Coronado resident Dawn Richards has lived multiple career journeys spanning from Texas to Italy and Hawaii. She is a retired archaeologist and a former adjunct professor and flight attendant.
And she is now the chair of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission, leading her team to promote the city’s public art through events and partnerships. Richards says it does so by helping nonprofit organizations apply for city arts and culture grants and organizing and assisting events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, summer concerts at city parks and the Coronado Flower Show in April.
Richards was appointed as chair by the city of Coronado last year. She said she applied for the volunteer position because of the power the arts have on a community.
“I think having cultural arts enhances our residents’ quality of life,” she said. “And I just absolutely love being able to help groups of people collaborate with one another because I feel that it really strengthens community ties.”
Richards also has a performing arts background. She said she played the piano in her school’s chorus, and now as an adult, she plays the ukulele as part of the Coronado Ukulele Club.
Richards has traveled all around the world through her past career as a flight attendant and being married to her husband, who served in the Navy. When she was furloughed from the airline company, which no longer exists, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. Richards ultimately went back to school, obtaining a master’s in archeology.
“I had always been interested in history and archaeology ever since I was a child,” she said, adding that she went on to work at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, where she met her husband while he was volunteering in the planetarium and the archaeology laboratory.
Later, during her time stationed with her husband in Italy, she taught English as an adjunct professor, and when they moved back to San Diego, she said she also taught archeology classes at local community colleges.
“I actually loved moving around to new places and meeting new people,” Richards said. “So now retired here in Coronado, I can still do that by being involved in the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission. It also gives me a chance to help enhance our community through the arts and keep it a vital part of our city.”
Richards describes the Coronado community as super friendly and very connected because of a relatively small population.
“It’s the kind of place where you could be standing in line at the grocery store and you spark up a conversation or at a restaurant and someone starts chatting it up with you,” Richards said. “It kind of gives me this little natural high where I just walk away feeling great from seeing people connecting with each other.”
Here are a few of Richards’ favorite places to visit in Coronado.
Dawn Richards is a retired archaeologist and adjunct professor, and now she is the chair of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission. (Tim Rush)
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: Clayton’s Bistro and Bakery is home away from home. I not only dine there with my husband, my friends and solo self, but also hold Arts Commission meetings there! I’ve even done Zoom meetings in the back outdoor section, using the salt and pepper shakers to prop up my phone. They have three separate eating areas, (including) outside tables with umbrellas in the front, so you can people-watch all the happenings on Orange Avenue, which is Coronado’s main street. The specialty coffees are always fun and creative, and they add lots of seasonal new menu offerings, so the food choices never get boring.
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?
A: Coronado Vintage. Of course, I love vintage: I was an archaeologist! But owner Sandy Jennings has new items too, such as hats, sunglasses and the most interesting hooks and hardware. I’ve bought quite a few one-of-a-kind vintage clothing pieces and jewelry like a lovely Victorian mirror and beachy knick-knacks. I’ve coveted so many antique desks and tables, but sadly, I don’t have room for them. She also has items from Bali, and it’s the most fun to pop in and see what’s been added. I do have to add a close second shop, though, and that is the Fair Trade Decor, which is just across the street. They’re always adding new merch, and you know that your money is going to a good cause. It is a must for Christmas shopping.
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: Coronado has many scenic and relaxing pocket parks, but as a lifelong beach person, it’s got to be the beach! My favorite is the Silver Strand State Beach. It’s comprised of the ocean side plus the bayside with Crown Cove Aquatic Center. I could walk all the way to Imperial Beach and see only a handful of people. In winter, when it’s too chilly at the beach, I walk or ride my bike to the bay, just across the Silver Strand highway. There are walking paths with signs featuring the wildlife on land and sea, and you’ll be entertained with sightings of the jackrabbits. Plus, there’s a dedicated swimming area. You can also rent boats for sailing and kayaking. Many people don’t realize that there are three tunnels that run under the highway connecting the ocean and the bay.
The Coronado Library, with the Imagine the Sea Dragon stature on the right side on March 27, 2026 in Coronado. Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: I do particularly love Imagine the Sea Dragon, which playfully guards the front of the Coronado Public Library, another favorite place of mine. Designed by former Lemon Grove sculptor Kent Kraber and popularly known as Ima, it captures the imaginative spirit of both children and adults and never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: The Coronado Historical Association. Though small in size, the staff is somehow able to create the most intriguing exhibits. To further engage the community and teach a bit of history at the same time, they offer a monthly wine and lecture series with an array of fabulous speakers. And, they have fantastic walking tours. In addition, they have a gift shop with all sorts of books, postcards and a myriad of art forms by talented local artists, such as paintings, photographs, jewelry, hand-painted silk scarves. I could go on. And it’s the best place for beautiful Christmas tree ornaments!