hotel Del Coronado, Will Holder, Christopher Canton, Daron Case, Evgeny Yorobe Photography, Laura Dearden, Brian Doll, Yolanda A., Connie Spitzer, Coronado Historical Association, Karina Passos Photography, Emerald Keepers, Father Joe’s Villages, Monarch School, PAWS, Christine Van Tuyl, Samantha Goh Photography, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Christ Episcopal Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Amanda McPhail SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Hershman, Swinerton Renewable Energy ADVERTISING SALES Heather Canton Amy Slack
heather@crowncitypublishing.com
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We make every effort to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If you find any, please bring them to our attention and accept our sincerest apologies.Thanks!
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Proud Supporter Of Coronado’s Public Schools
Crown City Magazine is proudly printed by: SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTIING 13650 Gramercy Place • Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 323-0112 • southwestoffset.com Crown City Magazine is published monthly. No part of this publication may be used without written permission of the publisher. ©2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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PHOTO BY DARON CASE
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHERS | DECEMBER 2020
Festive boaters parading along the bay off of Coronado in the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in December of 2018. The theme of this year’s 49th annual parades is The Twelve Days of Christmas and parades are scheduled for the evenings of December 13 and 20, 2020.
Wow, 2020 has been quite a year! But through it all, Coronado continues to shine.
This issue is full of fun and interesting articles and features heartwarming stories of our community’s kindness and generosity. We hope readers are inspired to become involved by the many ways people here give back during the holidays and all year. It’s truly our honor and privilege that Crown City Magazine is the platform where these stories are shared for the whole town to see! Thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported our mission to create a beautiful publication for our hometown that benefits local businesses and community organizations. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. 2021 here we come! Cheers! Amy Slack and Heather Canton, Publishers 8
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H O L I D AY E V E N T S | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0
This year, be sure to visit Coronado’s CANDY CANE LANE where residents share a bit of holiday joy by going all out decorating their homes for passersby. This holiday tradition started in 1962 by Country Club Lane residents north of 6th street and it’s still going strong today! Airline pilot Fred Crawley, shown here working in Chief Elf Laura O’Sullivan’s garage, has been the primary labor force behind “Candy Cane Lane” for several decades.
Candy Cane Lane's Manger.
Helen McKinley, the “Senior Elf” of “Candy Cane Lane” for over 50 years, is shown in 2006 with husband Jerry Thummel shortly after he constructed a new display for the cul-de-sac. The figures were painted in large part by children on the street.
Davis, Larkin an d
Jack O’Sullivan
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While many holiday events have gone virtual or have been cancelled this year, plans are always changing, so be sure to keep checking in with your favorite clubs, community and faith organizations like these to see what ‘s happening this holiday season.
CITY OF CORONADO Each week you can read or watch a video from the City Manager, Blair King's Office that provides an update that includes information on programs, services and issues within the City, as well as news, project updates and follow-up information when necessary. Visit coronado.ca.us/news/what_s_new You can also sign up to receive ENotifications right to your inbox with an emailed notice of the Weekly Update. Sign up for eNotifications on the City’s website. Visit Coronado.ca.us and search “Enotifications” CORONADO CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION CoronadoARTS.com is the leading online resource for Arts & Cultural information in Coronado. A service of the City of Coronado’s 10
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Cultural Arts Commission, this site is intended to provide easily available “one-stop” information on a variety of events, classes, lectures, exhibitions and music performances. Visit coronadoarts.com/artsonline CORONADO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE December 5th & 6th 2020 HOLIDAY SIDEWALK SALE Orange Avenue retailers are setting up tables outside their stores with great gift ideas and stocking stuffer bargains. Shoppers can be entered into a draw to win a night at five island hotels, including the Penthouse Suite at the Glorietta Bay Inn. *Annual Holiday Parade has been cancelled for 2020. Check in with the Coronado Chamber of Commerce for details! Contact the Chamber office at 619-435-9260 or visit their website coronadochamber.com
WE’RE BAAACCKK!
After 7 long months, we’ve returned to the Del to a temporary location upstairs next to The Signature Shop just in time for Holiday Shopping! With new arrivals from Bugatchi, Raffi, Holebrook and Scully and some new lines you’ve never seen before! We still have 1/2 price opportunities on many sportcoats, sportshirts and outerwear. And on: ALL SAMUEL HUBBARD AND JOHNSTON MURPHY SHOES! Free gift wrapping and Coronado delivery!
Open 7 days / 9-8pm / (619) 437-1144 CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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GIVING BACK | HOMELESSNESS IN SAN DIEGO
Helping to Combat Homelessness in San Diego By Whitney Benzian Photos by Evgeny Yorobe Photography
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or most of us here on the island, the holiday season stirs up warm memories of friends and family gathering to celebrate and engage in long-held customs and traditions. We pursue these rituals around long, bountiful dining room tables covered with decadent dishes and a crackling fire. We want for nothing. We are lucky indeed. However, just beyond our golden beaches, stylish restaurants and customcrafted homes lies another San Diego, one many of us rarely see. This story is a snapshot of a much less fortunate world beyond Coronado’s city limits into San Diego County’s homelessness crisis, a population that severely needs our attention. We will survey the numbers and socioeconomic issues. This is simply a glimpse of the problem and by no means attempts to capture all the nuances and contributing factors to this deep societal failure. So, how did we get here? The homeless population while always present in San Diego in some form or another appears to have grown significantly over the last decade and the numbers back this up. To better understand this, one must turn to the 1980s. According to the United States Interagency on Homelessness, modern day homelessness began in the early 1980s and they point to the emergence of four prominent factors. 1) The loss of affordable housing and an uptick in foreclosures; 2) wages and public assistance did not keep up with the cost of living; 3) closures of state psychiatric institutions without the creation of sufficient community-based housing aid services; and 4) rapid income inequality that contributed to changes in local housing markets. Fast forward to 2020 and many of these factors are still prevalent and appear to remain contributing causes to our current state of affairs. Let’s take a look at the numbers. According the United States Housing and Urban Development Agency, in 2019 the country’s homeless population sits at about 552,830, while California has approximately 151,278. The San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), a local authority on this matter, published a report stating the number is closer to 129,972 or 25% of the nation’s homeless population. The Public Policy Institute of California uses the 130,000 number but qualifies it by noting it likely doesn’t account for the many “sheltered” homeless individuals who may be “couch surfing” and lacking a stable roof over their heads. San Diego County's population, which from my research disproportionately affects people of color, stands at about 8,102 according to the local 2019 pointin-time count. When San Diego’s 2-1-1 organization examined the correlations between high housing costs and homelessness, they found that “nearly 5,000 of them are living unsheltered on the streets, in vehicles, canyons and other places people aren’t meant to be living.” Over the course of any given year, the RTFH also states “more than 20,000 people experience homelessness” in San Diego. It may be your experience with homelessness is mainly in Downtown San Diego. This homeless hub accounts for around 645 individuals. The Downtown San Diego Partnership, a business organization that runs Clean 14
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& Safe, a homeless outreach program, breaks down the number of homeless individuals by city of San Diego neighborhoods in a 2020 report, below (downtownsandiego.org).
AREA TOTAL: 547
EAST VILLAGE 379
CITY CENTER 123
GASLAMP 45
The homeless population can be found in almost every corner of San Diego County. Data obtained in the graph below is from the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness (rtfhsd.org) 2020 report.
AREA
City of San Diego
North County North County South County East County – Inland – Coastal
Total: 7,619
4,887
603
635
473
1,021
These numbers give San Diego County the fourth largest homeless population in the country, just behind New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle — a ranking that makes it hard for San Diego to proudly market their slogan as “America’s Finest City.” This population is a diverse group that ranges widely from the recently unemployed to victims of domestic violence, the formerly incarcerated who take refuge in homeless shelters because they aren’t eligible for most housing programs, to youth aging out of the foster care system, to name just a few. Many struggle with mental illness or addiction. Right now because of Covid-19 rules, the homeless on the streets of Downtown who are using drugs are “the most difficult” because “they have refused help multiple times (actually hundreds) while there is actually enough space (at least temporary space) for people who seek help,” according to a leader in the business and homeless arena. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, law enforcement’s hands can be tied because coupled with coronavirus-related restrictions, “under a 1967 state law known as the Lanteram-Petris-Short Act, Californians can be held for treatment against their will only if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled.” This, as you can see, can be subjective. One segment we don’t often read about is our veteran homeless population. On any given night in California, we have 11,000 veterans on our streets or 8% of the State’s total homeless population. Among homeless veterans, California has the dubious distinction of having the “nation’s highest share that [sic] are unsheltered (67%).” If a silver lining is to be found, it’s that this population has declined over the course of the decade but is still cause for concern. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer recently said that “the San Diego region has prioritized getting veterans who served our country off the streets for good. We reduced veteran homelessness by 43% since 2019 and housed hundreds this year.” He went on to add: “It’s great progress, but we won’t rest until every hero has a home.” While these numbers seem insurmountable, San Diego has a variety of organizations and agencies committed to solving this systemic problem that work to make a meaningful and positive impact. So, who are these groups and how can you help?
THE SAN DIEGO HOUSING COMMISSION – “HOUSING OUR HEROES” PROGRAM If you own rental housing units or know someone who does, the San Diego Housing Commission runs a program called “Housing Our Heroes.” According to the commission, “between 1,000 to 1,600 homeless individuals in the city are U.S. military Veterans, men and women who served their country, but they don’t have a place to call home.” This program aims to pair vacant units with honorably discharged vets.
HOW TO REACH THEM: The San Diego Housing Commission 1222 Broadway, Unit 300 | San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 231-9400 | Sdhc.org CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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THE MONARCH SCHOOL Another vulnerable segment of this population are families and children. There are more than 1.2 million homeless students across the country and 23,000 in San Diego County. This number speaks for itself. The Monarch School, for over 30 years, has successfully educated homeless youth. You can help them with a financial contribution or by volunteering. Longtime Monarch School supporter and Coronado local Camille Guerin-Boatwright had this to say: “Monarch is grateful for the support of many Coronado locals who have provided turkeys during the holidays as well as clothes and other essentials. With campus being closed during the pandemic, an efficient way to contribute to the school is to look at their wish list on Amazon and your gifts will be delivered directly to school.” They also have a comprehensive wish list to guide you, or you can make a monetary contribution. If you wish to purchase from this list and would like some guidance, you can email Sarah Krueger at SKrueger@monarchschools.org
HOW TO REACH THEM: The Monarch School 1625 Newton Ave. | San Diego, CA 92113 (619) 652-4100 | Monarchschools.org
THE DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO PARTNERSHIP The Partnership runs a number of programs to address homelessness: THE FAMILY REUNIFICATION PROGRAM This program is designed to reconnect homeless individuals with their families and loved ones across the country. The program enables individuals to rebuild the much-needed support systems crucial to ending the cycle of homelessness. MAKE CHANGE COUNT “Make Change Count” is a donation-based program that serves as a fundraising umbrella for Downtown’s homeless initiatives. The red donation station meters you see throughout Downtown accept coin, credit, and debit card donations. The meters are designed to provide the public with an opportunity to donate to programs that effectively address and reduce homelessness. THE CLEAN & SAFE PROGRAM For the area residents and business owners, The Partnership operates the Clean & Safe program. The Clean & Safe team works day in and day out to keep Downtown at its best with enhanced maintenance and safety services, including beautification efforts and a comprehensive homeless outreach program on behalf of property owners. Clean & Safe is funded by Downtown property owners and its service area of the district covers 275 blocks of Downtown and includes the following neighborhoods: City Center, Columbia District, Cortez Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, and Marina.
HOW TO REACH THEM: The Downtown San Diego Partnership 401 B Street, Suite 100 | San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-0201 | Clean & Safe Office (619) 234-8900 | Downtownsandiego.org • Whitney Benzian is a Coronado city council member and is also a residential real estate advisor with Douglas Elliman. He is a longtime resident of Coronado and lives in town with his wife, January and their three children. • Evgeny Yorobe is a local San Diego photographer who skillfully captures the beauty of his hometown of San Diego. Evgeny's art is available for purchase at www.sandiego-landscapes.com or (858) 467-0952. 16
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G I V I N G B AC K | SW I N E R TO N E N E R GY
POWERING UP DISTANCE LEARNING
from Coronado to the Navajo Nation By Scarlett Chepke Photos Courtesy of Brian Doll and Laura Dearden
Volunteers are shown here assembling PowerUp! Distance learning kits for students living on Navajo and Hopi land in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.
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PowerUp! Distance learning kits.
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s one of the top three hot spots for percapita COVID-19 cases in the country, the Navajo Nation is faced with many challenges during this pandemic. An estimated 30% of residents do not have access to clean water and an estimated 60,000 residents do not have access to power. School closures have pushed 46,000 children learning from the classroom to the home, where school supplies are sparse. The ongoing crisis inspired a partnership between Swinerton Renewable Energy, the Heart of America Foundation, the Real Salt Lake (RSL) Foundation and Navajo tribal member and humanitarian, Mylo Fowler. Since May, the partners have distributed distance learning resources to 8,700 students living on Navajo and Hopi land in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.
Building Good Energy on the Reservation San Diego-based Swinerton Renewable Energy (SRE) is the largest solar EPC contractor in the United States. SRE has completed over 200 projects in 28 states, building enough solar capacity to power over 1.3 million homes. As a 100% employee-owned company, Swinerton appreciates the importance of giving back to the communities where we live and work. In 2019, SRE served as the EPC contractor on the Kayenta 2 solar project, the country’s first tribally developed, owned and operated solar facility. Developed by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA), the Kayenta project not only provides local jobs and revenue, but the proceeds from the project also help fund Light Up Navajo, an initiative dedicated to the electrification of homes on the Navajo Nation. Following the completion of Kayenta, SRE made a long-term commitment to serve the people living in this region. In 2019, SRE partnered with NTUA on an initiative called the Lightmakers Project to provide simple solar-powered solutions to Navajo homes in need of
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immediate power. Over the course of three trips to the Reservation, SRE equipped 43 homes with Yeti 150 Power Stations, Boulder 50 solar panel kits and Lighta-Life 350 LED lights from Goal Zero. Installed at no cost to owners, each home will save upwards of $300 per week – nearly $4,000 a year – otherwise spent on batteries, kerosene or other fossil fuels.
Partners Create Program to Aid Navajo Students When COVID-19 shuttered schools across the country last spring, tribal member Mylo Fowler enlisted the aid of several organizations to help support Navajo families through this challenging time. Jennifer Hershman, SRE’s Community Relations Liaison and Coronado resident, first connected with Fowler through her company’s shared partnership with Goal Zero. SRE joined Heart of America, RSL, the charitable foundation of the Real Salt Lake professional soccer team, and Mylo to launch a program called PowerUp! Empowered Education. The PowerUp! program provides free distance learning resources to Navajo Nation families. The Education Resource Packs assembled and distributed in a multiphase response provide a lifeline to thousands of students as they adapt to an at-home learning environment, often without access to reliable power and wi-fi. The kits include school supplies, STEM learning activities, books, PPE masks, hand sanitizer, a Goal Zero solar lantern and PowerUp! Distance learning kits.
more. “Now is the time to work together in support of those uniquely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis,” said Jennifer Hershman of Swinerton Renewable Energy. “Distance learning poses specific challenges to Navajo communities, where many live without access to the grid or reliable internet. Our partners have shown tremendous generosity in their support of this program, which will provide students with resources they need to continue learning and to stay connected through this isolating time.” Six phases of the project have been completed so far, with volunteers gathering under safe social distance protocols most recently to pack and deliver 1,700 distance learning kits to students in Kayenta, the community in which SRE worked in 2019 and one of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In all, the PowerUp! program has provided resources to over 30 K-12 schools in the Navajo Nation.
This year’s Ms. Navajo Nation – Shaandiin P. Parrish of Kayenta Arizona helping with the donation boxes. Her first name in Navajo means “Sun beam through the clouds.”
Whitehorse Work Continues Swinerton Renewable Energy expanded the growing program partnership, working with environmental nonprofit, Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI), to develop Power Up-sponsored curriculum for Whitehorse High School (WHS) in Utah. WHS is a public, rural junior and senior high school serving students in grades 7-12. Less than 12% of the WHS students have access to wi-fi based on the rural areas they live in, and many also lack power and water. As part of the PowerUp! initiative, students at Whitehorse High School will receive USB flash drives loaded with SEI curriculum. PowerUp! curriculum is tailored to students by grade, offering coursework for grades 7 through 12 and meets all Utah State Educational
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Standards. The pre-loaded flash drives provide easily accessible content to students, removing the dependence on often unreliable wi-fi while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will supply 560 total flash drives. Once students and teachers are back on campus, SRE and SEI will continue with curriculum support and introduce hands-on STEM activities and PowerUp! Challenges.
The Solar Industry Steps Up The PowerUp! program has gained the attention and support of Swinerton’s solar industry colleagues, and several partner companies have donated funds and supplies as part of the program. In April, Jinko Solar provided 50,000 masks to students, families and medical facilities in the Navajo Nation. Additional supporting industry partners include Construction Innovations, Blymyer Engineers, Shugar Magic Foundation, Elite Team Offices and Sungrow. SRE has also been recognized for its work in the Navajo Nation. ENR Southwest named Kayenta 2 as a 2020 Best Project. On October 22, Swinerton Renewable Energy and program partners were chosen as The Cleanie Awards winner for Community Giveback. As the leading cleantech awards program, the Cleanie Awards innovation excellence, business leadership and superior outreach campaigns. If you would like to learn more about PowerUp! and how you can help support the program, please email Jennifer Hershman, Community Relations Liaison for Swinerton Renewable Energy, at Jennifer.Hershman@swinerton. com
PowerUp! Distance learning backpacks.
Nick Barringer during a water rescue drill, jumping out of a helicopter into the ocean off Coronado 24
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P E O P L E | CONNIE SPITZER
A local watercolorist, whose dreams of growing up to be an artist were dashed in the first grade when her drawing didn’t make the wall for back-toschool night, didn’t pick up her first set of paints until decades later. Now, she’s delighting locals and visitors alike with her charming, quirky watercolors of everything that’s special about Coronado. “I didn’t think I was an artist,” says Connie Spitzer, as she sits on a wooden rocking chair on her front porch in the late afternoon sun. “In the first grade, everyone in the class was asked to draw a picture of an Indian papoose. The best pictures were hung on the wall for back-to-school night, and my picture wasn’t chosen…I was so sad! I remember it like it was yesterday. I just assumed I couldn’t draw.” In fact, Spitzer says she didn’t have much to do with art, until many moons later when her artist friend, Doris Rice, noticed the bright and happy colors she painted the exterior of her cottage on C Avenue. It was “dull and grey,” but Spitzer painted the outside a cheerful yellow, with a bright blue door. Rice told Spitzer that she could “tell she was an artist” from the colors she painted her house. “I said, ‘but I can’t draw a thing, I’m horrible,’” recalls Spitzer. “I even have horrible handwriting!” But her friend kept after her, and every time she came to town, she would try to get Spitzer to paint. Finally, someone lent her some paints, just so she could try it. Her first week, she painted for five days straight, and on the fifth day, something clicked: she painted a piece of art she was proud of. “I painted the Coronado boathouse, and I could look at it and see … this actually looks like the boathouse,” she says with a smile. “I was hooked! I had to do more of it.” Ten years later, Spitzer developed something of a local following, selling prints from her website, CoronadoWatercolor.com. She’s painted everything from the old ferry landing ticket booth and the Coronado Hardware Glass and Paint Store to the view from the Coronado Shores, the Hotel Del, and Boney’s Bayside Market. She’s even employed a drone to capture real-life images she can paint from. Spitzer’s whimsical lines and fresh perspective on special Coronado places are popular with the locals who buy her prints and notecards. She even paints portraits of people’s homes, mainly for buyers from her real estate business (yes, she has a day job too!) But for Spitzer, painting is all about the mental escape. “When I paint, there is this part of your mind that you go to, that is so relaxing, and you can kind of tune out the daily problems,” says Spitzer. “You don’t concentrate on anything but painting…you’re totally in the moment.” Spitzer has been commissioned to paint pictures for the Coronado Golf Course, and she’s even been featured on a video created by Coronado Public Art Commissioner, Brad Willis, one of her biggest fans. 26
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A collection of Connie's cheerful Coronado watercolor paintings.
“Connie’s watercolors are truly modern, indigenous folk art that celebrate the beauty of our community in a lyrical fashion that brings me pure joy,” says Willis. “Connie’s pieces are intentionally innocent, capturing the experience of her perspective rather than seeking a technical representation of it.” While watercolor, as a medium, is fluid and freeing, Spitzer admits it can be unforgiving. “My personality is perfectly matched for it, because I am easy going, and if I make a mistake, I can try to lift it, or I can just make the best of it and keep going,” says Spitzer. “I am very joyful when I paint, so I don’t worry about little mistakes. My work isn’t perfect, and that’s okay!” Spitzer says she still struggles with things like perspective, especially when she’s painting a building or structure. That’s when her husband, Frank, steps in to help. “He will come in and adjust the lines, or shift them a little, and it helps me with the perspective,” says Spitzer of Frank, who is also her partner in the real estate world. Spitzer says that color is the most important element of her paintings. “I just love colors, the brighter the better!” says Spitzer, who gestures towards her bright blue glasses and colorful outfit. “That’s what Doris saw in me…that I like and know color.” Spitzer says she is always inspired by the beach, and loves being surrounded by water. Although she
grew up in landlocked West Virginia, she remembers a family vacation to North Carolina, and how special it felt to be on the ocean. “I feel close to God when I’m at the beach,” says Spitzer. “There’s just something that makes you feel like, there’s something bigger than you. It’s calming.” After moving to San Diego and living in Poway, her husband brought her to Coronado for her 40th birthday. Once she found out how great the schools were, there was no going back to North County. Spitzer, Frank and their two children moved to the island and they are on their 23rd year of living in Coronado . “Coronado is such a special community, it’s really a small town,” says Spitzer. “I love the community, and I love how people step up and help each other.” Spitzer says she hopes to fill her days with more painting, and continue to embrace her unique take on Coronado neighborhoods, cityscapes and special places. “I’m a different artist, and things don’t look exactly how other people see them,” says Spitzer. “But I think this is okay. If I was a perfectionist, it would drive me crazy.”
Learn more about Connie Spitzer’s art at Coronadowatercolor.com. Available for purchase at redbubble.com/people/cspitzer5/shop • Christine Van Tuyl is a freelance writer who lives in Coronado with her husband and two children.
(Below) Connie Spitzer started painting about ten years ago when an artist friend noticed the colorful paint she selected for the outside of her house. (Right) Connie outside her colorful house.
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Crown City History I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N W I T H H O T E L D E L C O R O N A D O & C O R O N A D O H I S T O R I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N
Remembering Past Christmas Traditions
B y C A R O L PA S T O R , C O R O N A D O H I S T O R I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N V O L U N T E E R
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f all the holidays we hold dear, one of the most steeped in tradition is that of the Christmas season. Traditions have been carried forth from the homelands of immigrants coming to America from many parts of the world. Those traditions are found to this day in the foods we cook, the way we decorate our homes, our Christmas trees, and the ornaments we use. For various reasons, many of these have found their way to our community...Coronado. From the village of the late 1800s to the city we know today, tradition abounds. Most remembered and anticipated year after year was Christmas at the Hotel del Coronado. History was made when the first lighted Christmas tree was displayed in 1904 on the hotel grounds. Since that time a tree, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season has sat majestically in the main lobby of the Hotel del Coronado. Looking up from its imposing location one could also view the balcony surrounding the lobby, draped in greenery and festooned with red ribbons. Over the years
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the tree was both amply lighted and frequently decorated in a theme. One year It might have been angels or Santas, or as one year not long ago, it was bedazzling with teddy bears. For many years a trip to the Del during the season meant dressing up for the occasion and taking the children or grandchildren to view the wonders of Christmas. Did you visit Santa or stay for cocoa? Of course you did. I can think of another Coronado event brought smiles of pure joy to
many a child’s face. Why? You ask. Because THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS came to town. Loews Coronado Bay Resort brought the performance to the hotel for the Christmas season. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon the hotel hosted this event, performed in the lobby. Rows of chairs were provided for the adults and some for children, little ones afraid of the Grinch. Most of the children of all ages chose to sit on the floor
The first electrically lit Christmas tree, 1904. Historical Collection Union Title Insurance Company San Diego, California.
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in front of the performance. Many anticipated that location. It gave them a better chance of saying hello to the Grinch after the performance. It was followed with the favorite cookies and punch. In the village itself, one can hardly forget the annual Holiday Parade and the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rotary Park. The first Friday of December opens the Christmas season in Coronado. Looking back over the years it was far more than the parade that night. The town itself was open, especially shops that allowed for a start to early holiday shopping. Thirty to forty years ago one shop, in particular, Town and Country women’s wear, not only giftwrapped your items purchased, but were known to deliver them to your home the following day. Restaurants had tables on Orange Avenue where they offered cups of chowder or hot cider to strollers that evening. It was a fun, family night in Coronado. The parade, the arrival of Santa, and the lighting of the tree is still a part of our city. Some changes have been made over time but an evening still to be remembered. This year, although the holiday season may be different, I will be remembering these community traditions and our history as we make new ones. I hope you enjoy the Christmas season in Coronado once again.
Rotary tree lighting. Date unknown. Courtesy of the Coronado Historical Association.
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A bowl of cioppino made by Coronado's authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante, Buona Forchetta. 32
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Gold Rush of 1849 made San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest popular destinations. Not all “forty-niners” were hunting for gold; some were attracted to San Francisco’s newfound prosperity. The Italians who fished off Meiggs Wharf were one such group. They would return from sea with their fish holds full of what they had caught that day. The sights of home, just off the starboard bow, had changed for these fishermen. The ancient buildings of Genoa were no longer in view. Their new home provided a much more modern skyline that could be seen poking through the fog. All hands were on deck as the fisherman coiled ropes and hung nets — it was always a long day at sea and the crew was hungry. A familiar smell enveloped the men as steam billowed from a large pot fastened to the deck — a simple fish stew was taking shape. Like these fishermen who lived so far from home, the stew they cooked for lunch had adapted to its new environment. Some elements had changed, but these Italian immigrants still made a living on the water. And the catch of the day still populated the stew they ate for their meal. It didn’t take long for the traditional stew to become what we know now as cioppino. There are two possible origins for the word cioppino. It may be derived from the Ligurian dialect “ciuppin” which means chopped, torn to pieces. Cioppino could also come from the Genovese dialect “ciupar,” meaning to dip or to drench, most likely referring to the bread served with the stew. Regardless of origin, it didn’t take long for talk of this delicious stew to spread. It quickly made its way from deck and dock to the homes and restaurants of the Italian North Beach neighborhood, destined to become an iconic dish for the city. Heaven, by a simplified definition, is a condition or place of great happiness, delight, or pleasure. Cioppino is that for me, a bowl full of all my favorite things usually enjoyed with all my favorite people. The love affair I have with cioppino is inseparable from my love affair with San Francisco. Meigg's Wharf from Russian Hill in The destination, when I San Francisco, California. arrive in the city is always the same: North Beach for a bowl of cioppino. I was taught in life the journey is as important as the destination, so there’s no filler to my day in San Francisco. First stop in the city is Swan Oyster Depot, on Polk Street (they open early). Oysters on the half shell and a cold Anchor Steam beer is the breakfast of champions. Next stop, House of Nanking on Kearny Street, for lunch CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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and some of the best Chinese food in the city. After lunch there’s time to explore and see the sights like the famous City Lights Book Store on Columbus Avenue. The last stop before dinner is the Top of the Mark for a dirty martini and a million-dollar view of the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge, with unobstructed views of Alcatraz and the Bay. The journey is finished, and destination North Beach cioppino here I come. My favorite spot was always Rose Pistola (a North Beach classic), but it closed in 2017 after 21 years. I am on the hunt for a new go-to spot. The problem is my favorite bowl of cioppino is almost always the one I’m currently eating. I may stay single for a while, not commit. Playing the field has turned up some amazing bowls of cioppino. Cioppino isn’t a set recipe so every bowl is different. The base of this versatile soup consists of tomatoes, seafood stock, aromatics, white wine, and then whatever seafood is available at the time. This allows for an amazing amount of variety and excitement. Having a familiar bowl of this stew, even at your favorite place, can be different from one visit to the next. The only thing that never changes is it’s always delicious. I don’t get to San Francisco as often as I would like, so I create my own slice of heaven at home for friends and family every year on my birthday. My most recent cioppino was magical. I pulled out all the stops. I always start with my friend, and fellow chef, Lisa’s family recipe. Lisa’s great Aunt Grace got the recipe from her dear friend who lived in the Italian neighborhood of North Beach in the early 60s. Lisa’s family has been making cioppino using this recipe ever since. I used their treasured recipe the first time I made cioppino for my family. Since then, I’ve made their recipe my own, adding and changing things here and there. After all, cioppino is what I like to call a living recipe. It changes depending on where it’s made and with the seasons, but the spirit is always the same. There are two ingredients, besides the fish, which are game-changers for this dish: the tomatoes and the stock. The tomatoes used for cioppino are typically canned, San Marzano tomatoes from Italy because they’re simply the best. I’ve given up on the flavorless hard tomatoes in the grocery store, even the heirloom organic ones are often too soft and lack flavor. Fortunately, this season produced an abundance of fresh seasonal tomatoes. Our friends in town had a bumper crop and they gave us baskets full—which we processed and canned for our cioppino. Seafood stock is tricky. Most people cooking cioppino at home use clam juice, as it’s readily available for purchase in the grocery store. Because I love making cioppino when I have the opportunity, I’ll make a seafood stock from shrimp or lobster shells then freeze it until it’s time to Clyde Van Arsdall, IV. make the stew. I made lobster rolls for my 34
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son’s birthday, so I used the shells to make stock and froze it. These two handmade items are packed with flavor; they make the difference between good and great. Fresh seafood is a given, both in San Francisco and in San Diego, so always choose what looks the best and is in season. The time of year you choose to make cioppino will often determine the flavor, as various items will change depending on availability. Aromatics are another variable. My friend Lisa’s recipe calls for green onions and bell peppers, but instead, this last time around, I used a yellow onion and fresh fennel. I love fennel, and I’ve never been a big fan of green bell peppers, so I liked the results. No matter how much I change Aunt Gracie’s recipe, the spirit of the dish is always the same. Cioppino connects our two families to San Francisco. Gathering around a table with loved ones to share this beloved dish is a communion of sorts, a time to celebrate the past and toast to the future. I hope cioppino does the same for your friends and family. Felice di mangarie. (Happy eating.)
R E C I P E S | C H E F C LY D E VA N A R S DA L L I V
• Clyde Van Arsdall IV is an executive chef and lives in Coronado with his children. • Garage Buona Forchetta is located at 1000 C Avenue in Coronado, or find them online at buonaforchettasd.com. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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Michael B. Copp, D.D.S
( 619 ) 435-3185
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A RO UN D TOW N | C H R I ST I N E VAN T U Y L
CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
PHOTO BY AMY STEWARD
When the holidays come around, many people are inspired to share the spirit of the season by selflessly giving others. From soup kitchens and blanket drives to toy donations and gift cards, Coronado locals never fail to show their generosity and kindness. But the holidays aren’t the only time to roll up your sleeves and do something good for the world…in fact, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer and give all year-round. (Some of them may be practically in your backyard.) Check out some of the ways to keep the spirit of Christmas flowing 365 days of the year.
Members of Coronado Emerald Keepers organize and facilitate beach cleanups. 38
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E D U C AT I O N F O R A L L The mission of the Monarch School is to educate students impacted by homelessness and help them develop the necessary skills for personal success. Currently there are more than 23,000 homeless students in San Diego County, and the Monarch School is dedicated to helping students break the cycle of poverty through education. What began as a one room education center has expanded into a K-12 comprehensive school, and volunteers are a big part of its success. Individual volunteer opportunities include working in math and literacy support, helping out in the classroom, personal shopping, and admin. When it comes to group volunteer opportunities, people are needed for donation drives, hygiene kit assembly, snack pack assembly, donation sorting and organization as well as family dinners.
PHOTO BY KRISTEN HAYES
Monarch School San Diego 1625 Newton Avenue San Diego, CA 92113 Phone: (619) 652-4100 Email: info@monarchschools.org Website: monarchschools.org Instagram: @monarchschool Facebook: Monarch School of San Diego
WA R M I N G H E A R T S W I T H A N I M A L W E L FA R E
Molly was adopted from PAWS in September. PHOTO BY CYNDI FURHMANN
Each and every day, many of PAWS Coronado’s most essential operations are handled by devoted volunteers. From dog walking to youth mentorship, the hands-on, dedicated team of volunteers impacts the welfare of once homeless animals and the Coronado community at large. If you want to make a difference in the lives of animals seeking their forever homes, consider embarking on your journey of animal advocacy with PAWS. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cat petting/strolling, working with adoption teams, digital media work and more. Or, take a look at foster care, by providing essential safety and comfort for pets who are rescued as newborns. Better yet, adopt a PAWS pet into your home for a lifetime of joy and love. After all, that’s the vision of PAWS: for every animal to have a safe, loving forever home. PAWS of Coronado Address: 1395 1st Street Coronado, CA 92118 Phone: (619) 435-8247 Website: pawsofcoronado.org Instagram: @pawsofcoronado Facebook: PAWS of Coronado
Teagan Furhmann holds the kitten her family adopted from PAWS. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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HEAL MOTHER OCEAN
“Our oceans are in peril,” says Amy Steward, President of Coronado Emerald Keepers. “Plastics are choking our oceans and killing marine life. Over-fishing and rising temperatures due to carbon emissions threaten ecosystems. The habitability of our planet is at stake.” Fortunately, thanks to local organizations like Emerald Keepers, some of these trends may be reversible. Volunteers for Emerald Keepers keep busy organizing and facilitating beach cleanups, educating consumers on making sustainable choices when they shop, and writing letters to eliminate single-use plastics. Not sure where to start? Locals are encouraged to visit the EmeraldKeepers.org website and take the pledge. It can be as easy as riding your bike and picking up three pieces of trash a day! “Emerald Keepers is extremely proud of Coronado as we work to change hearts and change minds,” says Steward. “We are a long way from becoming the true green ‘Emerald City’ we purport to be, but we are turning the tide.” Emerald Keepers Phone: 619-535-7152 Email: emeraldkeepers@gmail.com Website: emeraldkeepers.org Instagram @emeraldkeepers FaceBook Emerald Keepers
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PHOTO BY AMY STEWARD
Emerald Keepers at a beach cleanup. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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HELPING THE HOMELESS
Headquartered just over the bridge on Imperial Avenue, Father Joe’s Villages seeks volunteers for a variety of programs including preparing and serving meals, tutoring kids, working in retail, maintenance, beautification and more. In fact, no matter what your knack or talent, Father Joe’s has a place for your skillset. Volunteers with specialized experience are always needed: for example, licensed cosmetologists can cut hair at Village Clips, a hair salon in East Village; some surf schools have even hosted events, inviting homeless children to experience the fun of surfing for the first time. Feeding more than 3,000 hungry neighbors a day and housing more than 1,500 people without homes, Father Joe’s Villages is the largest provider of homeless services in Southern California. Father Joe’s Villages Address: 1501 Imperial Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 645-6411 Email: volunteer@neighbor.org Website: My.neighbor.org Instagram @fatherjoes Facebook Father Joe’s Villages Father Joe's picks up furniture donations free of charge.
BE A BOOKWORM
If you can’t imagine anything better than getting lost in the pages of a good book, consider joining Coronado Friends of the Library, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to support the Coronado Public Library programs. This includes children’s summer reading programs, children’s activities, library exhibits, new books, and more. You can assist with special books sales, and help operate Second Hand Prose, the used book store behind the library. One thing is for certain…you will always have something fabulous to read, and you’ll know your work is helping support literacy in a special way. Friends of the Coronado Public Library 640 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 (behind the library) Phone: (619) 435-1516 Email: info@CoronadoFOL.org Website: coronadoFOL.org Instagram: friendsofcpl92118 Facebook: Friends of Coronado Public Library 42
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1009 ORANGE AVE POKE123USA.COM
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LIFESTYLE | BY KARYN FRAZIER + JESSICA NICOLLS
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here is something so enticing about a good vintage rug. The subtle worn corners and muted colors with pops of vibrant knots weaved throughout, tell a story of old and new. Imagining where a rug has been and the story it could tell is part of the intrigue. Our all-time favorite vintage rug style is a good Oushak rug. Their subtle patterns make them fit seamlessly with any design style. We love using vintage rugs in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and bathrooms. They provide a much-needed softness, texture and pattern into spaces that are saturated with hard surfaces. Another great space to incorporate a vintage rug is down a long hallway. It adds instant character and charm. We are firm believers that home should be lived in and enjoyed so we always recommend purchasing a rug you love but at a price point that you won’t be afraid to utilize it in the main spaces of your home. If they are placed in a high traffic area of the home, we suggest having them cleaned every couple of years by a professional, who can also mend any fraying edges or holes. Keep a little card on file with what type of rug it is, what year it was made and where it was purchased. It is always fun to continue the legacy of the vintage story. • Photography by Samantha Goh Photography • Bathroom photo by Kristen Vincent Photography
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• Karyn Frazier and Jessica Nicolls are the owners of the interior design firm Bungalow 56.
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Tina Gavzie
(619) 778-0955
Luxury property specialist
1116 Tenth Street | tinagav@aol.com
Coronado resident and agent for 24 years
DRE #01205962 | TinaGavzie.WillisAllen.com
Happy Holidays!
FOR SALE | SAN DIEGO
2500 6th Avenue #1003 | $2,675,000
Call me to buy, sell or lease your home! 46
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F O R K S & C O R K S | S TA K E C H O P H O U S E & B A R
World famous Stake Martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives. 48
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49 PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE VAN TUYL
you seek an over-the-top dining experience that’s dripping in decadence, look no further than Stake Chophouse & Bar. Prepare to be pampered with exceptional service, world-class wines, insanely fresh seafood, and the tastiest cuts of meat around. The best way to take it all in? Why, the “Stake Experience,” of course. What exactly is the “Stake Experience?” Michael Pickering, general manager of the Stake Chophouse & Bar was there to explain. “The ‘Stake Experience’ is a special five-course dinner prepared by the chef on the spot,” Pickering says. “It includes some fan favorites, always fresh seafood to start, and it’s paired with specially-selected wines. It’s our of way of inviting you into the restaurant and showing you the best of what Stake has to offer.” As you can imagine, our interest was piqued. While we pondered the eminent enchantment of the experience, we decided to split one of their famous martinis. Made with Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, it was cool and crisp down to the last taste. The upstairs patio, where we sat, was delightful and inviting; light pinks and oranges danced above the trees amidst the setting sun. Diners clinked glasses at well-spaced out tables; keeping a safe social distance was no problem. (Most of the fine dining has moved outside for the time being, allowing for extra safety measures with the bonus of a lovely view.) We also got our own heater which we did ask the server to light once the sun set. Twinkling white lights adorned the umbrellas and candles were lit on all the tables, adding another layer of allure to the evening. The contemporary and upscale ambience seemed to suggest an expectation of excellence. That’s just what David Spatafore, principal at Blue Bridge Hospitality—which owns Stake, Little Frenchie, Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, Village Pizzeria, Liberty Public Market, and more—had in mind when he opened Stake in 2014. “My vision remains the same as it was when we opened,” Spatafore says. “I wanted to bring one of the best boutique steakhouse experiences in the country to our little town. A big city experience, an escape, something special. This is what our community deserves and what the guests of our fine hotels expect.” Before the meal began, our server Nate brought us each an amuse-bouche to stimulate the palette. It was a just a few bites of delicious soup made with celery and mushroom foam, but if this small sample was any indicator of the quality and sophistication of the evening, then we knew we were in for a treat. We were right.
Wine pairing with white burgandy. 50
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PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE VAN TUYL
Our first dish was an oyster trio: the first made with wasabi ponzo, the second with beet and ginger, the third prepared Rockefeller. They were all amazing, the first perky and zingy, the second fall-flavored and fresh, the last, rich and cooked to perfection. Paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, it’s hard to imagine a more enticing appetizer.
Oyster Trio
The next course, a dish of thinly sliced, lightly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth scallops with brown butter, hollandaise sauce, and leak vinegar paired beautifully with the delicious white burgundy wine. The light, buttery elegance lingered on our tongues while we took in the sunset views and indulged in sips of the wine—beautiful and bright. The third course, a duck prepared two ways, was tasty and unique. The seared Sonoma duck breast was tender and delicious, and it came paired with the duck ballotine, a sausage wrapped inside a duck leg—a sustainable and wonderful morsel of goodness that wastes and wants for nothing. The plate came with a parsnip puree, crispy Japanese sweet potato, and a sherry reduction. It was complimented by a lovely red wine from northwest Italy, a Nebbiolo that’s nicknamed the “King of Italian Grapes.” According to Spatafore, it’s the quality of the ingredients—along with the other touches like high-end plate ware, steak knives, Riedel glassware, and the uncompromising level of service—that make Stake a true fine dining experience. “For instance, we work with Sonoma County Poultry for our duck,” Spatafore says. “They supply the finest restaurants in the country, and they don’t have the supply to sell to many. These exclusive high-end offerings define our commitment to the best.” In addition, Stake is the recipient of a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for the last five years—every year since it opened. According to Spatafore, there are only 1,387 winners of this award nationwide. The awards are based on selections and demonstrating a deep commitment to the vintages as well as who and how they’re served. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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But now, onto what Stake is really known for…it’s choice cuts of beef. Some of Stake’s signature dishes were included in the next course, an amazing steak sampler. This featured the top-of-the-line Japanese A5 Wagyu, an American Wagyu ribeye, two New York Strips—one from Australia and another from Lone Mountain Ranch in New Mexico. All were tender, flavorful, and beyond delicious. The steaks came with mixed mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, twice baked potatoes, shishito peppers, and, the kicker, a succulent serving of bone marrow. This course came with a glass of Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, with notes of black currant, blackberry, and boysenberry…the perfect complement to the robust flavors of meat. A highlight of the evening was when we were brought out specially-made knives to cut our meat. Usually, guests are able to select their knife from the knife box brought to the table—knives from all over the world. But these (COVID) days, the server selects a knife for you. (Nate chose my knife because he said I am a strong lady…bingo!) My knife was designed out of New York, by a woman named Chelsea Miller. She commissioned a family in France to craft the knife, and it’s actually designed after a tool they use to remove horseshoes. (How he know I rode horses?)
The last course—the desserts—did not disappoint. We noshed on the rich, moist carrot cake and the blueberry bread pudding with MooTime ice cream. Can you imagine anything dreamier? This came with a mouthwatering dessert wine, not oversweet and equally delectable. According to Nate, the experience of serving in a high-end establishment—even during COVID days— reaffirms why he got into the business to begin with: the love of food! “It’s a little different,” he says. “We can’t bring the meat trays out, but it’s still beautiful; everyone seems to have good energy so we appreciate that, and there seems to be a kindness in the dining right now, the food quality is still great.” We couldn’t agree more. The good food vibes are flowing strong at Stake. The energy is infectious, the menu is fit for a king, and the wine list, well, that’s fit for a queen. The service? Also top-notch. But don’t take my word for it. If you really want to enjoy all that’s fabulous about this restaurant, book a table and savor the “Stake Experience” yourself.
• Christine Van Tuyl is a freelance writer who lives in Coronado with her husband and two children.
Blueberry bread pudding with MooTime ice cream. 52
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Stake is known for its USDA prime, dry aged and Wagyu beef. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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S H O P L O C A L | W I N T E R FA S H I O N 2 0 2 0
HOLIDAY STYLE RIGHT HERE IN TOWN. SHOP LOCAL! Whether you’re seeking out something fun and stylish to wear for the holidays or to cozy up in during the winter months, there’s no need to leave the island - Coronado boutiques have it all. Trips and parties may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean that your outfits have to. The holidays are the perfect excuse to have some much-needed fun with the latest fashions. Find the perfect gift, an outfit for yourself, or something to cozy up in style on a weekend getaway to the mountains. • Emma Jane Wellings is a local fashion expert, international wardrobe stylist and co-founder of Style on the Go, based in Coronado. Visit mystyleonthego.com or follow Emma on Instagram @mystyleonthego
STAY SASSY IN SEQUINS!
Stride into the holiday season with some fun sparkly pieces. Bold sequin tops are a great way of lifting your look and getting into the party spirit. Paired with demure denim and a simple heel, this is a fun, ontrend yet classy outfit. SEQUIN TOP – $54
sparkly!
BOLD, BEADED CLUTCHES FOR THE WIN!
Even the simplest of outfits looks elegant and stylish with a statement clutch bag. Lift a classic black dress, denim or simple top with a fun, beaded clutch in bright colors and let the accessories do the talking! STATEMENT CLUTCHES - $72
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MISS MATCH 1201 1st St #217 (at the Coronado Ferry Landing) Coronado, CA 92118 Phone: (619) 435-5550 Email: missmatchsd@yahoo.com Website: www.missmatchsd.com Instagram: @missmatchsd Facebook: Miss Match
WINTER GETAWAY STYLE
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to a relaxing beach break in sunnier climes, this great swimsuit doubles up as a top for the evening with a maxi skirt or for daytime with shorts foreasy day-to-night. KNOT SWIMSUIT & TOP IN ONE – $95 AMAZONIA BEACHWEAR 1610 Glorietta Blvd. Coronado, CA 92118 Phone: (619) 865-0245 Email: mirthis@amazoniabeachwear.com Website: amazoniabeachwear.com Instagram: @amazonia.beachwear Facebook: Amazonia Brazillian Beachwear
sexy! SNUGGLE UP IN A STYLISH, TIMELESS WRAP! Great cover ups when the temperatures dip, make a statement in this gorgeous wrap which will work with all your outfits for the holidays and beyond.
DESIGNER LOOKING WRAP – $98
classic!
STYLE ON THE GO Based in Coronado mystyleonthego.com Instagram: @mystyleonthego
COZY UP IN STYLE
Slogan sweaters in bold colors are big newsthis season and a fun lift to your winter wardrobe. ‘JOY’ SWEATER – $135 LA MER 1122 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 Phone: (619) 435-9270 Instagram: @lamercoronado
cozy! CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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ASTROLOGY | CAMERON MARTIN
Cameron pausing for a moment to meditate and taking in panoramic red rock views of Sedona, Arizona. 56
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57 PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMERON MARTIN
uring the holiday season, it is always easy to feel a little lost in the frenzy. With so much happening in such a short time, it can be hard to find ways to give to ourselves. In 2020, there is even more happening around us to knock us off balance and the global impact of COVID-19 has left many people off-balance. To some extent, we are all struggling to support our family members, friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers through this time. Our society is gripped by uncertainty because it seems like the world we once knew has vanished overnight. Do you even know who you are anymore? In an age of uncertainty, astrology can be used to reconnect ourselves inward, reconnect with each other, and reconnect with our greater purpose. Astrology is the study of the patterns of cosmic bodies and their relationship to—or synchronous with—the human psychological experience on Earth. Astrology’s influence over human life has been significant in many world cultures for centuries. Though most people don’t realize it, astrology has been at the heart of science, medicine, philosophy, magic, and even psychology for much of human history. Some people consider astrology just a fun conversation starter and some swear by their horoscope predictions, while many others write it off completely as pseudo-scientific and ‘woo-woo’—unworthy of their time or attention. As an academic, I understand the skepticism, perhaps because I am naturally skeptical of most things. However, I have come to learn, through my own life experience and through my practice, that while there are many misconceptions about astrology, this ancient knowledge system has much to offer us in times of change and uncertainty. It is also a rich tool for self-discovery. Many people are familiar with their Sun sign—the astrological sign that is representative of the time of year when they were born—whether they have an interest in astrology or not. We say things like: “I’m a Leo,” and “She’s such a Taurus” in common parlance. However, your Sun sign is not the whole picture. It’s not even close to explaining the depth of who you are. This is a common misunderstanding of astrology in popular culture, which limits us from seeing the whole picture. To get the whole story, you need to look at your horoscope. To understand your soul’s journey in this life, astrologers cast a horoscope, or the map of the sky from the moment of your birth. This astrological birth chart is a map of your life’s journey. It is the energetic blueprint that was chosen by your soul and imprinted upon you during birth. You can see things like personality traits, early conditioning, work habits, what stimulates your mind, love compatibility, your family dynamics, traumas, opportunities for growth, career path—really, your whole life—from the horoscope. There are also indicators in your chart that illuminate your path and your purpose in this lifetime; the reasons why you are here. With the help of an astrologer, you can often come to know more than you would even imagine about yourself. Astrology is about exploring the synchronicities and the possibilities of the events in one’s life. It isn’t about finding out every detail of one’s fate or predicting every outcome of one’s future. Your future is always changing and as a human being, you have free will and reserve the right to exercise choice over your own life. The tools of astrology, however, can help you to understand the energetic potentials you are working with. 58
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Rock path in Vermont.
PHOTOS BY A LIFE LIVED PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether you are interested in astrology or not, 2020 has given us a tremendous opportunity to slow down and to be with ourselves. While quarantine and social distancing hasn’t been easy on most of us, you can choose to see this as a significant opportunity to go within; a moment to discover yourself. A moment to Be with you. Even though it might look different this year, as the holiday season ramps up and a new year begins, make sure to spend some time with yourself. Be intentional about caring for and giving to yourself. Honor the space you need to refresh and recharge. Do what makes you feel good. Spend some time and return to You. And whether astrology is part of your journey or not, allow yourself space to learn more about what makes you who you are. Remember, you cannot give from an empty cup. If you want to be able to support others in your life, you must first give to yourself. As the year draws to a close, if you are interested in knowing what the stars have in store for you or someone special in 2021, consider an astrology reading with me. Perhaps the best thing you can do to give back during this time of year is to give the gift of yourself to yourself.
Cameron in his element.
• Cameron Martin is an Astrologer, Conscious Coach, and CEO of Path & Purpose. He is also a Leadership Studies PhD student at the University of San Diego and Coronado resident. His services include astrology readings, online lunar meditations, and a self-transformation course titled ‘Coming Home to You.’ For more information, visit www. yourpathandpurpose.com. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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COMMUNITY | CORONADO GIVES BACK
THROOP BY DAV I D
It’s that special time of year again. The holidays cast a special effect on us, we resolve ourselves in the actions of our better angels. It’s a time for making memories with friends, and loved ones, to share in the moment and to celebrate the season. It’s a period for reflection of all that is important and all that we cherish. But for some, the holidays are a reminder of what they lack, of what they don’t have or what may have been lost. For them, the holidays can be difficult and stressful. That’s where the generosity of others can make a huge impact. In the spirit of the holidays, here’s our list of organizations working to make a difference for families in need.
Holiday Outreach at Christ Church Outreach is fundamental to those who worship at Christ Church and is a core philosophy for the congregation to give back to those in need. The holiday season brings the annual “Bridging Love and Service” program and is more than just a catch-phrase at Christ Church. With participation from parish and day school families and partnering with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in City Heights, Uptown Faith located at St. Luke’s in North Park, and other agencies, the donations range from food to money. The donations are used to assemble 150 bags of Thanksgiving fixings and a turkey grocery gift card. Another program that Christ Church develops during the start of Advent season is the beginning of the annual Advent Angel program. The program strives to collect nearly 100 gifts of toys and books collected for children who are served by the Episcopal Community Services South Bay Head Start program. This Head Start program provides educational opportunities for children ages 3-5 years and resources for their families to help in early childhood development. Christ Episcopal Church 1114 Ninth Street | Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-4561 | christchurchcoronado.org
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Graham Memorial Preschool Working with SD MOM At Graham Memorial, the holiday giving program focuses on giving to those who serve others through enlistment in the Armed Services. In a military town like San Diego, there are many people stationed far from home and may not have the ability to travel during the holidays. Partnering with San Diego Military Outreach Ministries, Graham Memorial works to make the holidays special and comforting for those and their loved ones stationed far from home. There are two primary programs for the youth volunteers at Graham Memorial. During November, the efforts are for participating volunteers to donate time and treasure to prepare and distribute Thanksgiving meals to junior enlisted military personnel and their families. The goal is to make these families dislocated because their station orders enjoy a little slice of a typical Thanksgiving. For the Christmas holiday period, the program’s effort is to collect new socks, all of which are donated by our Graham Memorial families. These donations are part of a larger project to assist families with Christmas gifts. The sock donations are distributed at a holiday “shopping” event held at Graham Memorial, and families can shop and pick out a few things, books, clothes, toys, etc. for their children. The socks are given to all the families whether they wish to “holiday shop” or not. Graham Memorial Preschool 949 C Avenue | Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-2182 | https://gmpc.org/preschool/
Sacred Heart’s Paradise Tree Benefits Birthline of San Diego The annual Paradise Tree at Sacred Heart is the current iteration of an 11th Century play known as the Paradise Play. The play’s themes depict Adam and Eve’s creation and the actions that led toward their eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The tree in the play, known as the “Paradise Tree,” was a Fir tree, adorned with red apples to symbolize the bounty of the Garden of Eden. In the current tradition, the Paradise Tree is decorated with red to represent Adam and Eve’s sins. At the same time, white ornaments symbolize the promise of forgiveness in the promise of God sending a savior to the world. During the Paradise Tree Trimming Service, students decorate the tree before the gift donation period. During the service and honoring the tradition of giving to the baby Jesus, Sacred Heart parishioners place gifts under the tree as a donation for those in need. The gifts are donated to Birthline of San Diego, a local resource for expectant mothers and families in need of assistance with pregnancy tests, counseling, clothes for babies and young children, as well as baby food and other necessities. Sacred Heart Catholic Church 655 C Avenue ,Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-3167 sacredheartcor.org
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St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Eases Food Insecurity Every year St. Paul’s United Methodist Church partners with area programs to assist those in need to make the holiday season special. One of the themes for St. Paul’s during Advent this year is to help ease the uncertainty stemming from the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially food insecurity that has risen dramatically. In the past, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church partnered with The Good Neighbor Center to provide Christmas gifts for families in need through their Angel Tree program. This year St. Paul’s has again partnered with Nestor United Methodist Church in Imperial Beach to support their outreach ministry, The Good Neighbor Center, to benefit families experiencing food insecurity. The project’s goal is for St Paul’s congregants to create and donate 80 New Beginnings Boxes throughout the Advent season. The project is that each day during Advent, families will donate one different food item to the box to create a feast for families. The objective is to make the holiday’s just a little more normal this year. Donations for these New Beginnings Boxes run through Advent. They will be delivered to Nestor Church just before New Years Day, allowing underserved families in the Imperial Beach community to feel a sense of love and celebration. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 700 D Ave | Coronado, CA 92118 | (619)435-5691 | stpaulsmethodist.com
Amanda Russell and Creative Affairs Inc. Brings Christmas Cheer To Those in Need With the close of 2020 coming quickly, the inspiration to assist those in need during Christmas and the holiday season has taken new importance. With the difficulties the year has been on everyone, especially those who have suffered a job loss, there is an added need to assist where possible. Every year Amanda works with counselors at local San Diego schools to identify and find families in need who would, most likely, due to various financial difficulties, can’t celebrate a traditional Christmas. Working with local families, we work for donations of toys, clothes, and cash to ease the burdens for those in need. Last year, 122 local families contributed to the Christmas Giving program and $25,570 was raised with $2,000 in new tablets, clothes, and toys that were given out. In all, Amanda was able to give 35 children and 14 parents a Christmas to celebrate. The parents submitted wish lists for clothes and toys purchased from the cash donations, and a team of volunteers donate their time and individually wrap them before they are distributed.
The program will be collecting donations until December 10th. You may donate one of the following ways: Monetary donations can be made by either Venmo or Check: Check Payable to: Amanda Russell 731 G Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 Venmo: amanda1977 (619) 993-0710 | Email: amanda@creativeaffairsinc.com
• David Throop is a freelance writer from Coronado who now lives in Imperial Beach with his wife and child.
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(This Photo) Amanda's 8 year old daughter Grace helping make Christmas extra special. (Left) Best Christmas ever.
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Art by CHS Senior Shannon McLaughlin Coronado Historical Association volunteers, Judy and Doug Clarke, driving the Hotel del Coronado’s Laundry Truck in Coronado’s Holiday Parade in December of 2019. This classic Ford Model T acquired by CHA in 2007 delivered laundry for The Del from 1923-1930. Photo Credit: Christopher Canton
“For it is in giving that we receive.” - ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
