I’m talking about how many locals are left in Coronado. Yes, we call ourselves ‘Islanders’ and yes, we know Coronado is not really an island. However, that’s the name of our high school football team and it’s our culture ok? I think our culture is what makes us still a great place to live and grow. There’s strength within our resilience and support for each other, and all of our neighbors, whether they be part time or year round.
Every now and then I run into a known fellow -local and it’s like seeing an old friend, you smile knowingly.
I was shocked when I learned about the latest demographics of who actually lives here year round. All you gotta do is look at the Shores Tower to see how few lights are on in the condos at night. It’s very, very few of them. Come to think of it, when I go for my daily walks I see maybe one out of every six houses occupied by a year round occupant. Even so, many of them are good neighbors to have, (and ok maybe some neighbors just aren’t. )
However, an islander quickly realizes that a place is what you make of it. I think it’s important to us to nurture the good where you can.
There is a very nice Canadian family that owns the house across from me that visits their second home frequently. I bring them avocados and limes from my back yard when they are in season.
Here’s the thing that I think is special about island living. We have got to support the positives of island culture if we want the island community here to continue to flourish. I think visitors do add value to a healthy main-street vibe because they support our local businesses and some great dining choices too. However it’s up to the locals who are truly the community builders of the quality of our island lives.
If you know a local business owner, please make sure you support them and shop there especially. (Like Rene at Muhl’s Jewelry. I think she and her family are one of the exquisite jewels on our local crown. )
I appreciate that I don’t have to go off island for all the special foods and products you can find at Boney’s Market.
Being an islander means we support each other in more ways than one. Like the high school. Did you know there’s not enough Islander kids to make up the classes , so we actually import them? Well I say that’s what’s so special and typical of our island culture.
We welcome those that come to our shores in a way that benefits us all. All of these children need our support and encouragement. Without the off -island children our schools would not be able to be self- supporting in class size and teacher/subject quality .
I think that the class of 2026 will grow up the better for knowing each other because they come from all over the place. They will also all grow up better if we support COSA by attending their talent shows and athletic booster activities.
Maybe you can find a way to reach out in a meaningful way to the military personnel and their families that spend part of their lives with us.
There is a lot of hidden talent and some great people in this town.
Hey maybe instead of a go-fund me -approach, you should go -find -them…
Go -find the great people in this town and support them as best you can.
In closing, I think that one of the most important community building things you can do if you are a local is to please vote. There are so few of us that do.
I follow the activities of our City Council quite closely. You wouldn’t believe the hours, the thought and dedication they each put in to the elected positions they temporarily hold.
If you see a Councilmember around town, please do recognize them with a smile, because each one of them is a local too :).
VOL. 116, NO. 8 – Feb. 25, 2026