I wanted to take a moment to share how much I enjoyed the recent GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Awards hosted by the Coronado Historical Association. Having had a Coronado home since 1947, and currently living in a 1919-built home which we declared historic, I found the evening to be a powerful reminder of what makes our town so special. It was truly inspiring to see so many neighbors come together to celebrate the people who choose the “path of restoration over demolition”.
The stories behind the projects at 1402 8th Street, 1027 F Avenue, 870 D Avenue, and 1130 Pine Street were nothing short of remarkable. These homes are more than just houses. They are pieces of our shared history. By “Going the Extra Mile,” these families are making sure the character of our community stays intact for next generations to enjoy. It was also such a treat to hear Gerry MacCartee and Nancy Cobb tell us “the way things were”. Their stories of historical homes, some still with us and some having been demolished, and their deep knowledge of our local heritage really brought the history of our town to life and reminded us all why CHA matters so much.
Now, more than ever, we need the Coronado Historical Association and the work it does. I encourage everyone to support our historic neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods and the people who live in them are what make Coronado feel like home, and that is a legacy we just can’t afford to lose. I hope we continue to see our community and our city work together to champion efforts like honoring GEM projects. \Our Coronado history and its historic homes and local stores are shared assets we all benefit from.
An event like the GEM Awards evening really shows how the Coronado Historical Association brings us all together. A huge thank you to the CHA staff, the volunteers, our local sponsors, and the GEM Selection Committee for all the hard work that went into the night.
Our community is a better place because of the honored homeowners’ dedication to keeping the spirit of Coronado alive.
VOL. 116, NO. 9 – Mar. 4, 2026