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CORONADO Magazine - May 2025

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CORONADO E C K E N R O T H P U B L I C AT I O N S

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INSIDE: INSIDE: » ######### The Art of Motherhood » ######## Bill Lemei - An Island Icon » ######## Walla Walla Wow M AM Y A2Y0 2250 2 5

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CORONADO | 1351 ORANGE AVE | 619.437.4237 PORTSIDE PIER | 1360 N HARBOR DRIVE | 619.719-4962

CORONADO | 1333 ORANGE AVE | 619.435.4166

CORONADO | 1333 ORANGE AVE | 619.435.4166 PORTSIDE PIER | 1360 N HARBOR DRIVE | 619.7 19-4960


BUYING | SELLING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Where Timeless Elegance Meets the Pacific Spring marks new beginnings — and few are as exceptional as this. Privately owned residences at The Del offer more than coastal views; they offer a sense of permanence, a statement of prestige, and a lifestyle that transcends time. This April, awaken to the extraordinary at The Shore House at The Del, where timeless elegance meets the Pacific in one of California’s most iconic coastal destinations. Nestled within the historic Hotel del Coronado, Shore House offers a rare opportunity to own a private, whole-ownership residence that blends heritage, refinement, and modern luxury. These spacious 2- and 3-bedroom residences are masterfully crafted with wide-plank oak floors, artisan stone countertops, custom cabinetry, and a serene coastal palette inspired by sand, sea, and light. Expansive lanais and generous balconies blur the line between indoors and out, inviting effortless coastal living. Thoughtfully curated owner amenities — including a private Shore House pool, ocean-view lounge, fireplace terraces, and bespoke concierge services — craft a sanctuary that is at once indulgently luxurious and intimately serene. Beyond its unmatched beauty, Shore House at The Del offers an exceptional investment in lifestyle and legacy. With optional rental management and privileged access to the legendary amenities of The Del, ownership here is both effortless and enduring. Whether you're seeking a refined retreat, a generational escape, or a lasting presence in Coronado’s most coveted enclave, this is the place to begin your next chapter. Limited whole-ownership residences remain.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT HOME THAT WILL BE YOUR

Legacy Property?

Experience Shore House in person — private tours available by appointment this April.

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What a day! On Saturday, April 12, the Friends of the Coronado Public Library held our 53rd Annual Book Fair. Once again, the Coronado community reminded us that it truly takes a village. This beloved event came to life through the time, energy, and generosity of countless FOL volunteers, and individuals across our city. Old friends reconnected, new friendships formed, and the joy of reading was shared by all. We welcomed new members to the Friends of the Library and appreciated longtime supporters renewing their commitment. Most importantly, the funds raised will support the enriching programs and services our Library offers year-round. If you love the Coronado Public Library and want to help, join the Friends, there’s always room for more helping hands and kind hearts. Become a member today! With 130 free coffees served, both guests and volunteers stayed cheerful and energized! This year’s Book Fair was not just a fundraiser, it was a celebration of community. Catch the highlights and full heartfelt thank-you letter at www.CoronadoFOL.org We are especially thankful to these wonderful local partners for sharing the word: Ace Hardware, Berkshire Hathaway, Christ Church Day School, City of Coronado, Coronado Bike Rentals & Guided Tours, Coronado Hardware, Coronado Library, Coronado Tasting Room, Nado Gelato, Parfait Coronado, Sacred Heart Parish School, Silver Strand Elementary School, Starbucks Coronado, Trident Coffee, Village Elementary School, and Which Wich Coronado.

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Contents

MAY 2025

11 Cover Photo: Alexis and Kash Renaldo, photo by Hattie Foote.

Above Photo: Abby Fratt, by Rebecca Fratt

this issue

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11

The Art of Motherhood Women’s impact on culture as both artist and subject

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Celebrating Mother’s Day: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Every Mom

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Farewell Miss Nancy Now go enjoy retirement!

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Island Icon: Bill Lemei Beloved by students, teachers and parents alike

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Safe Harbor Coronado Month of the Military Child

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THE FIRST WORD

Happy Mother’s Day Coronado!

50 favorites

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Shake Up Your Mother’s Day With a Sake Bloom Martini

36

Making Beautiful Things Celebrate spring with elegance and style

50

Walla Walla Wow The twin named town in Washington’s wine country

from our partners

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What’s In Season? Basil! The herb with a thousand uses

46

Financial Focus Financial moves for a growing family

49

Book Corner What people are reading this month

Each year, as spring begins to bloom, we pause on the second Sunday in May to honor a role so profound, so foundational, it shapes generations: Motherhood. Mother’s Day is more than a day of flowers and phone calls—it’s a time to reflect on the quiet strength, daily sacrifices, and boundless love that mothers and mother figures bring to our lives. Whether by birth, adoption, mentorship, or care, the women who mother us do so in ways that shape our values, nurture our dreams, and hold our communities together. As Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded not only of the love and care our mothers have given us, but of the ways motherhood itself continues to evolve with each generation. One of life’s most cherished milestones is when a mother becomes a grandmother. This transformation— so often brought about by the daughters and daughtersin-law who step into motherhood themselves—is a powerful reminder of the beautiful continuity of family. In these moments, love expands, traditions are passed down, and new bonds are born. For many mothers, watching their children become parents is one of life’s deepest joys. It’s a full-circle moment that brings pride, awe, and sometimes a bit of gentle humor. It’s also a chance to offer guidance, support, and a different kind of love—one rooted in experience and unconditional affection. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate all mothers—those who are just beginning their journey, those who’ve walked it for decades, and those who now answer to the name: Grandma, Gigi, Mimi, Nana, or anything else. May this Mother’s Day bring you as much happiness and love as you give to us all year round. Here's to Mom’s … truly our greatest blessing.

Dean K. Eckenroth Jr Editor & Associate Publisher

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CORONADO MAGAZINE

The offical magazine of Coronado, California PUBLISHER

Dean Eckenroth publisher.eaglenews@gmail.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Dean K. Eckenroth Jr. editor.eaglenews@gmail.com

EDITORIAL Alessandra Selgi-Harrigan alessandra.eaglenews@gmail.com

CORONADO KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN AND REMODELING Cabinets / Stone / Tile / Flooring / Plumbing Fixtures / Lighting European Interior Doors by Belldinni Window Treatments by Hunter Douglas 225 PALM AVE. IMPERIAL BEACH, CA 91932

Lauren Curtis Lauren.eaglenews@gmail.com Kel Casey kel.eaglenews@gmail.com Christine Johnson christine.eaglenews@gmail.com Brooke Clifford eaglenewsbrooke@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER

Hattie Foote

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Patricia Ross patricia.eaglenews@gmail.com Renee Schoen renee.eaglenews@gmail.com

PRODUCTION Andrew Koorey

PRINTING Reed

OLENA SHABER / OWNER DESIGNER

Design by: 619.341.2404 | CoronadoKitchenAndBath.com 10

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DISTRIBUTION Roberto Gamez Copyright ©2025 Eagle Newspapers All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.


COR05612-Coronado-Magazine-Ad-May

4/C

Full pg ad

Trim 7.5" x 9.75"

NO Bleed/NO Crop

JAgan

FINAL-03-2025

How to Spot a Stroke

Sharp Coronado Hospital is a nationally certified Primary Stroke Center, recognized for the high level of care provided to patients having a stroke. May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Remember “BE FAST” to help identify the signs of a stroke: B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance E — Eyes: Blurry vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes F — Face: Facial weakness or drooping on one side of the face, or uneven smile A — Arms: Arm or leg weakness or numbness on one side of the body S — Speech: Altered speech, slurring, or inability to speak or find the right words T — Time: Act fast and call 911 Every minute counts when a stroke happens. Call 911 right away if you see signs of stroke in yourself or someone else. Tell the operator you think the person is having a stroke. Paramedics will be better prepared to help them, and the hospital can prepare for their arrival. Visit sharp.com/coronado to learn more about our exceptional care.

COR05612 ©2025 SHC

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In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 SCOTT AURICH

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SPECIALIZING IN CORONADO GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR | DRE 00978974 619.987.9797 AND SURROUNDING LUXURY REAL ESTATE MARKETS Scott@ScottAurich.com www.ScottAurich.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. DRE#01767484

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The Art of Motherhood by Dawn Richards It’s no surprise that artists have long depicted images of mothers and their children; after all, where would we humans be without mothers? Consider the Virgin Mary, inspiration for countless Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, who equated the qualities of love, compassion, and beauty with motherhood. Many of these paintings and sculptures feature the Madonna nursing the baby Jesus, known as lactans art and which served as the prototype for Western artists who later incorporated the theme in a secular manner, such as Rembrandt’s 1629 portrayal of his elderly mother. While his somewhat grim depiction doesn’t exactly inspire idealized versions of young maternal love, it was, in fact, a lesson in the mastery of light and intimate detail, focused on the wrinkles, hollow eyes, and stern mouth. The style became a learning method for young artists of the time, enhancing their reputations and obtaining sponsors: a completely different view of motherhood! A similar well-known work from 1871 is “Portrait of Artist’s Mother” by American artist James McNeill Whistler, more popularly known as Whistler’s Mother. Multiple theories revolve around the somber looking painting, such as his mother having to step in for a much younger missing model. And though Whistler had planned on the model standing up, his 96-year-old mother was too old to stand for so long. M AY 2 0 2 5 |

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However, the Classical and Renaissance periods weren’t the first to honor mothers. The earliest discoveries are small hand carved sculptures from the Paleolithic period, including the Venus of Hohle Fels in Germany, dated from 42,000-40,000 years ago, made of mammoth ivory. Some of these small statuettes are thought to represent goddesses, such as Isis nursing Horus from ancient Egypt, created from faience in 332-30 BCE. These stylized figurines with their oversized breasts, buttocks, thighs, and stomachs, are believed to symbolize life, fertility, and rebirth. So powerful was this representation, that the art winged its 14

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way through the Ptolemaic period and all the way to Rome, where the cult of the goddess Venus was born, lending her name to the full figured carvings. Today, these Queens of the Stone Age feature in Youtube videos, social media memes, and even as humor for online dating sites, endowing them as the longest running image of mothers. During the early 20th century, female artists such as Mary Cassat and Leonora Carrington began to express the concept of motherhood in art. American artist Cassatt (1844-1926), in particular, was one of the first to bring the viewer into the private lives of women and the bonds shared with their children.

Still, maternal art continued to be dominated by male views, which prompted criticism of a one-sided perspective that failed to capture the many dimensions of motherhood. This impelled later 20th century artists, notably Elizabeth Catlett, Louise Bourgeois, and Alice Neel, to lend more value to women’s roles and free them from stifling stereotypes. They served as role models themselves for contemporary artists who challenge our embedded ideas of motherhood. Nowadays, Mother’s Day celebrates mothers all over the world, and here on Coronado, our local artists have explored multifaceted aspects of family in art.


For Cathy Surgeoner Deibler, her common concerns about being a mother began to filter into her art. As most every mother has asked, was she a good enough mother? She decided to show daughter Rae a painting of well known surfer Bethany Hamilton riding the big waves of Maui’s Jaws surf break just six months after the birth of her first child. Was Bethany an inspiration to what she could be, free of traditional roles? Explains Cathy, “I thought of it as an inspiration to my Rae as I had thought that I was not a strong enough role model for her. But when I asked her, she said, ‘I don’t know those women, mum, I only know you.’” So, Cathy showed paintings of herself surfing and sailing. “I better level up,” she says. “Mothers are so hard on themselves, all kids need are hugs and support.“

Connie Spitzer enjoys painting her daughter-in-law with her son. “My only grandson, Deacon, paints with me for hours at a time and it’s so special to share our bond of love for painting. He is the most painted subject for me. When he was young, I bought him children’s markers and a children’s palette of watercolors. He didn’t want to use them as they weren’t real watercolors or paper. So I would let him use one of my pallets and some heavy paper. I love having an activity that we both love to do. Some days we both paint for hours side by side.” And, Connie adds, “he immediately recognizes my art when he sees it at the C-3 Gallery or around town in the shops. We have a special bond because of our art!”

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Tina Christiansen, known for her use of light on human figures, enjoys focusing on her niece, Mary Anna, and her children. Her art captures the range of emotions in families, including a favorite acrylic on birch board, “Feed Me.” Notes Tina, “My experience is that every mother that sees this painting knows that look and gets a giggle from it!”

Local photographer Rebecca Fratt received her first camera when her daughter Abby was born. “Then,” she says, “people started asking me to take pictures of their kids, and that started my love of photography.” As she began branching out into graphic design, she noticed Abby taking abstract photos on their walks together, and “now accompanies me to some of my ads.” Like other moms, her daughter has become a partner in art.

With Mother’s Day on the horizon, there’s no better time to explore women’s impact on art and culture, as both artists and subjects, and no better place to explore it than with our local artists!

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1009A ORANGE AVE, CORONADO | (619) 841-1900 WWW.CHARLESTONSHOECO.COM | @CHARLESTONSHOECO M AY 2 0 2 5 |

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Habanero’s Taco Shop

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Celebrating Mother’s Day:

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Every Mom By Lauren Boomer Mother’s Day is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to show the amazing moms in our lives how much they mean to us. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, grandmother, or a mother figure, finding the right gift can truly make a difference. Fortunately, living in a town full of small businesses and local boutiques means you are sure to find a gift that expresses your appreciation. Here are just a few ideas:

Personalized Jewelry A piece of jewelry engraved with

her initials or a special date can be a heartfelt gift she’ll cherish forever. Think necklaces, bracelets, or rings—each piece tells a story. For an even better experience, stop by Hooked Permanent Jewelry to create special matching permanent bracelets with your loved one. M AY 2 0 2 5 |

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Spa Day Package

Treat her to a day of relaxation with a spa gift certificate. A massage, facial, or mani-pedi can be just what she needs to unwind and feel pampered. She deserves it. Coronado is full of beautiful spa options, including Lavender Flower Day Spa, Orchid Day Spa, and Calla Lily Day Spa, to name a few.

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Custom Photo Book

Compile your favorite family photos into a beautiful book. It’s a wonderful way to relive cherished memories together and gives her a keepsake to flip through whenever she likes. Stop by Walgreens to print out your photos, then head to Seaside Papery for a beautiful scrapbook and boundless decorations to fill each page.

Cooking or Baking Class

For the mom who loves to cook, consider signing her up for a fun class! It’s a great way to learn new recipes and techniques while having a blast in the kitchen. Try out one of Balsamico Italian Kitchen’s authentic Italian cooking classes or wine tasting experiences—they are always a hit.

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A Fun Evening Out on the Town Plan out a special day for the mom who appreciates quality time with her loved ones. Start with a coffee and pastry at Tartine, then head to the beach or pool to relax, with a mojito in hand, of course. Or maybe to Village Theater for a vintage movie experience. Then cap the night off with dinner at any of Coronado’s countless amazing dining options. From low-key but delicious eats and craft cocktails at the Tavern to a rooftop bar with an ocean and bay view at Dive, you can’t go wrong no matter where you go.

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Farewell Miss Nancy By HATTIE FOOTE

Y

ears ago, I was at Spreckels Park, toddling with my toddler, finally getting a grasp on the whole motherhood thing. I was newly pregnant with my second child and had started loosely considering preschool options for my daughter. I brought it up to a more seasoned mom at the playground, and she informed me that I should have gotten on the list for Graham Memorial when I was PREGNANT with my first child! I was shook and felt like a failure of a parent. I was

too concerned with not eating sushi or deli meat to think about my poor baby’s education! Thankfully, after consulting everyone I knew, I discovered more options on the island. My best friend brought it up to her client, and they asked if we had checked out Resurrection Preschool, she worked there and highly recommended it. We took our girls to tour it and met with the preschool director, Nancy Stringer. She was so warm and welcoming, and we knew it was a wonderful fit for us.

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September rolled around, and it

ready for school dances together.

was the first day of school ever! We

My son followed suit when his

walked to school; well, I waddled as

sister headed to elementary school

I was two weeks away from giving

and had a little bit of a different

kindergarten if you would notice if

birth, and said our goodbyes at the

experience during COVID, as we

kids were more behind/advanced

gate. My daughter was as happy as

all did. When school and the world

depending on what schools they had

could be, going right into class with-

were shut down, he would send

gone to, and the answer is: absolutely

out turning back. I sobbed the whole

videos to his teachers to say hi,

not. The reason being that all the

waddle home, I wish I could blame

and one of our favorites is of him

schools in Coronado are amazing;

the pregnancy hormones, but I did

thinking Miss Nancy’s name was

you can’t go wrong. Just ask around,

this the first day of kindergarten, too. I

Fancy Nancy (a popular children’s

tour your options, and do what’s

can’t even think about the upcoming

book). He would say, “I mith you

best for your family. Sadly for our

fifth-grade promotion without a lump

Fanthy Nanthy.” It was so lispy and

town (but well deserved for her), Miss

in my throat. From that day on, my

cute. When they were finally back

Nancy, who founded Resurrection

daughter loved loved loved school.

in school, my son then promptly

Preschool, is retiring after 42 years!

Something I valued about Resurrec-

closed it by getting COVID and

I feel so grateful for her many years

tion was the focus on play; they were

setting off the two-week quaran-

of dedication to so many Coronado

able to just be little kids and use their

tine procedures, all while infecting

families. Our children are so lucky

creativity, get messy, and have fun.

a couple of teachers and students,

to have grown up under your sun-

My daughter met some of her best

whoops. I felt so awful, but of

shine, Nancy; I know I can speak for

friends there. First, they were three-

course, everyone was so kind and

so many when I say THANK YOU,

year-olds sharing princess dresses,

understanding. It was so bittersweet

and you are so loved. Now go enjoy

and now they are tweens getting

when my kids “graduated,” but in

retirement with your beautiful family!

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true Coronado fashion, we still see their teachers all about town. I wondered when the kids got to


PA R T N E R E D C O N T E N T

WHAT’S IN SEASON?

Basil!

As we enjoy spring and anticipate warmer weather, our palettes often switch from warmer comfort foods to bright, light, summery bites. One herb you won’t want to miss incorporating this season is basil! Basil perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with hints of mint, anise, and pepper. The overall taste leaves a crispy, peppery, and fresh finish. Not only is it delicious, but basil is a nutrient-rich herb with several health benefits. Basil contains vitamin K, antioxidants, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and more. It contains properties crucial for bone health and muscle and nerve function, fights against inflammation, and contributes to overall well-being. Basil does all this while remaining virtually calorie-free, making it the perfect, healthy addition to your table. Basil can be enjoyed raw or cooked, used to garnish salads, pizzas, or pasta, used in sauces such as pesto, and can even infuse oils with a fresh new flavor. No matter how you prepare it, basil will surely add some color and freshness to your spring cooking lineup.

155 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0776 | baysidemarket.com Open 8:30am – 8pm, daily

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Shake Up Your Mother’s Day With A Sake Bloom Martini By CHRISTINE JOHNSON

May is a month that brings us new beginnings as spring closes its door and summer is on the way. May seems like the in-between month. April ushers in the flowers and the Easter Bunny, and June breaks the kids out of school straight into vacation mode. But May is filled with special occasions worth celebrating as well. Probably one of the most acknowledged days on the planet is Mother’s Day. Yes – dads are very important too – but May comes before June, so we celebrate the moms in our lives first. The second Sunday in May allows us to honor our mothers and those who have been a mother to us and enriched our lives. Mother’s Day includes moms, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, teachers, cousins, and neighbors. The female role models who have provided love, strength, and support when we needed it most. Reach out to those who have been a special part of your life and shower them with Mother’s Day love.

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Many of the mothers and fathers in our lives serve our country and awaken each day with a duty to protect not only those they love but the country they honor and respect. These incredible humans have Memorial Day set aside in May to commemorate those who have served, been lost, or injured during duty. One of the most inspiring traditions in Coronado is the flags that line Orange Avenue. No matter the military holiday, those flags represent honor, grace, and the freedom provided by the military united to protect the USA. Almost all streets in Coronado have a military family, and we salute them. Whether you are celebrating Mother’s Day or Memorial Day this May, there is a drink that brings the bright colors of spring and the blossoms of May flowers into a cocktail glass. Toast to moms, military personnel, and anything we celebrate this month with the SAKE BLOOM MARTINI.

MIXOLOGY Fill a shaker with ice. Add the sake, elderflower liqueur, rose syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water for some bubbles and garnish with a cherry blossom (or your favorite flower) on the surface of the drink.

SAKI BLOOM INGREDIENTS • 2 ounces premium sake • 1 ounce elderflower liqueur • 1/2 ounce rose syrup • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice • A splash of sparkling water • Ice • Cherry blossom for garnish


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Flavor of the Month Horchata Gelato

Based on the traditional Mexican drink, horchata gelato is a cinnamon and rice based gelato flavor. 918 Orange Ave, Coronado 619-629-5343

Local Dining

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Albaca At Marriott (619) 435-3000

Central Liquor & Deli 178 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0118

Crown Bistro 520 Orange Ave. (619) 435-3678

Amalo Brew 640 Orange Ave. (619) 537-9011

Chez Loma 1132 Loma Ave. (619) 435-0661

Avenue Liquor & Subs 878 Orange Ave. (619) 435-4668

Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro 849 Orange Ave (619) 319-5001

Culinary Kitchen Catering & Events 126 Orange Ave. (619) 798-8477

Babcock & Story Bar At the Hotel Del (619) 435-6611

Clayton’s Coffee Shop 979 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5425

Balsamico Italian Kitchen 791 Palm Ave., Ste 101 , IB (858) 294-3183

Clayton’s Mexican Take Out 1107 10th St. (619) 437-8811

Bay Books Cafe 1007 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0070

Cocina 35 Ferry Landing (619) 996-3035

Beach & Taco Shack At the Del (619) 522-8100

Cold Stone Creamery Ferry Landing (619) 437-6919

Better Buzz 1305 Orange Ave (619)866-6896

Coronado Brewing Co. 170 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4452

Blanco 1301 Orange Ave (858) 399-4040

Coronado Cays Lounge 4000 Coronado Bay Rd. (169) 424-4000

Bluewater Boathouse 701 Strand Way (619) 435-0155

Coronado Coffee Co. Ferry Landing (619) 522-0217

Brigantine 1333 Orange Ave (619) 435-4166

Coronado Fire Staton Venue 126 Orange Ave (619) 928-2977

Burger Lounge 922 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6835

Coronado Tasting Room Ferry Landing (619) 534-5034

Calypso Café 505 Grand Caribe Isle (619) 423-5144

Crown Landing at Loews Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Rd. (619) 424-4444

Danny’s Palm Bar & Grill 965 Orange Ave. (619) 435-3171 Doggos Gus 1313 J Street, San Diego (619) 534-9315 Domino’s 1330 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4241 ENO Pizzeria & Wine Bar At Hotel Del (619) 522-8546 Feast and Fareway 2000 Visalia Row (619) 996-3322 Filippis 285 Palm Ave., IB (619) 754-6650 Garage Buona Forchetta 1000 C Ave. (619) 675-0079 Gelato Paradiso 918 Orange Ave. (619) 629-5343 High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen 933 Orange Ave. (619) 435-1380 Il Fornaio 1333 1st St. (619) 437-4911 Island Pasta 1202 Orange Ave. (619) 435-4545

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an 1201

www ww


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1701 Strand Way, Coronado (619) 435-0155

Jolie 126 Orange Ave. (619) 704-2467

Night & Day Café 847 Orange Ave. (619) 435-9776

Swaddee Thai 1001 C Ave. (619) 435-8110

KFC/Taco Bell 100 B Ave. (619) 435-2055

Panera 980 Orange Ave. (619) 437-4288

Tartine 1106 1st St. (619) 435-4323

L'Orangerie 1100 Orange Ave (619) 571-3367

Parakeet Cafe 1134 Orange Ave. (619) 675-0104

Tavern 1310 Orange Ave. (619) 437-0611

Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ Ferry Landing (619) 522-0217

Park Place Liquor & Deli 1000 Park Place (619) 435-0116

The Henry 1031 Orange Ave. (619) 762-1022

Peohe’s Ferry Landing (619) 437-4474

The Little Club 132 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5885

Poké 1•2•3 1009 Orange Ave poke123usa.com

Trident Coffee 942 Orange Ave (619) 522-4905

Rosemary Trattoria 120 Orange Ave. (619) 537-0054

Villa Nueva Bakery Cafe 956 Orange Ave. (619) 435-1256

Saiko Sushi 116 Orange Ave. (619) 435-0868

Village Pizzeria Bayside Ferry Landing (619) 437-0650

Serea at the Del (619) 522-8100

Village Pizzeria 1206 Orange Ave. (619) 522-0449

Little Frenchie 1166 Orange Ave. (619) 313-6003 Check our Schedule for Live Music! Lobster West

A place to enjoy good 1033 B Ave. #102 (619)and 675-0002 wine, whiskey tequila, craftMcP’s beer Irish and Pub charcuterie a 1107 plates Orangein Ave. (619) 435-5280 bright, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Miguelito’s 1142 Adella Ave. (619) 437-8578 619-534-5034

1201 First StreetMiguel’s #101 Ferry Landing Cocina

www.coronadotastingroom.com 1351 Orange Ave. www.vomfasscoronado.com (619) 437-4237 Mootime Creamery 1025 Orange Ave. (619) 435-2422 Nado Gelato Cafe 1017 C Ave. (619) 522-9053 Nado Republic 1007 C Ave. (619) 996-3271 Nicky Rotten’s Bar & Burger Joint 100 Orange Ave. (619) 537-0280

Silver Strand Exchange At Loews Resort (619) 424-4000 Spiro’s Greek Café Ferry Landing (619) 435-1225 Stake Chophouse + Bar 1309 Orange Ave. (619) 522-0077 Subway 1330 Orange Ave. (619) 435-8272

Local Dining

Vom Fass Ferry Landing (619) 534-5034 Which Wich 926 Orange Ave. (619) 522-9424 Yummy Sushi 1330 Orange Ave. (619) 435-2771

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Calvary Chapel Coronado

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Bridging the gap in prayer from our Island to the World Come join us as we teach the entire counsel of God's Word Sunday Service 9:30am Wed. Evening Bible Study - 7pm Saturday Morning Breakfast Fellowship - 9:00am

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Crown City 60-Day SUMMER FITNESS CHALLENGE

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Island Icon:

Bill Lemei By HOPE BAKER, Coronado Historical Association Volunteer All photos courtesy of the Lemei Family.

Ask recent Coronado High School grads about their favorite teachers, and one name is sure to pop up over and over again—Mr. Bill Lemei. Often wielding a staff, sometimes donning a hat and cape, Mr. Lemei was no ordinary educator. He was unique, energetic, and creative, but most of all, he was beloved by students, teachers, and parents alike.

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Bill & his parents, Ernst & Nancy Lemei in 1954 Born to Ernst and Nancy Lemei in Bremerton, WA, Bill, his sister, Susan, and their military family lived in many places before calling Coronado home. With a gleam in his eye and a soft smile, Bill recalls his idyllic middle and high school years on the island. “My friends and I would spend happy days running around barefoot and nights in sleeping bags on the beach,” he said. “We’d hang out at Marco’s, The Mexican Village, and Oscar’s Drive-In, and even made the occasional trip down to the Long Bar in Tijuana. Those were the days when there wasn’t a single stoplight in town, and the ferry was our connection to the mainland.” There was plenty of fun to be had, but Bill was also an exceptional student, graduating as Salutatorian of the CHS Class of 1965. After that, he became what he called “quilt-educated,” studying at Harvey Mudd, UCSD, SDSU, State University of New York, Mesa College, and Chapman. Beyond his love of learning, Bill found another great love—his wife, Carol. Though both graduated from CHS, they laughingly recall exchanging fewer than 100 words in high school. Years later, in Palo Alto, a mutual friend reintroduced them, and their love story began. After time up north, they

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Bill in one of five flower shops a group owned c.1975

The Lemei family at their home on 10th Street, Coronado, in 1987


returned to Coronado in 1979. Bill and Carol started their next chapter as business owners, running several flower shops and a successful printing business before Bill began teaching. They had two children, Galen and Kaitlin, and in August 2000, Bill started at CHS, where he taught until 2024. Over the years, Bill says he taught “many flavors of math and physics,” and being in his class soon became legendary. Affectionately nicknamed “Gandalf” by his students, Mr. Lemei used his creativity and humor to captivate them. He produced exciting audio/visual presentations, wove current events into lessons, and wasn’t afraid to have a little fun—turning off the lights, using flash paper for the illusion of throwing fire, and fully embracing his role as “The Wizard.” His “secret sauce” was a mix of preparation and good intentions, ensuring no student’s time was wasted and that math and physics felt relevant. Mr. Lemei took the responsibility of teaching to heart, often working 60-70 hours a week, and it showed. But his greatest lessons weren’t from a textbook. Carol recalls, “Bill taught kids how to meet struggle, disappointment, and failure head-on. He helped shape resilient students who weren’t afraid to fail in class or in life. That was one of his gifts.” Bill’s impact stretched far beyond the classroom. He was a devoted soccer coach for his kids’ soccer teams and, in 2010, served as faculty advisor for the first CHS robot-

Bill in his classroom at CHA c.2003

Bill, coaching daughter Kaitlin (top center) and the Coronado Islanders Soccer Team with fellow Coach, Paulette Hopkins, 1996

Bill as sponsor & coach of the inaugural CHS Crown City Robotics Team 2009

ics team. He always went the extra mile, and the success of his students proved it—many went on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees in science, engineering, and beyond. Bill’s influence extended to his fellow teachers as well. One of his signature t-shirts read “Kindness Matters,” and

during the school’s beloved “Twin Day,” many staff members surprised him by wearing their own “Kindness Matters” shirts in his honor. Despite his humility, Mr. Lemei’s accolades speak for themselves. He was named CHS Teacher of the Year and later honored as the District’s

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Teacher of the Year. In 2024, he was chosen as the keynote speaker for the CHS graduation ceremony. But perhaps the honor closest to his heart was earning the “Kipperman Award” multiple times—an award voted on by the senior class to recognize the year’s most inspirational staff member. If you ask Mr. Lemei about his biggest accomplishments, he won’t mention awards. He’ll tell you about his family and how he strived to live a life of kindness and compassion. In that, he has surely succeeded. Now retired, Bill enjoys life with Carol, their children, and grandchildren, but says he’ll never forget the memories he made at CHS. “I loved teaching from the first day until the last, and every day in between.” And, he still loves calling Coronado home, saying he feels “unimaginably fortunate to be here.” As a grateful mother of one of his former students, I’d say we are the lucky ones. Thank you, Mr. Lemei.

“Kindness Matters” t-shirt tribute to Bill as a surprise on Twin Day 2022

*True to its mission to serve as Coronado’s primary center for community history, the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) conducts special oral history interviews with Coronado natives and long-time residents. This special, ongoing project is called “Island Icons.” Oral history is critical to capturing local history because it helps us record information and stories that might otherwise go undocumented. Local history is not included in national textbooks or history books, so it is up to organizations like CHA to collect these important first-hand accounts and memories for the future. Island Icons stories are permanently archived at CHA. More information about the program can be found at coronadohistory.org

Bill and Carol at Half Moon Bay, CA, 2016

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H

ow we love to gather with friends, to share good food and conversation. Celebrate spring with a flowered tablecloth, glasses and teapots filled with dainty flowers for a added special touch.

Making Beautiful Things... ~Mary Palumbo

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F

resh is always better, if possible. Your guests will feel extra appreciated when you take the time to create from scratch.

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P

resentation need not be elaborate. Simple flowers to top a cake, and drizzles of glaze and almonds make a big statement.

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D

essert never disappoints, so go ahead, eat the cake....cheesecake that is!

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Our Featured Properties

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© 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHHS Affiliates LLS. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

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­


P

urple up ... and help celebrate, and thank, your military children ... not just in April, but all year long.

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SAFE HARBOR CORONADO: ANNIE GARDNER

Celebrating The Military Child

I

t is estimated that 40% of students in Coronado schools are connected to the military. This means that a large part of our small community faces unique challenges such as deployment, reintegration, moving, instability, uncertainty and fear of the unknown. The good news is, Coronado is a community that embraces and strives to provide programs and resources to help these kids thrive. Safe Harbor Coronado champions military children and their families throughout the year. The Aloha Club is a community liaison between incoming families and resources in Coronado. As new families move in to town, the Aloha Club hand delivers a welcome bag, and they are matched with a member in the community that can provide answers to questions and help navigate the community. Further, Safe Harbor Coronado provides lowcost counseling and socioemotional health programs to help military youth through the unique transitions they face. Though military kids should be cel-

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ebrated year-round, April was the Month of the Military Child nationally. Many schools do something special to recognize and celebrate military kids, but Coronado is a place that goes above and beyond. As purple is the color representing military kids, the community was encouraged to “purple up”, which meant donning purple clothing and accessories to show support for this group. Purple is the color for military kids because it represents all branches and their own colors combined – Navy blue, Army green, Marine red, and the blues of Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force which together make purple. To celebrate here in Coronado, each school had theme days, and you often saw purple proudly displayed throughout the month. Each school did something unique to celebrate. Silver Strand Elementary, which is situated in the middle of Silver Strand Military Housing, celebrated military students and their families by hosting a special breakfast. This year, families were treated to breakfast burritos and bacon from Night and Day Café,


“Some are big, some are small tokens of appreciation, but they all resonate & help our military children feel heard, seen, and cared-for.” fruit cups, pastries and coffee. Strand Hall was decked out in purple and displayed special artwork and writing by military kids. Further, families were invited to pose for pictures under a spectacular purple balloon arch. Following breakfast, all families joined together at the flagpole for a special Friday Flagpole assembly led by the Anchored4Life team. Anchored4Life is a student-led, peer-to-peer mentoring program aimed at helping kids with transitions and resiliency. This special assembly highlighted what it feels like to be a military child, discussed the special skills and talents military children bring to our community, and the ways in which military kids cope and stay connected. While Silver Strand Elementary hosted their breakfast, Village Elementary also had a special way to recognize their military students. They hosted a cheer-in. This event invited parents to come and make an encouraging sign and wave purple pompoms as students arrived to school. The walkway was chalked with special messages of support. Students were delighted to enter school feeling like military super stars. Following the cheer-in the Anchored4Life team held a special assembly to recognize

and champion military kids. Likewise, Christ Church Day School had special dress up days with military themes. They also hosted an honorary luncheon and invited military families to read stories and lead chapel. At the middle level, Coronado Middle School showcased some of the unique military instillations we have here in town. During their monthly Wellness Wednesday, Safe Harbor Coronado partnered with the school counselors and the school liaison officer to bring in special military guests. HSC-3, HSM-35 and the Naval Special Warfare Command brought their tactical gear, workout gear, knowledge, skills, and purple treats for students to enjoy throughout their lunch. Between the two lunch groups, over 300 kids stopped into Granzer Hall. Favorite activities were using night vision goggles, doing military pull-ups, learning how to rescue someone, and trying on the various vests, helmets and gear the military use in their missions. Kids left with new knowledge, respect, and a better understanding of what our service members and their families selflessly sacrifice for the greater good. Other celebrations and recognitions

take place through year as well as during the Month of the Military Child throughout Coronado. Some are big, some are small tokens of appreciation, but they all resonate and help our military children feel heard, seen and cared for by their community. After all, Coronado would be a much different place without the unique talents, perspectives and experiences they bring to our community. We hope everyone will ‘purple up’ and help celebrate and thank your military children not just in April, but all year long. Safe Harbor Coronado provides comprehensive mental health services to youth and families in Coronado. Through a range of programs and counseling services, Safe Harbor Coronado empowers individuals to build resilience and emotional well-being while fostering a stigma-free environment for help-seeking behaviors. Safe Harbor’s programs are available to all members of the Coronado community, regardless of financial means. For more information about Safe Harbor Coronado, their programs and services, visit www.safeharborcoronado.org.

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C

oronado is a community that embraces and strives to provide programs and resources to help military children thrive.

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FRAGMENTS OF CHANGE

-the unveiling

May 29 Thursday 5:00 PM7:00 PM Coronado High School Free Admission Refreshments Live Music Documentary

Presented by #rm302

A vibrant two-story-high public mosaic installation designed, created and executed by CHS Artists M AY 2 0 2 5 |

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FINANCE

Financial moves for a If you’re adding a child to your family, it’s an exciting time, and you have much to anticipate. Of course, this new addition will bring many changes in your life, so you’ll want to be prepared — especially in terms of your finances. What financial moves should you make as you welcome your new child? Here are a few to consider: • Estimate expenses — and create a new budget. You will likely have several new expenses associated with a new child, ranging from relatively minor purchases — car seat, stroller, crib, etc. — to potentially much larger costs, such as a vehicle with more space or even a new home. You’ll need to estimate what you can afford for these initial expenses and then work into your budget the everyday additional costs — food, clothing, uncovered medical expenses and so on.

• Look at options to support taking time off work Depending on where you live and where you work, you might have some sources of support if you take time off from work after the arrival of your child. These options may include paid time off — such as sick leave and vacation time — paid family leave, short-term disability insurance, and some benefits from the Family Medical and Leave Act.

• Determine how child care will be provided Child care can be expensive and, in some areas, hard to find. Well before the arrival of your child, start looking for child care, so you can explore your options and start factoring in the costs to your cash flow and monthly budget. During your search, look at offerings from local community centers, religious institutions, and nonprofit organizations, some of which may offer low-cost childcare programs.

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FINANCE

growing family • Contribute to your emergency fund It’s generally a good idea to keep up to six months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk account to pay for unexpected costs — and with a growing family, these costs may well increase as your child grows older.

• Look at your tax situation You may want to consult with a tax professional to determine whether you qualify for credits or deductions, such as the dependent care credit, the federal child tax credit, and adoption-related credits (if you adopted a child). Also, you may want to update your Form W-4 to add a dependent — a move that may lower your tax withholding and increase your take-home pay.

• Start your education planning It’s never too soon to think about paying for costs associated with your child’s education. You might want to consider a 529 education savings plan, which offers tax benefits and can be used for college and many vocational programs, as well as some K-12 costs. A financial advisor can help you explore all available education savings options.

• Check your insurance You’ll need to add your child to your existing health insurance, but if you don’t have insurance, see whether you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or look for a marketplace plan at healthcare.gov. You might also need to purchase additional life insurance coverage. And with a growing family to support, you might want to add disability coverage to protect your income against short- or long-term disabilities.

Bringing a new child into your life is certainly a joyous occasion — and by being financially prepared, you can make the whole experience even more enjoyable. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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619-936-7198 BobMcCaffery@bhhscal.com 501A Grand Caribe Cswy Coronado, CA 92118


PA R T N E R E D C O N T E N T

Book Corner WHAT PEOPLE ARE READING THIS MONTH

The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom By Shari Franke Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined. As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime. Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: “Finally.” For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, “ConneXions.” No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.

Beautiful Ugly By Alice Feeney Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life. Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared. A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible: a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.

Broken Country By Clare Leslie Hall Beth and her gentle, kind husband, Frank, are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager—the man who broke her heart years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son, who died in a tragic accident. As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise, and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was and the woman she has become. A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggle between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.

Piranesi By Susanna Clarke Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays, Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times, he brings tributes of food to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone. Messages begin to appear, scratched out in chalk on the pavements. There is someone new in the House. But who are they and what do they want? Are they a friend or do they bring destruction and madness as the Other claims? Lost texts must be found; secrets must be uncovered. The world that Piranesi thought he knew is becoming strange and dangerous. The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness, infinite.

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Walla Walla Wow T h i s t w i n - n a m e d t o w n i n Wa s h i n g t o n’s w i n e c o u n t r y d o u b l e s d o w n o n f l a v o r, s m a l l - t o w n c h a r m a n d h o s p i t a l i t y .

Above: L’Ecole No 41 is housed in an early Walla Walla school building and was the third winery to open in the Walla Walla Valley, which area covers southeastern Washington and extends into northeastern Oregon. Above, right: The Walla Walla Sweet Onion growers and Rotary Club welcome you to Walla Walla. Photos by Kris Grant. 52

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by Kris Grant I knew when I first heard the name Walla Walla that I simply had to go there. Tucked away in southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is a gem of the Pacific Northwest, blending world-class wine, a rich history and small-town charm into what makes for a splendid travel experience. During the Oregon Trail migration of the 1800s, the region became a significant hub with Fort Walla Walla established in the 1850s to protect settlers moving westward in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Agriculture flourished, with wheat, apples and the famous Walla Walla sweet onion defining the local economy. Over the past five decades, the region’s agricultural roots have gradually

blossomed into a wine lover’s mecca, with more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms gracing its rolling hills. Walla Walla’s downtown area is a bustling center with boutique shops and farm-to-table restaurants sharing space on its Main Street with wine tasting rooms. This is also a college town – home to Whitman College, a prestigious liberal arts school with a beautiful urban campus; Walla Walla University, a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church; and Walla Walla Community College, whose viticulture and enology program is particularly well known for feeding talent directly into Walla Walla’s booming wine industry.

With 260 days of sunshine a year the area also offers year-round opportunities for recreation across its rivers, gently rolling hills, six golf courses, and surrounding mountains. As for me, I divided my time between exploring downtown and relaxing on the patios of many a Walla Walla winery. There’s nothing better than taking in this bucolic landscape, armed with a superb Cab or Chenin Blanc. The next time you’re thinking about a “wine country vacation,” I encourage you to venture out of California and head up to Washington. It’s the second largest wine-producing state in the nation, and it’s rural and wonderful. Cheers! M A Y 2 0 2 5 | 53


Walla Walla sweet onions grow on the valley floor with the Blue Mountains in the background. Photo by Michelle Wagoner.

Born of ice, rich with bounty: Walla Walla’s fertile lands yield wheat, sweet onions and world-class wines Walla Walla’s history dates back thousands of years with the land originally inhabited by Native American tribes that thrived along the Columbia River, which is just 20 miles west of downtown Walla Walla. The Lewis & Clark expedition dropped its toes into what is now Walla Walla in April 1806 when their Corps of Discovery mission made its return journey after spending the winter at Fort Clatsop on the Pacific Coast. Their journals describe the wide-open plains, rolling hills and river valleys of the region, filled with abundant game and salmon, and inhabited by friendly tribes. Meriwether Lewis described the Walúulapam people as generous and peaceful and Chief Yellpit gave William 54

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Clark a fine white horse in exchange for gifts and a peace medal. Walúulapam roughly translates to “people of many waters.” The name Walla Walla descends from this, though filtered through many tribes’ pronunciations and Euro-American phonetic interpretations. Lewis & Clark’s introduction of the region to the nation was followed by French Canadian fur traders who came to the area under the management of the Hudson-Bay Company. By the mid1800s, many of the traders settled in the area, marrying Walúulapam women and settling along the Walla Walla River in an area that came to be known as Frenchtown. Several of the longabandoned buildings can still be seen in

the area. The Westward Movement also took hold in the mid-1800s with settlers traveling across the Oregon Trail. Among the travelers were Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, Protestant missionaries who arrived in the Walla Walla Valley in 1836. They established the Whitman Mission at Waiilatpu, aiming to convert the Cayuse people (another prominent Indigenous group in the region) to Christianity and teach them Western agricultural practices. The mission also served as a key stop for emigrants traveling the Oregon Trail, providing medical care and supplies. In 1847, a measles outbreak devastated the Cayuse population, who lacked immunity to European diseases. Many


Frog Hollow Farm is a family-owned organic farm renowned for its heirloom produce, educational programs and community-focused atmosphere. The farm store stocks a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, garden supplies, artisanal foods and locally made home goods. There’s a children’s play area and pet-friendly spaces and classes on topics such as seed saving, pickling and drip irrigation. One visit and you’ll come away inspired and ready to till your own soil. Photo by Kris Grant.

Cayuse believed the Whitmans were intentionally causing harm, leading to the killing of the Whitmans and 11 men at the Mission. In 1859, Reverend Cushing Eells, a fellow missionary and friend of the Whitmans, established Whitman Seminary near the original mission site. The institution evolved over time becoming Whitman College in 1882, transitioning into a non-sectarian, four year liberal arts college. Walla Walla began its rich agricultural legacy in the mid-1800s when settlers and farmers brought seeds, skills and a pioneering spirit to the fertile valley. Today, Walla Walla’s fertile lands have become increasingly dotted with vineyards. Wheat has long been one of Walla Walla’s cornerstone crops, with some family-run operations dating back to the 1860s. “Centennial” farms like Gilkerson/

Davis and Cummins and some 30 others have been passed down for generations. Other crops range from peas, alfalfa and other small grains, chickpeas, potatoes, asparagus, apples and strawberries to the famous Walla Walla sweet onion. The sweet onion story began in the late 1800s when a French soldier named Peter Pieri brought a sweet onion seed from Corsica to the valley. The variety was refined over generations of selective cultivation by Pieri and his Italian immigrant neighbors. What emerged was a mild, juicy onion with low pungency – it was 95 percent water and famously sweet. In 2007, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion was declared the official vegetable of Washington State. Why is the Walla Walla Valley so exceptionally fertile? To answer that, we must go back to the Ice Age and the Missoula Floods. About 15,000 to 18,000

years ago, a giant ice sheet blocked rivers in western Montana, forming a massive lake – Glacial Lake Missoula. This lake was huge – larger than Lake Erie and Lake Ontario combined. Eventually, the ice dam holding the water back failed – catastrophically. When it broke, all the water, some 500 cubic miles of it, rushed out, creating one of the most powerful floods in Earth’s history. The water roared across northern Idaho, southeastern Washington (including the Walla Walla Valley) and into Oregon, all the way to the Pacific. And this didn’t happen just once – it happened dozens of times over thousands of years. Each flood carved out massive channels and canyons, deposited layers of fertile silt and sand and helped shape today’s dramatic landscape of eastern Washington. Those deposits created rich, layered soils that are ideal for farming throughout the valley. M A Y 2 0 2 5 | 55


L’Ecole No 41

From fields to vines The Walla Walla Valley, covering southeast Washington state and extending into the northeast corner of Oregon has always been a perfect spot for producing wine. The region sits in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, receiving only 6 to 20 inches of annual rainfall, which reduces disease pressure on vines and grapes. The low rainfall and a long growing season of hot days and cool nights make ideal growing conditions for wine, explained Marty Clubb, who, with his wife Megan Ferguson Clubb, own L’Ecole No 41 winery. “It may surprise people to know that the first vineyards were planted in Walla Walla around 1870,” Clubb said. “But there followed some exceedingly long cold winters around the turn of the century. Then Washington was one of the first states to adopt Prohibition and that killed the industry.” The industry rebooted in the 1970s, with the opening of Leonetti Cellar in 1977, Woodward Canyon Winery in 1981 56

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and L’Ecole No 41, founded by Megan’s parents Jean and Baker Ferguson, in 1983. The winery’s production was just 1,000 cases a year in its formative years, but when Marty and Megan took over operations, they gradually added vineyards at various elevations, and increased case production to approximately 45,000 annually. Today, the Walla Walla region is renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and the region has the highest concentration of wineries in the state. I toured just six wineries on a threeday trip to Walla Walla last summer. But each visit with winemakers and winery owners was rewarding, educational and told me a lot about the fabric of life in this still small town. In most cases, I found that the roots of the winemakers run as deep as the vines they cultivate. Here are stories behind three of my visits.

L’Ecole No 41 was founded by husbandand-wife team Baker and Jean Ferguson. In 1977, they purchased the historic 1915 Frenchtown Schoolhouse, which had closed in 1974, and transformed it into a winery. The name “L’Ecole No 41” pays homage to the building’s history, with “L’Ecole” meaning “the school” in French and “No 41” referring to the former school district number. The winery remains a third-generation family business with Marty and Megan’s son Riley and his wife Melissa Clubb, and daughter Rebecca Olson actively involved in winery operations. Melissa Clubb, the winery’s brand manager, poured several L’Ecole wines for me. Highlights were a 2023 Grenache Rose from its Alder Ridge vineyard that presented an aromatic bouquet with notes of grapefruit, mint and watermelon, and the winery’s flagship Bordeaux-style blend, the 2021 Ferguson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It showcased the predominant grape from their Ferguson Vineyard, the highest elevation (1,500 feet) of the six vineyards owned by L’Ecole. This vineyard is situated on basalt (volcanic) soil, which imparts more minerality to its grapes. It was superb and would pair well with grilled meats, hearty stews and aged cheeses. It was evidence of why L’Ecole won the prestigious International Trophy for best Red Bordeaux Varietals at the prestigious Decanter World Wine

Brand manager Melissa Clubb represents the third generation of her family to run L’Ecole No 41. Photo by Kris Grant.


Awards in London in 2014. That accolade was for its 2011 Estate Ferguson, a similar blend of 57 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 percent Merlot and 11 percent Cabernet Franc, all sourced from the Ferguson Vineyard. Let me stay on this subject for a minute longer: The Decanter World Wine Awards is one of the most authoritative and largest wine competitions globally, with a judging panel composed of esteemed wine professions, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers. The International Trophy was a huge honor, not only for L’Ecole, but a recognition that brought international attention to the Walla Walla Valley as a premier wine-producing region. The winery itself offers an inviting atmosphere that blends the building’s educational heritage with a warm, rustic charm. I enjoyed a tasting in a former classroom, its original chalk boards now etched with messages about the winery’s current offerings.

Va Piano Vineyards If I were to join a Walla Walla wine club, it might be Va Piano’s, just so I could sit on the patio with seven-year-old Murphy, the resident laid-back Yellow Lab, and I could maybe go on one of the club’s wine tours of Italy. And, oh yes, Va Piano’s wines are excellent. Owner and winemaker Justin Wylie is a fourth-generation Walla Wallan, “and my three kids are fifth generation,” he says proudly. His mother attended school at L’Ecole No 41 and Justin grew up “just down the street” from Walla Walla’s first winery, Leonetti Cellar, which opened in 1977. When Justin attended Gonzaga University, he spent his senior year (1995 and 1996) studying in Florence, Italy and he fell in love with the country, so much so that he takes wine club members on tours of its various wine-growing regions. Although he’s quite the Italophile, Justin is committed to Walla Walla. “It’s an authentic community, a farming community. I live up on a hill and walk to work. A month ago, the canola was in

Long Shadows Vintners

bloom and the hills were yellow, then they turn gold, then green; it’s an everchanging palette.” After graduating with a marketing degree, Justin returned home to Walla Walla and bought his first 10 acres of land in 1999 and planted it all by hand himself. In 2002 he bought an adjacent plot and in 2005 opened his winery. “For the first five years, I made wine in my garage,” he said. In fact, the Va Piano name is Italian for “Go slowly.” And that’s how Justin built his winery, by going slowly, but steadily and purposely, and loving every step of the journey. I tasted three Va Piano wines including the flagship 2019 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, which offered herbal overtones combined with coffee and cassis tones; and the 2019 Rosebud Vineyard Cab with a well-balanced profile of acidity and elegant, refined tannins. Va Piano’s next Italy trip is the Amalfi Coast, April 19 – 26, 2026. Among its itinerary: A visit to Pompeii followed by a winery near Mount Vesuvius; Limoncello in Sorrento; shopping and lunch in Positano, local dishes accompanied by high-quality Ettore Sammarco wines in Ravella; award-winning wines paired with a multi-course dinner in Amalfi; a scenic ferry ride over to Capri, tours of a family vineyard in Tramanti. Tempting!

Long Shadows Vintners is so named for the “long shadows” cast by nine of the world’s top winemakers who inspired several of the winery’s vintages. The winery was founded by the late Allen Shoup, who established Long Shadows in 2002, after leading Washington’s largest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, for 20 years. Shoup’s mentor and friend was Robert Mondavi; another good friend was Dale Chihuly, whose glass sculptures now highlight the winery’s Chihuly Tasting Room. Shoup recruited Gilles Nicault as winemaker, and he’s been with Long Shadows since its inception. Two standouts were both Cabernet Sauvignon blends: Chester-Kidder was a blend of Cab and Syrah, styled for richness and a broad spectrum of flavors. Feather is a Cab styled for intensity with powerful flavors. It was inspired by Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards, Napa Valley. The winery is situated on the crest of a rolling hill on French Town Road. On this pleasant afternoon we enjoyed a mixed-flight Portfolio tasting accompanied by a charcuterie board as we gazed over the surrounding lavender fields and grasslands, to take in the views of the distant still snow-capped Blue Mountains.

Walla Walla native Justin Wylie built his winery from the ground up. Photo by Kris Grant.

Eric Sloane, Tasting Room Associate at Long Shadows, poured the 2018 ChesterKidder, a stunning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, which had been aged 30 months in 85% new French Oak. It garnered a 92% rating from Wine Enthusiast. Photo by Kris Grant. M AY 2 0 2 5 |

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An aerial view of The Barn B&B Walla Walla captures much of the ten-acre property, with its six individual suites, the free-standing “Granary” suite, the pool and spa and Julian’s Hall, where three-course breakfasts are served each morning. Photo provided by Visit Walla Walla.

The Barn B&B Walla Walla Innkeepers Anand and Naina Rao greeted my cousin Barbara and me right at our car as we drove up to register. They are the visionaries behind this lovely inn, which they designed and had built from the ground up. Hospitality is their middle name. Naina (pronounced Nina) and Anand both grew up in Nairobi, Kenya and have known each other since they were both 13 years old. “Anand was my brother’s best friend, and our families knew each other well,” Naina said. “Still, we didn’t start dating until we were 20, when I was studying in England and Anand was attending hospitality school in Lausanne, Switzerland.” 58

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Owners Naina and Anand Rao are your hosts. Photo provided by The Barn B&B Walla Walla.

Julian’s Hall breakfast room features locally handcrafted black walnut tables, where we enjoyed three-course breakfasts featuring tasty and unexpected taste sensations, often incorporating Naina’s French and Asian inspirations. Photo by Kris Grant.

The couple married in 1978 and moved to Geneva, Switzerland; they have now lived in eight countries and each speaks five languages. Anand has held executive roles with Hilton International, Disney (he opened Disney Paris), the RitzCarlton, Six Senses Resorts & Spas and Onyx Hospitality Group. Naina is an accomplished event planner, designer, chef and community project volunteer. In 2006, they began looking to their retirement years – or make

that “semi-retirement.” After honing their hospitality skills at worldwide destinations, the Raos decided to settle in the United States where they would design and run their own boutique hotel. They had considered Napa Valley but found the area too commercialized for their tastes. Then Naina picked up a Forbes magazine with an article entitled “10 Best Places to Retire” and began reading about a region she was not familiar with: Walla Walla, Washington. The couple visited the area in 2006 and


The Granary’s spacious bath and shower meld into the outdoor Zen garden. Photo by Kris Grant.

Our bedroom suite included a Zen garden with outdoor shower, a spacious bath and indoor shower, a wine barrel fridge, and Naina’s original artwork. Photo by Kris Grant. found a burgeoning wine region with rolling green hills, rivers and a charming small downtown. “At that time there were only about 23 wineries in Walla Walla, and the region was rapidly expanding,” Naina said. One of the draws to the area was that their son was in medical school in Portland, Oregon, just three hours away. Fast forward to today, two decades later, and Mishant Rao owns and operates a telemedicine practice with doctors in 50 states. Daughter Tejal Rao, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, holds two James Beard awards, and is a food critic with the New York Times, based in Los Angeles. “Our kids followed us from country to country,” Naina said, “And they too speak several languages.” Excellence appears to be a family trait in the Rao household.

In 2007 they purchased ten acres for their boutique hotel, surrounded by rolling hills of farmland and the Walla Walla Little River on one side. But Naina and Anand’s dream hotel would have to wait, as Anand was offered yet another hospitality position in Bangkok in 2008. It was the same year as the U.S. banking financial crisis, and the Raos wisely headed to their first Asian destination. After nine years in Thailand, they moved to Walla Walla and were ready to chart their own course. They took Naina’s sketches to an architect in Kennewick, Washington in 2015, found a contractor in 2016 and after 20 long months securing permits, broke ground. The Barn B&B welcomed its first guests in April 2019. “Several of our first-year guests have returned and, as part of our loyalty program, have trees

planted in their name on our property,” Naina said. The inn features six unique and luxurious suites, each about 430 square feet with a private Zen patio and rain shower of 220 square feet. Naina’s original artwork adorns the walls and meshes beautifully with the curated silk pillows that accent each room. Each suite has a wine barrel refrigerator, and a private entrance with chairs that look out over the pool, farmlands and Blue Mountains. There’s also an extra special suite, “The Granary,” which evokes Walla Walla’s agricultural heritage. The free-standing structure is evocative of a grain silo, but with a luxuriously outfitted interior. We enjoyed breakfast in Julian’s Hall, the high-vaulted dining room named after the Raos’ grandson. The walls are adorned with photos from the couple’s travels around the world and large windows look out over the inn’s private pond and mountains beyond. The tables are made from local live-edge black walnut and finished by a local craftsman. A carved mango-wood door from Bali has been converted into a barn door and separates the dining room from Ruby’s Kitchen, named for the couple’s granddaughter, where Naina prepares the three-course breakfasts, with many of her culinary delights featuring Asian and French influences. One day we started with a spiced pear in wine sauce, followed by a medley of French mushrooms in a garlic and herb cream sauce on toast and accompanied by a thick bacon slice; the dessert course featured a lavender chocolate scone, all accompanied by coffee, tea and juice. The property features a seasonally heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub that are available from May through September. (The inn is closed during the winter months). Since the time that Naina and Anand purchased their property, Walla Walla has added more than 100 wineries, many of them within two miles of the winery. You couldn’t pick a better location for a weekend (or hopefully longer) of wine tasting and exploring the region. But the major draw of a stay at the Barn B&B is the innkeepers themselves. They are authentically kind and strive to nurture the spirits of every guest. M A Y 2 0 2 5 | 59


Downtown Walla Walla Downtown Walla Walla and Coronado have much in common. They both joined the country’s Main Street program in the 1980s; Walla Walla in 1984, Coronado, in 1989. In 2000, Coronado received the Great American Main Street Award; Walla Walla was the first runner-up and captured the national honor the following year. Just like Coronado in the 1980s, which experienced a gradual drift away from intown shopping that began with the 1969 opening of the Coronado Bridge and increasingly vacant storefronts, Walla Walla experienced an exodus from its Main Street district coinciding with the opening of regional superstores. Four major department stores closed on Walla Walla’s Main Street – beginning with Montgomery Ward, then J.J. Newberry’s, Gardner’s (one of the oldest department stores in the state), and Drumheller’s Hardware and Furniture Company Implementing the Main Street program of design, economic development, organization and promotion, the city and its downtown stakeholders restored aging but architecturally significant buildings, cleaned up facades and preserved or replicated historic details. Vacant structures were repurposed. The city initially invested $3 million in the Downtown streetscape with new sidewalks with decorative pavers, improved lighting, street furniture, art, new trees and planters. Rather than recruiting chain retailers, Walla Walla focused on bringing in and supporting local businesses, particularly boutique shops and restaurants. Today, it all comes together in a delightfully integrated district of shops, restaurants and wine tasting. Even better, most are locally owned, with engaging proprietors and restauranteurs who care about their customers and their town’s continued vibrancy. Among popular boutiques is Studio Opal, which celebrates its 25th year this year. Kathy Nelson opened the boutique as an outlet for her jewelry designs and it has grown into an eclectic mix of men’s and women’s apparel, home décor, shoes, skin care, makeup, children’s offerings, all with Nelson’s artistic sensibilities. (See 60

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Downtown Walla Walla is a bustling mix of unique shops, chef-owned restaurants and tasting rooms featuring local wines. The fact that most establishments are locally owned adds to the district’s authenticity and continuing growth. Photos by Kris Grant. for yourself at studioopal.com.) Other notable locally-owned shops are Ella Mae boutique (women’s clothing plus fun wooden signs and home décor items and more) For book lovers, there’s Book & Game Company, that’s part bookstore and part nostalgia with a full wall of jigsaw puzzles; 35th+Butter is an interesting mix of candles, home décor – kind of an upscale general store. But you get the picture… Downtown Walla Walla is where you discover treasures and items you didn’t know you needed until you stumble upon them. There’s an interesting dynamic that happens when a downtown reinvigoration takes hold. Momentum builds and local investors take note. That’s what happened with one of the most significant buildings in Walla Walla’s downtown. After a long stretch

of decline, including a period when it operated as a nursing home, the Marcus Whitman Hotel reopened as a hotel in 2001. Local investors with ties to the region saw the potential to restore the hotel to its former 1920’s glory, coinciding with the growing success of Walla Walla’s wine industry and the revitalization of downtown. Rather than tearing down the hotel, they preserved its historical grandeur while modernizing it for contemporary guests. Today, the hotel offers 133 inviting guest rooms, conference center, a fine-dining restaurant (“The Marc”) and three tasting rooms and wine bars including L’Ecole No 41’s “Heritage by L’Ecole.” Heritage Square, recently revitalized with a $2.6 million renovation, has become the community centerpiece with a performance stage, landscaping and


Visitors view the “Windows on the Past” art installation on the preserved upper façade of the Oddfellows Temple. A mounted legend outside the installation provides context for each photograph, allowing visitors to connect with the stories and heritage represented in each image. Photo provided by Visit Walla Walla.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel sprang back to life in 2001 and features four wine bars, The Marc fine dining restaurant, refurbished rooms, a conference center and a beautiful lobby filled with historic elegance. Photo by Kris Grant. upgraded infrastructure. It now serves as a hub for free Saturday night concerts throughout the summer, public events and cultural offerings. ArtWalla, a local nonprofit, plays a central role in curating and funding public art. One standout piece is Windows on the Past by Walla Walla artist Jeanne McMenemy. The enamel-on-

steel photo mural celebrates the region through historical and contemporary photographs and is installed on the façade of the historic Oddfellows Temple. The circa-1902 temple was the first major public building designed by prominent Walla Walla architect Henry Osterman and is notable for its handcrafted sandstone façade and

Harvest Memories, a sculpture by Jeffrey Hill, is one of several throughout Walla Walla’s downtown that celebrate the region’s history, creativity and quirky charm. Photo by Kris Grant. Dutch reformist architectural style. Though the building was torn down in 1993, its historic façade was saved and carefully reassembled stone by stone in Heritage Park, thanks to a grant from ArtWalla. I was particularly impressed by the many thoughtful and often whimsical sculptures that reflect the city’s agricultural heritage, creativity and quirky charm. Among them is The Thinker – a bronze frog by Ralph Tretheway that playfully nods to Rodin’s classic. You’ll also find Harvest Memories, a sculpture of a farmer with wheat by Jeffrey Hill, and Thoughts Discovered, a bronze dog balancing objects on its nose by Brad Rude. The arrival of the wine industry in the 1990s was embraced and today there are more than 30 tasting rooms throughout the downtown. Along its most popular tastings rooms are Seven Hills Winery, known for its Bordeaux-style wines; Spring Valley Vineyard, showcasing its limited production estate-grown reds and Pursued by Bear, the label by actor-turned vintner Kyle MacLachlan, whose downtown space draws fans to his Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. You’ll discover many more in this compact and walkable downtown. M AY 2 0 2 5 |

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Passatempo Taverna was one of three top-notch dining experiences I enjoyed in Downtown Walla Walla. The tavern’s bar was rocking with locals, while dining areas both inside and out on the enclosed patio were rustic and inviting. Among its standout dishes: the pinwheel pasta, twirling together house-made pasta in a red sauce, with Italian sausage and pepperoni over ragu and topped with dollops of ricotta cheese and basil. Photos by Kris Grant. I ate at three locally owned restaurants in the downtown area, and I was delighted not only by the exceptional tastes, but the vibrant atmosphere at each establishment. At AK’s Mercado, chef/owner Andrae Bopp opened here in 2021, bringing with him his passion for Oaxacan cuisine, following his travels throughout Mexico and Central America. The restaurant specializes in excellent nachos, smoked meats and some of the best tacos you’ll find anywhere. I sampled two: the braised short rib taco with chipotle aioli, pickled red onion, tomacado salsa and cotija and “Al Pastor” that featured chiote marinated pork, roasted pineapple, cotija, and tomacada salsa. I couldn’t believe they were just $5.50 each. The venue features a full bar with a focus on tequila and mezcal cocktails (maybe that’s where it makes the big bucks) and its own housebrewed lager. We ate inside on a rainy day, but AK’s also features an inviting patio and even house-made biscuits for canine friends. Passatempo Tavern offers a rustic Italian dining experience. The restaurant was founded by Mike Marvin, a former Microsoft attorney turned vintner, who 62

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Corporation’s primary catering firm. Her menus emphasize handmade pasta and seasonally inspired dishes, and the kitchen sources ingredients from local farms like Frog Hollow and Hayshaker. I enjoyed the “pinwheel pasta,” a housemade pasta rolled in red sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni in a ragu sauce and topped with ricotta cheese and basil. We ate on the enclosed patio adorned with greenery and ambient lighting. I noticed a vibrant scene at the bar’s long polished wooden counter; the main dining area features exposed brick walls, warm wood accents and contemporary lighting.

purchased the historic “Pastime Café” building in 2015, wanting to create a new dining experience that emphasized the location’s Italian roots. Walla Walla native Sam Shelton joined the restaurant in 2017 as general manager, adding executive chef to her title in 2020 and partner in 2025. The French culinary-trained chef brings global experience at several Michelinstarred restaurants to her position, and management experience at Amazon

Brasserie Four brings a slice of France to downtown Walla Walla, fitting well with the region’s French Town heritage. The popular restaurant offers classic French dishes such as French Onion soup, paté, escargot, steak frites, bouillabaisse and three variations of crepes, all complemented by an extensive selection of local wines and art. We ate at the bar in the intimate dining room (Reservations are a must. We missed ours by 15 minutes and the only spot left was at the bar, which turned out to be quite fun). There’s also a charming patio carved out on Main Street.


WHEN YOU GO… Visit Walla Walla Visitor Kiosk 26 East Main Street Complete visitors guide online at www.wallawalla.org

Downtown Walla Walla Foundation (Formerly Walla Walla Main Street Foundation) www.downtownww.com Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance You can request a printed guide to all area wineries by region (Westside, Eastside, Southside, Downtown, Airport and Oregon) or follow online. www.wallawallawine.com Walla Walla Sweet Onions The site includes a list of farms, recipes and “Sweet Facts” about the Walla Walla Sweet Onion. www.sweetonions.org

Signature Events Find more information at www.wallawalla.org. Balloon Stampede May 8 – 11, 2025 (next year marks the 50th anniversary) Celebrate Walla Walla Wine A three-day wine festival held throughout the Walla Walla Valley June 19 - 21, 2025

Lodging

Attractions

The Barn B&B Walla Walla www.bnbwallawalla.com

Blue Mountain Lavender Farm 345 Short Road, Lowden www.bluemountainlavender.com

The Finch www.finchwallawalla.com Eritage Resort www.eritageresort.com The Inn at Abeja www.abeja.net Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com

Restaurants AK’s Mercado www.andraeskitchen.com Brasserie Four www.brasseriefour.com

Downtown Farmers Market May – October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Heritage Square www.downtownww.com Downtown Free Live Music Concerts Every Saturday, July – September 5-7 p.m. and 8–10 p.m. (two concerts nightly) Heritage Square (bring your own chair) www.downtownww.com Fort Walla Walla Museum Located on the grounds of a 19th century military fort, the museum features a 17-building historic pioneer settlement, gardens and five exhibit halls housing thousands of artifacts. www.fwwm.org

Colville Street Patisserie Exquisite house-made pastries and gelato www.colvillestreetpatisserie.com Passatempo Taverna www.passatempotaverna.com Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen www.saffronmediterreankitchen.com

www.wallawallawine.com

Walla Walla Movie Crush Showcases the best American short films of the past year July 11 – 13, 2025 Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Rodeo, entertainment, carnival and Demolition Derby Aug 27 -31, 2025 www.wallawallafairgrounds.com Wheelin’ Walla Walla Weekend 400 classic cars Downtown Sept. 5 and 6, 2025 Fall Release Weekend Wineries release their latest vintages, some exclusively at the wineries. Nov. 7 – 9, 2025 Guitar Festival 30 Downtown venues March 2026, dates TBD

Wineries and Tasting Rooms These are ones that I visited and heartily recommend: Cougar Crest www.cougarcrestwinery.com L’Ecole No 41 www.lecole.com Long Shadows Vintners www.longshadows.com Three Rivers Winery www.threeriverswinery.com Va Piano Vineyards www.vapianovineyards.com

Photo by Vicki Hillhouse, provided by Visit Walla Walla.

Frog Hollow Farm www.froghollowfarm.com Wine Valley Golf Club One of Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America www.winevalleygolfclub.com Whitman College Outdoor Sculpture Walk www.whitman.edu

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Sales & Rentals Kina@CoronadoPremier Properties.com DRE#01991990

Tazzie Treadwell (619) 888-6401

Sales & Rentals Tazzie@CoronadoPremier Properties.com DRE# 02022372

CoronadoPremierProperties.com CoronadoRentals.com Hablamos Español Coronado Premier Properties


Find Your Agent

Ruth Ann Fisher (619) 733-4100

rfisher@delcoronadorealty.com DRE#01909797 Broker

Stacy Bell Begin

Felicia Bell

DRE#02014995 StacyBegin619@gmail.com

DRE#00429681 FeliciaFBell@gmail.com

(619) 200-9184 (619) 920-9124 www.Shorelifeluxury.com

Coronado Shores Company

Myssie McCann

(619) 435-6238

myssie@coronadoshoresco.com

DRE#02145422

Martha Kuenhold (619) 987-7725

mkuenhold@gmail.com

DRE#01369875

John Harrington

(619) 200-8504

jharrington60@gmail.com DRE#01210260

CoronadoShoresCo.com

Coronado Shores Company

Stephanie Basden (619) 708-6768

stephanie@delcoronadorealty.com DRE#01783387 Broker Associate

Lisa Falletta Poli

Gina Falletta

(949) 290-0447 (619) 987-2297

gina.falletta@elliman.com lisa.poli@elliman.com DRE #02010766 DRE #01886911

thefallettagroup.com

The Falletta Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Cassandra Goldberg (619) 820-8477

Gerri-Lynn Fives

DRE#02100680 Realtor

justgl@coronadobeach.com

cassandra@delcoronadorealty.com

(619) 813-7193 DRE#01274657

Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty

Nellie Harris-Ritter (619) 540-0111

nellie@delcoronadorealty.com DRE#02077055 Realtor

Abigail Baker

(619) 997-3165

abigail@delcoronadorealty.com DRE #02231818 Realtor delcoronadorealty.com Del Coronado Realty

Julia M. Elassaad (619) 573-8350

jelassaad@cbwhomes.com DRE#01937427

Carrie O’Brien

Serena Bleam

DRE#01144127

Cal DRE #2137496

(619) 847-3524 480-235-5600 Flagship.net

Flagship Properties, Inc.

Apua Garbutt

(619) 372-2777

apuareagent@gmail.com DRE#01859903

Coldwell Banker West

eXp Realty

Paulette Fennello

Tina Gavzie

ownyourdreams123@aol.com DRE#: 01124030

tinagav@aol.com MovetoCoronado.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ca Properties

DRE#01205962

Compass Real Estate

Adrienne Dente

Monique Fuzet

Caroline Haines

adriennedd@aol.com

fuzetpmonique@gmail.com

Ara Koubeserian

Ryan Koubeserian

(619) 339-2383 (619) 339-9736 arakoubeserian yahoo.com DRE#0045410

ryankoubeserian@yahoo.com DRE#01738738

Coronado Shores Company

(619) 318-5707

(619) 778-0955

(619) 994-4453

(619) 435-5200

DRE#00932112

DRE#00949513

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

www.sellcoronadorealestate.com DRE# 00953131

(619) 850-2880

chaines@bhhscal.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

M A Y 2 0 2 5 | 65


Find Your Agent

Kathleen K. Hanlon

Dino Morabito

kathleen.hanlon@yahoo.com

Dino@TheMorabitoGroup.com

(619) 987-3066

(619) 339-6536 Mobile

DRE#01415017

DRE#01386879

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

Cheryl Morabito

Katie Herrick

(619) 865-2085

kate@katieherrickgroup.com www.ktherrick.com DRE#01800357

Compass Real Estate

Francine Howard

(619) 302-0234

Francine@sd-realtor.com DRE#01802654

California Outdoor Properties

Vicki Inghram (619) 204-3400

BestofCoronado.com DRE#01293521

Compass Real Estate

Richard Inghram

(619) 301-7766

ringhram@gmail.com

(619) 997-3112

Kari Lyons

(619) 884-4193

karisellscoastal.com kari@karisellscoastal.com DRE#01475331

Kathy Koop

Karen Hust

(619) 985-8722

(619) 838-7021

DRE#00460840

karen@themorabitogroup.com DRE#01708516

Karrie Koop Gilby (619) 857-7665 DRE#01465419

Allison Koop Rice

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Napolitano & Associates

(619) 490-9049 DRE#01818903

www.KathyKoop.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

Molly Haines McKay (619) 985-2726

MollyHainesMcKay@gmail.com DRE#01876062

Carrie Mickel (619) 630-3570

carriemickel@bhhscal.com DRE#01999494

Renee Wilson

Scott Grimes

Renee@parklifeproperties.com

Scott@parklifeproperties.com

DRE #01192858

DRE #01391946

(619) 518-7501 (619) 847-4282 www.parklifeproperties.com Parklife | Compass

Nancy Parrett (619) 368-1898

Lindsey Lyons

Nancyparrett@sd-realtor.com DRE#01256239

Park Life | Compass

619.405.9208

At Home Realty

Karen Lee

DRE# 01993229

Blair Ray

lindseyblyons@gmail.com

(619) 861-4133

(619) 629-1534

karenlee.realtor@gmail.com DRE# 00962910

Willis Allen Real Estate

BlairRay@bhhscal.com Lic#: 02140893 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

Gina Schnell

enoonan12@aol.com CoronadoCays LuxuryHomes.com

Realtor® | Broker Associate gina.schnell@compass.com

(619) 252-1232

maryellenmcmahon.elliman.com DRE#01992431

DRE#00993300

Douglas Elliman | CORONADO MAGAZINE

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

Ed Noonan

Maryellen McMahon (619) 252-4778

maryellen.mcmahon@elliman.com

66

DRE#01183389

(619) 435-8722

DRE#01377744

Compass Real Estate

Cheryl@TheMorabitoGroup.com

The Koop Group

Noonan Properties

(619) 865-0650 DRE# 01945038

Compass Real Estate


Find Your Agent

Jeanne Schnese (619) 346-8476 DRE# 02182699

jeanne.schnese@compass.com Compass Real Estate

Edith Salas

Anne Trombley

edith@salasproperties.com

anne@salasproperties.com

(619) 905-5780

(619) 318-6259

DRE#01966248

DRE#02168533

Evan Piritz

Roberto Cornejo

evan@salasproperties.com

roberto@salasproperties.com

Shirley Smith (619)559-6548

shirley@shirleysmith.com www.shirleysmith.com

DRE #02046865

Coldwell Banker West

(619) 600-7817

(619) 548-6306

DRE#02022374

DRE#01204327

carol@carolstanford.com BuyCoronado.com

Josh Barbera

Stacie Bales

eXp Realty

josh@salasproperties.com

stacie@salasproperties.com

Carol Stanford (619) 987-8766 DRE#01390529

Olga Stevens

(619) 957-5357

(619) 370-2467

DRE#02053563

DRE#02060775

Heather Vidal

Yvonne Piritz

heather@salasproperties.com

yvonne@salasproperties.com

(619) 778-8011

Olgaminvielle1@gmail.com OlgaCoronado.com DRE#01105050

Compass Real Estate

Taylor Smith

(619) 571-1700

(626) 390-4953

DRE#02150791

DRE#01821777

Stephanie Baker

Sergio Munoz

stephanie@salasproperties.com

sergio@salasproperties.com

(619) 762-8815 TaylorSmithRealEstate.com Taylor@willisallen.com DRE# 02076557

Willis Allen Real Estate

Chris Toogood

(619) 865-3334 chris@christoogood.com

DRE#01882388

Jeanmarie Gallagher

(619) 520-3100

jeanmarie.gallagher1@gmail.com

(619) 306-6317

(619) 751-3415

DRE#01986654

DRE#02211855

Greg Roberts

Minerva Alvarez

greg@salasproperties.com

minerva@salasproperties.com

(858) 731-6101 DRE#02191947

(619) 653-0288 DRE#02195687

DRE # 02065457

ToogoodRealty.com Toogood Realty

Tom Tilford

(619) 300-2218 tom@tomtilfordre.com DRE#01897051

Ken Nagel

(619) 952-4486

ken@salasproperties.com DRE#01946378

www.salasproperties.com Salas Properties

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Napolitano & Associates M AY 2 0 2 5 |

67


Find Your Agent

Zulema Ugarte 619-254-2934

DRE#: 01420331 ZulemaM@bhhscal.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

Suzanne Fahy (619) 841-5870 seashorepropertiescoronado@gmail.com

DRE#01454055

Lisa Davenport (619) 261-5963

lisadavenport007@gmail.com DRE#01422713

Jill Lehr (619) 981-2750

lehrpad@yahoo.com DRE#02035838

Hope Baker

(480) 221-0516

hopebake4@aol.com DRE#02030667

Seashorepropertiescoronado.com Seashore Properties

Barbara Wamhoff (619) 517-8880

barbarawamhoff@gmail.com DRE#01225350

eXp realty

Brunilda Zaragoza

Dany Zaragoza

DRE#00840495

DRE#01826683

(619) 520-7799 (619) 520-0772 ZaragozaRealtors.com ZaragozaRealtors@gmail.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties

68

| CORONADO MAGAZINE


Edith Salas

Evan Piritz

(619) 905-5780

(619) 600-7817

DRE #01966248 Broker & Owner

DRE #02022374 Broker Assoc. & CAPT USN (ret)

SHORE HOUSE #42 AT THE DEL

1500 ORANGE AVE 2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,507 SQFT

ASKING $3,598,000

Josh Barbera

Stephanie Baker

(619) 957-5357 DRE #02053563 Realtor®

(619) 306-6317 DRE #01986654 Realtor®

Heather Vidal

Greg Roberts

(619) 571-1700 DRE #02150791 Realtor®

(858) 731-6101 DRE #02191947 Realtor®

Who We Are We are a full service independent Real Estate brokerage specializing in sales in Coronado and greater San Diego. Our strength is our expertise in the real estate market while providing personalized service. We strive for excellence.

552 G AVE

DRE#01966248 SalasProperties.com 4 BEDS + 1 OPT | 4.5 BATHS | 2,633 SQFT

Sergio Muñoz

Anne Trombley

(619) 751-3415 DRE #02211855 Realtor®

(619) 318-6259 DRE #02168533 Realtor®

Ken Nagel

Yvonne Piritz

(619) 952-4486 DRE #01946378 Realtor®

(626) 390-4953 DRE #01821777 Realtor®

ASKING $4,095,000

SHORE HOUSE #67 AT THE DEL

1500 ORANGE AVE Stacie Bales

Minerva Alvarez

(619) 370-2467 DRE #02060775 Realtor®

(619) 653-0288 DRE #02195687 Realtor®

2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,160 SQFT

ASKING $3,498,000


This mother-daughter dental duo is still accepting new patients!

Schedule your appointment today! NATALIE BAILEY, D.D.S. SUZANNE POPP, D.D.S.

1010 8TH STREET (619) 435-4444 WWW.DRPOPPDRBAILEY.COM


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CORONADO Magazine - May 2025 by Coronado Magazine - Issuu