Weekly Update October 12, 2018

Weekly Update:  Check out the City Manager’s Weekly Update video for a quick look at what's going on in town. If you are interested in receiving an emailed notice of the Weekly Update, sign up for eNotifications on the City’s website, enter your email address and click on Weekly Update and any other documents you would like to receive.

Public Safety Open House:  Police, Fire and Lifeguard personnel welcomed the community on Sunday, October 7, to the annual Public Safety Open House. Firefighters showed off their life-saving demonstrations and the Police Department opened its doors to allow the community to check out its facility, vehicles, training and other police equipment. There were many events and activities designed for the whole family. The streets were closed off around the main Fire Station and the Police Department for the daylong event. Public Services and Engineering staff offered information on waste water, solid waste and storm water topics. There also was information about recycling and the City’s household hazardous waste program. Other local, state and federal public safety agencies were on hand to provide information on the services they provide. 

 

 

Adaptive Signal Connectivity Issues: Recently, the interactive traffic signals installed along state Route 75 between City Hall and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado have been working intermittently. The wireless radio signal between the computers is being disrupted for unknown reasons. The City’s contractor on the project has been troubleshooting but has found no obvious reason for the dropped connection. The City plans to replace the modem as a possibly remedy. The best solution is to install a fiber optic connection. Higher than normal volumes have been seen in recent days If there are large volumes of traffic at the intersections, it will still back up regardless of the interactive signals. The adaptive system provides the most efficient flow possible. 

 

 

Design Review Commission Update: The first review of the modification proposed by the Kleege Orange Avenue project bounded by Tenth Street and C Avenue was held on Wednesday, October 10, before the Design Review Commission. The Commission continued the item to a future meeting to allow the developer to provide more detailed answers to specific questions.

 

Spreckels Park Tree Failure: The Italian Stone pine tree at Spreckels park, estimated to be more than 100 years old, uprooted on September 19. The City has provided a summary of the arborist’s report on the failed pine. In short, the tree showed no obvious signs of stress or decline in its canopy. The most visible sign of the tree’s failure was the large structural roots that broke off near the base of the pine. Roots were visibly tangled and girdled within a short span of the pine’s root flare. The City is conducting evaluations of all trees at Spreckels Park to determine if further evaluation or action is required. The full summary can be found here.

 

 

 

IT Division Honored: The City and its Information Technology Division were selected for the “Achievement in Information Technology Practices” award by the Municipal Information Systems Association of California. Under the direction of IT Manager Brian Lewton, the award application was prepared this year by Neil Mueller and was received at the organization’s annual conference by Terrance Reed. The award recognizes agencies and their Information Technology practices that excel in creative and efficient uses of resources in local government. The City met or exceeded the organization’s standards in the technology-focused areas of important government functions, including budget and strategic planning, purchasing, operations and staffing, disaster preparation and security. This is the fourth year receiving the award.

 

Coronado Detectives Aid in Fraud Conviction:  A mother-daughter team who defrauded a local hotelier and a realtor late last year out of $7,200 have been convicted. Karen and Maxyne Alexander were investigated by Coronado detectives for the two scams they perpetrated in the City. The hotel was out $4,700 in unpaid hotel charges and the local realtor lost more than $2,500 when the rent on a home provided to them was not paid. Arrest warrants were issued in April for the Alexanders by Coronado Police. The cases were combined by the District Attorney’s Office, and the mother-daughter team pleaded guilty in San Diego Superior Court and served 11 days in jail. They also were ordered to repay the hotel and realtor. Coronado Police say additional victims have been coming forward and that the department is following up with all additional victims. Detectives warn local business owners and residents to never provide money to someone you don’t know very well. Anyone with information on any other cases of fraud is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (619) 522-7350.

 

Country Club Storm Drain Infiltration Project: The City’s contractor on the Country Club Storm Drain Infiltration project continued with lining operations. Pipe lining is accomplished by inserting a liner into the storm drain via a manhole and inflating it so it conforms to the interior of the pipe. The resin liner is then steam cured to form a structural watertight seal around the existing leaking pipe. Nearby residents may notice an odor associated with the curing process; the steam contains small amounts of styrene, a chemical compound used in making plastic. The styrene levels within the steam are well below what is considered hazardous and the levels will be monitored throughout the project. Work is expected to be completed by the end of October. The pipe segments are located throughout the Country Club area, including Alameda Boulevard, Eighth and Sixth streets and Coronado Avenue.

 

Greens Aerification: A process that promotes drainage, relieves compaction and enhances oxygen levels in the soil structure has been completed at the Coronado Golf Course. Aerification manages the soil structure in the turf grass root zone to provide optimal growing conditions. It relieves turf stress that results from soil compaction due to intense maintenance efforts and heavy play. Machines remove plugs of turf and soil to a depth of 3.5 inches. The plugs are then removed, and the greens are top-dressed with sand. The sand is then dragged into the surface to fill the holes and to renew the putting surface smoothness. The greens are very playable on the next day and are fully recovered in 7 to 10 days.

 

Silver Strand Fencing Project:  Construction continued this week to replace the existing fence along the beach side of state Route 75 from the Coronado Cays Boulevard exit to the Navy’s Coastal Campus. The contractor on the Silver Strand Fencing project anticipates completing construction by the end of October, assuming there are no weather-related delays. California State Parks officials are managing the second phase. The City managed the first, which included replacing the fence north of Coronado Cays Boulevard.

 

Glorietta Bay Boat Launch Work:  The City will be sealing the Glorietta Bay Boat Launch dock from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, October 18. Due to the work required, the dock will be closed for about 3 hours while the sealant dries. The boat launch ramp will remain open during the work. A-frame signs notifying the community of the sealing will be posted 72 hours before the work begins. The work is being done as a part of regular dock maintenance by the City’s contracted marina manager.

Indie Author Day:  In celebration of local authors everywhere, the Coronado Public Library and the Cultural Arts Commission are presenting a program celebrated by libraries around the country. “Indie Author Day” celebrates Coronado’s aspiring authors by providing a showcase for local writers. The event is set for Saturday, October 13, at 9 a.m., in the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room and adjacent grounds. The daylong event includes presentations on self-publishing; genre-specific writing; writing and publishing for children and young adults; and a showcase of local authors. The Friends of the Library’s bookshop Second Hand Prose will have a selection of used books on sale. All events are free and open to the public. More information is available at the Coronado Public Library and on CoronadoArts.com.

 

 

 

Pet of the Week: Rusty, a 10-year-old sweet brown Tabby, is this week’s Pet of the Week. Rusty still has pep in her step and needs a family who will appreciate her friendly and engaging nature. She is very engaging and interested in what her human visitors are up to. Rusty is a great age for adoption because she is past all the kitten years but still has many years of life and love to share. To set up a visit with Rusty, call PAWS of Coronado, which runs the City’s Animal Care Facility, at (619) 522-7371.

 

CITY CLERK

Board, Commission, Committee Vacancies: The resignation of a Transportation Commission commissioner has opened an immediate vacancy for a position to be filled by a resident from the Village. The term will expire February 28, 2020. Openings will occur on the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Historic Resource Commission, and Planning Commission between the end of November and the end of the year. Applications are being accepted for all open positions.  Responsibilities of each commission/committee, qualifications for appointment, term of office, and deadline for receipt of applications can be seen here. 

 

 

LIBRARY SERVICES

Youth Programs:  A children’s “Watercolor Blow Art” session was held Tuesday, October 9, in the Ruby Room. The “Teen Create Wars” program was held Wednesday, October 10.

 

Library Programs: The Autumn Piano Concert series continues with Vania Pimental giving a concert on Friday, October 12, at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. The Anime Club will meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, in the Ruby Room to view “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.” A documentary titled “Dark Money” was screened with discussion Monday, October 8, in the Winn Room. 

 

POLICE SERVICES

Cell Phone Awareness:   Did you know that a driver under the age of 18 may never use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device? The Police Department warns that this is true. For adult drivers, the law which prohibits cell phone use while driving has some exceptions built in that allow hands-free use under certain conditions. However, minors are not allowed any of those exceptions. While our teens are getting their first couple years of driving experience, it is important that distractions be kept to the absolute minimum. To help them stay safe on the roads, the Police Department reminds young drivers to put away their cell phones while driving. Eyes and minds should be on the road, not on a phone conversation or text.

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC SERVICES

Public Services Work Updates:  City crews worked on a number of projects around the City. These are the most recent:

• Facilities Division recently replaced the carpet at the Golf Course Clubhouse building after there was another water leak through a wall. It was caused by some equipment not being aligned with the drain that services them. The repairs were made and carpet replaced.  

         

 

RECREATION AND GOLF SERVICES

Halloween Happening: On Friday, October 26, the Coronado Recreation Department will host its annual Halloween Happening from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center for all ages. Mons-terrifc Crafts, Carnival Games, Jumpers, Gruesome Grub and a Tot Lot will highlight the Halloween Happening activities. Enjoy pizza, hot dogs, nachos and drinks at the gruesome grub refreshment stand. The H₂A Dance Teams entertain costumed crowds with performances of hip-hop dances to Halloween tunes. Come for the spooktacular cake walk and the ghostly cookie decorating which are always popular in the banquet room. Wear your Halloween costume. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event. For information, call (619) 522-7342 or online.

 

Turkey Coloring Contest: Bring your completed turkeys to the Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, on or before October 23 for a chance to earn a prize in the Recreation Department’s annual Turkey Coloring Contest. To find the turkey to color online go to www.coronado.ca.us/recreation. For questions regarding the Turkey Coloring Contest, please contact the Coronado Recreation Department at (619) 522-7342. 

 

Skatepark Update: The official start date of construction at the Coronado Skatepark for the scooter enhancements is November 5. Construction will include changes to allow for the use of scooters. Non-motorized scooters have been allowed in the skatepark since July 20.

Cays Tennis Court Closure: Court 4 at the Coronado Cays Tennis Center will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 16-17, for maintenance. Please plan accordingly. Signs will be posted on the site.

 

Stay Informed Coronado:  Do you like being in the know? Do you know what’s going on in Coronado? However, you like to get your city news, Coronado has many ways for you to get it. Do you like Twitter? We are active on Twitter. Do you prefer Facebook? Like us to keep up. Maybe you prefer a text message for traffic advisories. Sign up for the City’s Police Department Nixle account. What about an email reminder that a meeting is coming up or the council agenda is online? We have that, too, through our eNotification system. Of course, almost all of that can be found online in the City Manager’s Weekly Update, a compendium of all the news and events that are going on or coming up in Coronado. You can sign up to receive an email as soon as it is published online or you can visit the City’s website on Friday at noon and find it there. Finally, don’t forget to check the City’s new website, where you can find news and information that affects residents, businesses and visitors.