Coronado Common Sense

Memorial Day Is A Day Of Remembrance

 

Many believe that the traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years and unfortunately as a result many Americans have forgotten the true meaning and traditions of Memorial Day.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. This year, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday May 28th.

Decoration Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30th 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

By 1890 it was recognized by all of the Northern states however, the South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

 In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress.

In December 2000, in an effort to help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, Congress created "The National Moment of Remembrance" to ensure the sacrifices of America's 1.1 million fallen heroes are never forgotten. All Americans are encouraged to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence, say a prayer to remember and honor those who have died in service to our nation.

This Memorial Day, please take a moment to stop and pay your respects for those brave men and women who died protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy, as we owe those honored dead more than we can ever repay because . . . FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

PAWS Pets Of The Week: Meet Sherman, Norman, Avery and Amelia!

 

 

These four kittens, Sherman, Norman, Avery and Amelia are ready for their new homes.  Born to a Calico mom approximately the third week of March, she cared for them the first four weeks and allowed foster families to continue the job of bonding them with humans.  These kittens light up when you walk into the room, are ready for whatever action comes their way, and curl up on your lap when it's time for naps.  It's kitten season, so come on down and meet our gang.  With many to choose from, they are fun, cute, and waiting to meet you.   

 

You can meet other dogs and cats available for adoption at the Coronado Animal Care Facility (ACF) on 1395 First Street.  Hours of operation are 9am - 4pm, every day but major holidays.  To see and read about other animals needing homes, please view our websites: pawsofcoronado.org and petfinder.com. All our animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped and current on their immunizations prior to their adoption.

Coronado "Concerts In The Park" To Begin This Weekend!

 

Where does the time go? This weekend we will hear the first notes waft over the village from the Coronado Community Concert Band as they kick off the 2012 Coronado Concerts In The Park season!

One of the wonderful things that Coronado is known for, the concerts take place every Sunday evening in Spreckels Park, located on Orange Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. They always begin on Memorial Day Weekend and most run between 6 and 7:30pm.

The concerts are a great meeting place for old and new friends, often with a shared meal thrown in for good measure. Not just for Coronado residents, summer guests love them too and visitors from across the bridge. Just remember to leave Fido at home.

Here is this year's schedule, different starting times are noted in blue and the wonderful people who bring you the concerts are shown in parentheses. Please be sure to thank them for their generosity when you see them around town. Enjoy and I'll see you there!

 

 

~ 2012 Concerts In The Park Schedule ~

• May 27 - Coronado Community Concert Band - 6pm (City of Coronado)

• June 3 - The Lonesome Georges - 6pm (Real Living Napolitano Real Estate | Coronado Hardware Glass & Paint)

• June 10 - Wild Child, a Doors Tribute Band - 6pm (Cal-Am Water Company)

• June 17 - Navy Southwest Show Band - 6pm (Brigantine & Miguel's Cocina Restaurants)

 

• June 24 - Mar Dels - 6pm (Floyd Ross | Richard & Linda Hascup)

• July 1 - The Stilettos featuring Tommy Price - 6pm (Pete Slaughter & Pulette Fennello, Prudential CA Realty | Coronado Taste of Oils)

• July 4 - Coronado Community Band - Wednesday, 4pm (Willis Allen Real Estate)

• July 8 - Marine Band - 6pm (Rotary Club of Coronado)

• July 15 - Palamor / Pacific Coast Concert Band - 6pm (Coronado Real Estate Association)

 

• July 22 - Rockola - 6pm (Edye Denney and Dick Zoellner)

• July 29 - Neon Nation, an 80s cover band - 6pm (The Koop Group)

• August 5 - Liquid Blue - 6pm (Gary and Linda Vause | Lew Barnum)

• August 12 - Surfin' Safari, a Beach Boys Tribute Band - 6pm (Auen Foundation)

• August 19 - Sue Palmer Band - 6pm (Coronado Women's Club | Soroptimist International of Coronado)

• August 26 - Navy Region Southwest Wind Ensemble - 6pm (Coronado Chamber of Commmerce)

• September 2 - The Redlands 4th of July Band - 5pm (Bill and Diane Subang | Falletta Construction, Inc)

 

• September 9 - In Midlife Crisis - 5pm (Coronado Schools Foundation | Well Fargo Bank)

Coronado Public Services Parks Supervisor Retires After 26 Years Of Service

 

(Click on image to enlarge for easier readability)

Free Historic Symposium Offered On Thursday, May 31st

 

Coronado Woman Becomes Newest HAM

 

 

Brand-new HAM Operator Joan Swartz with CERO President Fred Brown and VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator) Jay Doucet. Photo by VE Dave Schutz.

 

Joan Swartz was all smiles after passing her General Class License exam for becoming a HAM radio operator on Wednesday, May 16th. The test was administered by Dr. Jay Doucet and Joan passed it with flying colors! She will be shortly talking to amateur radio operators all over the world. Joan learned the material through self-study, beginning in December.

 

There were also two additional candidates that night, both successfully passing their Technician Class license exam. Congratulations to you all!

City of Coronado Connecting Resources With 11,500 Feet Of Fiber Optic

 

 

On April 18, 2012, Ed Walton, Director of Engineering & Project Development in Coronado, sent an invitation to all contractors to submit bids for the Fiber Optic Project. The invitation stated that all contractors presenting bid proposals would need to possess a current State of California “Class A” General Engineering, C-7 Low Voltage Systems or C-10 Electrical (or other appropriate) License.

The Fiber Optics Upgrade project consists of the installation of an additional fiber optic cable in an existing 2" HDPE conduit.  The cable work consists of approximately 6,600 feet of fiber optic cable homerun from Coronado City Hall’s inside panel board to the Police Station Dispatch Center inside panel board at Seventh Street and Orange Avenue and approximately 4,900 feet of fiber optic cable homerun from the inside panel board of the Police Station Dispatch Center to the inside panel board of the Public Services Building at B Avenue and First Street.

 

The Engineering Department gave an estimation of $80,000 to complete the job.

 

Here are the bid proposals:

 

(Click on image to enlarge for better readability)

 

The City of Coronado's bid policy is to give the project to the lowest bidder. It looks like Advanced Communication Solutions will get the work with a bid of $49,997, a whopping $30,000 under the City's estimation.

Troops Around The World

 

 

NAPLES, Italy (May 22, 2012) Renowned financial expert Suze Orman talks to military community members at Naval Support Activity Naples about financial responsibilities and investment plans. Orman's visit featured her financial advice followed by a question and answer session with audience members. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Howard / Released)

 

EAST CHINA SEA (May 22, 2012) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) assess simulated flooding damage during a damage control flooding drill. McCampbell is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is underway in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes / Released)

 

 

EAST CHINA SEA (May 22, 2012) Yeoman 1st Class Alofaaga Aveina, right, prepares first aid supplies for Personnel Specialist 1st Class Matthew Nelson as he begins first aid treatment on Yeoman 2nd Class Durell Overton during a medical training team exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85). McCampbell is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole / Released)

 

GUAM (May 22, 2012) Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, the U.S. Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, offers the traditional handshake giving Yeoman 2nd Class Cecilia Mitchell a coin on the mess decks of the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Nathan leads a global healthcare network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in air, under the sea and on the battlefield. While in Guam, Pacific Partnership is scheduled to gain more than 300 additional medical and engineering personnel from U.S. and partner nation militaries, as well as non-governmental organizations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roadell Hickman / Released)

 

 

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 21, 2012) Boatswain's Mates 3rd Class Steven Crawley and Amber Seger stand lookout watch on the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is en route to Fleet Week New York 2012, which will commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner. More than 6,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will arrive in New York aboard six Navy ships, three Coast Guard Cutters, and 12 coalition ships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kristina Young / Released)

 

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 21, 2012) Ensign Stephanie Berger and Lt. Steven Shelden look at the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke / Released)

USS Carl Vinson Strike Group Completes Deployment, Returns To San Diego May 23rd

 

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

 

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) - Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) will complete a six-month overseas deployment, returning to their homeport of San Diego at Naval Base Coronado and Naval Base San Diego Wed., May 23.

USS Carl Vinson serves as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, which also consists of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1.

"The successful completion of this deployment is a testament to the high quality of men and women who volunteer to serve in our Navy," said Shannon.  "Whether supporting U.S. and coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan; preventing piracy; or taking on our Navy's tradition of ambassadorship during overseas port visits to Hong Kong, Dubai, India and Australia, our strike group Sailors represented our country with great distinction and honor."

"This was the ship's second deployment in 18 months, and the crew performed superbly," said Vinson's Commanding Officer Capt. Kent D. Whalen. "I could not be more proud of my crew."

CVW-17 encompasses the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, the "Stingers" of VFA-113, the "Redcocks" of VFA-22, the "Fists of the Fleet" of VFA-25, the "Garudas" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, the "Tiger Tails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 and the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15.


Throughout the deployment, CSG-1 completed the following:

• Flew 1,085 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions, totaling 6,600 total flight hours. This included close air support missions, support for coalition ground forces, airborne electronic warfare missions and airborne command and control missions.

 

• Delivered 7,283 pounds of ordnance and expended 1,717 rounds of 20mm ammunition in support of OEF.

 

• Conducted exercises with coalition countries and other nations, including Singapore, Britain, India and Australia.

 

• 818 Sailors volunteered for 37 community relations projects and professional exchanges while enjoying port visits in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, India and Australia.

 

• Carl Vinson earned the 2011 Commander Naval Air Forces Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award for West Coast-based aircraft carriers.

 

• Carl Vinson hosted former CBS Evening News anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent Dan Rather for a three-day visit as the subject of a segment for the television news magazine: Dan Rather Reports.  Halsey hosted Fox News Oliver North as part of the television news program "War Stories with Oliver North."

 

• Carl Vinson sailed more than 55,600 nautical miles.

 

• 676 Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualifications.

 

Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line.

-- USN -

 

Submitted by LCPO Public Affairs
Commander, U.S. Third Fleet

MEMORIAL DAY 2012: Public Asked To Remember The "Why" Of Memorial Day

 

A child's flag looms large in the foreground as the Honor Guard stands at the ready during last year's Memorial Day remembrance. Photo by Joe Ditler.

CORONADO - Memorial Day is a day that should never be misplaced or forgotten. On Monday, May 28, millions of Americans will stop, and take time to reflect on the men and women who paid the ultimate price while keeping our country safe.

Here in Coronado numerous civilians, veterans and active military will gather at Star Park Circle to pay homage to those men and women of the service. It’s an event the entire city is invited to attend. It’s an event everyone should be a part of, at all ages.

The Memorial Day tribute takes place on the grass of Star Park at 10 a.m., hosted by Coronado Post 2422-Veterans of Foreign Wars. Following the one-hour Star Park salute everyone is invited to attend a floral tribute and refreshments at the VFW Hall, located at 557 Orange Avenue.

Hundreds gather at Star Park Circle each year to participate in Memorial Day services. Photo by Joe Ditler.

 

This year’s ceremony will be called to order by VFW Post Commander Chuck Lucas followed by a Presentation of Colors led by cadet Greg Cotton of the National Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.

Kathleen Dugas will sing the National Anthem while the NJROTC retires the Colors. The invocation this year will be presented by LCDR Scott Adams, USN.

Coronado’s Mayor Casey Tanaka will read a proclamation designating the day’s importance, followed by a reading of the 23rd Psalm by Lt. Cmdr. Michael Turner, USN (Ret).

The guest speaker this year is Capt. Jack Ensch, USN (Ret). Capt. Ensch is a former POW with more than 3,000 flight hours and more than 800 carrier landings. For service to his country, Capt. Ensch received the Navy Cross, three Legion of Merit Awards, two Bronze Stars (with Combat “V”), and two Purple Hearts.

The annual Memorial Day gathering in Star Park draws children, the elderly, and members from all branches of the Armed Services, both active and retired. Photo by Joe Ditler.

Part of the annual tradition of Memorial Day in Coronado involves a reading of "General Logan’s 11th General Order." This year, as in past years, the significant and moving document will be read by Sgt. Maj. John Clampitt, USMC (Ret) of Coronado.

This traditional speech by General Logan explains how Waterloo, New York is given official recognition as the birthplace of what was then called “Declaration Day,” as it builds into a dramatic telling of the “why” of Memorial Day.

That first service was held May 5, 1866, and over so many years, decades and centuries, the spirit of Memorial Day has not been forgotten, even if the details of it might have faded a little with time.

Memorial Day celebrations went national when, in 1868, Major General John A. Logan, Commander of a national organization of Union veterans called “The Grand Army of the Republic,” wrote and read his “General Order No. 11.”

That order officially designated the last Monday of May for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during “the late rebellion” (the Civil War).

Michael Turner, of the Coronado Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, places a wreath on the ground at last year's Memorial Day services in honor of those who have served their country over the years. Photo by Mike Coleman.

Logan’s letter continues to say, “We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, ‘of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors and Marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.’”

What comes next in Logan’s letter has become the foundation of pride that reverberates throughout our nation to this day. Logan asked in his letter, “What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes?

“Their soldier lives were the Reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders.”

This abbreviated text from Major General Logan’s letter has survived the gauntlet of time. But more so, the spirit of his letter continues to resonate across this country as we prepare to celebrate the memory of our fallen military May 28. Star Park will be just such a celebration.

For more information on the Coronado VFW Memorial Service, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or mturner003@san.rr.com. The General Henry D. Styer Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 2422 is located at 557 Orange Avenue, in Coronado.

This release prepared by "Part-Time PR," serving all of Coronado's public relations needs. For more information

call 619.435.0767 or write josephditler@san.rr.com.

New Animal Welfare Group Formed In Coronado

 

There is a new animal welfare group based in Coronado, serving that community and neighboring communities in the South Bay. You might have already heard of "Coronado C.A.R.E.S. or the Coronado Community Animal Rescue and Education Society. 

The Coronado Community Animal Rescue & Education Society has been founded to promote animal welfare, to provide resources for proper animal care and to reduce the number of homeless animals by implementing programs currently not being carried out in the community.

Some specific goals are stated as follows:

• Establish a foster care network to provide foster homes for orphaned cats and dogs to help make them more adoptable.


• Establish a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program to humanely stabilize the feral cat population by ending the cycle of breeding and improving the lives of cats living outdoors.

• Maintain a comprehensive spay/neuter program via clinic and/or mobile van and including a low cost voucher program. This may include micro chipping and low-cost vaccines.

• Obtain a storefront to carry out our mission to bring the orphaned animals to the people for adoption. This would include a venue for educational programs onsite.
 

• Organize owner assistance services for those in need so they do not lose their animals – i.e. meals on wheels for pet owners, dog walking, and litter box cleaning.
 

About the formation of the group,  Coronado C.A.R.E.S. President Gloria Aberasturi stated  “The root cause of homelessness was not being addressed here or in neighboring communities.”

 

A number of people in the community questioned whether or not the new animal rescue organization would be in competition with the existing group, PAWS of Coronado.

 

In response, Sgt. Eric Hima of the Coronado Police Department said, “There will be some overlap, but I don’t think there is going to be a power struggle. For all of us it's matter of getting the animals into a good home and the more people we have working towards that goal, the more animals we will save. Sgt. Hima oversees the city’s Animal Care Facility.

 

Ms. Aberasturi mentioned that there are many ways to contribute to Coronado C.A.R.E.S.—including volunteering, attending the monthly open meetings, making a donation and spreading the word.

Source: Coronado C.A.R.E.S. website

Coronado CERT Members Joined County Teams To Practice Earthquake Response

 

This past Saturday, more than 100 members from at least 20 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) based throughout the County participated in an annual disaster drill for these trained neighborhood volunteers.

Coronado CERT members Gary Smith, Susan Heavilin, Michelle Junet and Victoria Elliott were there. Coronado Fire Captain Darren Hall was the instructor for the drill.

“In disasters, community members may need to help each other before emergency responders arrive,” said County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “Our County’s CERT volunteers are great neighbors who have taken it upon themselves to get special training and practice so they’ll be ready to protect themselves, their families and their neighbors in an emergency.”

This year’s Countywide CERT exercise was run at Mountain Empire High School in Pine Valley and simulated a community response to a strong earthquake. CERT members practiced responding to “victims” portrayed by Pine Valley community members, including students from the high school.

As part of their training, CERT members work with first responders to learn basic disaster preparedness and response skills, including how to suppress small fires, assess the medical condition of a victim, administer basic first aid, conduct light search and rescue, and quickly organize an effective volunteer emergency response team.

 

 

Source: Some information used in this article was from the San Diego County News Center

Good News! Petey Got A Permanent Home In Coronado!

 

Petey

Little Petey was adopted!! His new family lives in Coronado and had recently lost their Akita.  They missed their buddy and came in to see if there was another dog that would help fill the void.   Toby was a little too rambunctious.  Margaret suggested Petey.  The mom liked him right away and asked her husband  to come meet him.  He also like Petey and Petey went home that afternoon.

He came to us very frightened.  The care and love the ACF staff and the dog walkers gave him taught him people were good and he gained confidence.  His new family loves his gentle demeanor.   He has a comfy bed in a quiet spot that he has claimed as his.  He likes exploring his home and found a rather large rawhide bone that he carries around with him.   His new Mom loves the way he runs . . . sort of like a tiny goat almost jumping as if on springs.  One place he loves to run to is a large bed that belonged to their former dog.   He runs, jumps in the middle and runs off.  Sounds like Petey is already enjoying his new home.

Save The Date For Rene Van Rems Event

 

Coronado Hires New Public Services Director

 
CORONADO, CA (May 16, 2012) – The City of Coronado has announced the hiring of a new Public Services Director following a search that resulted in more than 120 applications for the job.

 
Matt Little, 42, is set to fill the position left empty when Scott Huth accepted the job of City Manager in Del Mar in November.  Coronado officials hired Lauren Wasserman to fill in as Interim Public Services Director until a replacement was found.

 
Little, who is expected to start June 4, currently serves as Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Chula Vista, overseeing nearly 200 employees in the parks and open space, street maintenance, transit operations, streetlights, inspections, and storm and wastewater divisions.  He has more than 18 years of civil engineering and engineering management experience in both the private and public sectors. He is a registered civil engineer.

 
Coronado City Manager Blair King said Little was chosen from a select group of eight finalists invited to interview before two separate panels made up of public services professionals and interested community members.

 
“We chose Matt for his overall experience in municipal infrastructure, his extensive management knowledge and for his excellent leadership skills,” King said. “We’re happy to have him and are anxious to welcome him to Coronado.”

 
The City’s Public Services Department has an $11.7 million budget and 42 permanent as well as a number of seasonal employees, who maintain the City's physical infrastructure and the City's beaches, parks, facilities and fleet in the most cost-effective manner.  Public Services is responsible for a wide range of services including street, parks and beach maintenance; graffiti removal on public property; parkway tree trimming; sewer main line cleaning and maintenance; stormwater pollution prevention; and household hazardous waste, trash and recycling.
 
 

City Manager King said Little will be accountable to a community that takes great pride in and is well known for its quaint, tree-lined streets and for its immaculately kept neighborhoods, parks and open spaces.  He will receive an annual base salary of $144,500. 

 

News Release from Coronado City Manager's Office