______City Manager's Weekly Update

Work on a project to make major improvements to Ocean Boulevard has begun. This week, the contractor began preparing for the work relocating trash bins, locating underground utilities, and beginning demolition by saw-cutting and removing concrete sections. The work will be done in phases beginning with the sidewalk improvements, which will be completed in four segments. The sidewalk improvements include relocation of lights and installation of new curb, gutter, sidewalk, and pedestrian ramps. The second phase includes an asphalt overlay of Ocean Boulevard.

The first segment of sidewalk work will take place from approximately March 7-31 between Isabella Avenue and R.H. Dana Place, about a quarter mile. The second segment, from Alameda Boulevard to Isabella, is a tenth of a mile and is anticipated to take place from March 18 through April 7. Segment 3 will be completed from March 30 through April 21, and will be from Marina Avenue to Alameda, just more than a quarter mile. The fourth segment, from April 6 through April 26, will be from Ocean Drive to Marina Avenue, just over one-tenth of a mile.

The community will begin to notice more significant construction next week beginning Tuesday, March 15. The second phase of work, the Ocean Boulevard asphalt overlay, is anticipated to occur from April 25 through May 10. The project will improve access and pedestrian mobility on the sidewalk along the ocean side of the roadway and include Ocean Boulevard pavement rehabilitation. Traffic impacts can be expected as the project progresses including parking restrictions on both sides of the street and lane closures during working hours. Traffic may be reduced to one lane for both directions during pavement rehabilitation. Dates are approximate. The work is expected to be completed by Memorial Day, May 30.

Reduce Preventable Crime: The Coronado Police Department needs the community’s help to reduce preventable crimes. Theft is a crime of opportunity. It just takes seconds for a thief to steal your unlocked bicycle or rummage through your unlocked car. Take these easy steps to reduce your chances of being the victim of a crime.

Common Scams Presentation: Coronado Police Investigators Danielle Adams and Kevin Engelke will conduct a free presentation to learn how to protect yourself from scams. The presentation focuses on identifying the ways scammers collect your information electronically, how to respond to unknown callers and more. Arm yourself with knowledge at the presentation set from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 14, at the John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh St.. No RSVP needed.

The City's Community Grants program is accepting online applications for the Fiscal Year 2022-­23 program. The deadline for submittals is April 1. The Community Grants program supports local organizations that administer events, as well as services and activities for the benefit of the Coronado community. The City launched an online application process this year to make it easier to submit a request for funding. Applicants begin with a pre-screening to determine eligibility. Once qualified, applicants will receive a link to an online application. The estimated grant funding available for this year’s program is $1 million, to be finalized at the June 7 City Council meeting. The Council will make awards at its June 21 meeting.

Paper Shredding Event: A City and EDCO free document shredding and e-waste recycling event is set for Saturday, March 19. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Coronado residents at the City Hall north parking lot, 1825 Strand Way. EDCO limits items so check the City’s website for more details. Residents also may drop off, unwanted electronics, including TVs, computer monitors, printers, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players and answering machines. No household hazardous waste material, appliances or trash please. However, the City will host its next two Household Hazardous Waste Collection events on March 12 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Services facility, 101 B Ave. For more information, please call Public Services at (619) 522-7380.

Parks & Recreation Commission

City Council

Historic Resource Commission

New Library Exhibit: A new spring-themed watercolor exhibit is opening in the Library’s historic Spreckels Reading Room on Saturday, March 12. An opening reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, in the Reading Room with a live classical guitar performance. The exhibit is provided by the San Diego Watercolor Society in partnership with the Library. This exhibit commemorates the Society's 75th anniversary and coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Coronado Flower Show. The exhibit will run from March 12 to May 11.  

Second Saturday Art: The Coronado Public Library offers an art class for kids on the second Saturday of each month. Children of all ages are welcome. Instructor Rebekah Kobs will present the art lessons, including a bit of art history in each one. Registration is required. Please register children only; one parent can accompany each child, but parents do not need to register. For this class, Kobs will focus on abstract art and mixed media, showcasing the art of Hilma af Klint. The classes fill up fast so register early or call (619) 5227390 to get more details on upcoming classes.

Create a YouTube Channel: Learn how to make your own YouTube channel, and how to create, edit and upload social media videos in a safe, responsible way in the teen area of the Library on Saturday, March 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required.

Delivering up Design. Learn how to plan and create a floral design entry for this year's Coronado Flower Show in a free presentation by the Coronado Flower Association in the Library’s Winn Room on Saturday, March 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Spring Programming: The next session of spring recreation programming for kids and youth starts Monday, March 14. Spots are still available for Lil’ Jammeroos, Jump Rope, Hip Hop, KinderTots and Character Illustration. More information about these enriching activities can be found at the link below.

Balboa Park Day Trip: On Tuesday, March 15, day trippers can enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Balboa Park. Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden followed by the choice of a docent-led park tour or a visit to the San Diego Museum of Art. End your day by treating yourself to lunch at one of the park’s eateries. Arrive at the Spreckels Center at 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure by van. Return by 2:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Click the link below to reserve your spot or call (619) 522-7343

Coronado Tennis Pros Receive Honors: Coronado was well-represented at the U.S. Professional Tennis Association San Diego Convention last weekend. Two Impact Activities tennis professionals received significant industry awards for coaching. Coronado Tennis Director Joel Myers received the “Ben Press 2021 Pro of the Year” and Emmanuel Mensah received the “Bob Bacon 2022 Pro of the Year.”

Summer 2022 Brochure Coming Soon: The Summer 2022 brochure will be published online April 13 on the Recreation Department's registration page. More information about classes will be available in PerfectMind. Click "Register Today!" to be directed to the account login page. Online-only registration for summer will begin on May 4, at 9 a.m. for residents. Starting May 18, nonresidents, phone, and walk-in registration begins at 9 a.m.

Artists in Residence: A new exhibition at the John D. Spreckels Center opens on Friday, March 11. "Artists in Residence" features the artwork of art instructor Ed Roeder and three of his students. An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, March 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the John D. Spreckels Center located at 1019 Seventh St.. The event is free and open to the public.

Four on Friday: Find out the four hottest upcoming arts and cultural events going on in Coronado with "Four on Friday," a feature brought to you by CoronadoARTS.com. Click on the Four On Friday logo to view this week's edition.

Smokey, a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat, is this week’s Pet of the Week. Smokey is sweet and mellow. He can be shy at first but warms up with a nice ear rub or snuggle. Because of his quiet nature, Smokey would do well in a quiet home setting. Smokey’s adoption fee is $50. To find out more about Smokey, call Paws of Coronado, which runs the city’s Animal Care Facility at (619) 522-7371.