COMMUNITY: Local photographer, Bill Sandke’s many years of service

Capturing a Spirit of Service

Resident Photographer at the Hotel Del Coronado has given years of service to the local community By Heather Canton

hile it’s clear that Bill Sandke is a skilled photographer, what’s also admirable is his service to our community. From the fun soccer coach Dad to more serious roles in local government, Bill has made incredible contributions to Coronado over many years.

A Coronado High School Class of ’82 alum, Bill’s photography career began right here as a high school student when he joined the yearbook staff. After graduating from University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in Political Science and Public Administration, Bill returned to town and

opened Crown City Photography — Coronado has been home ever since.

Over the years, Bill has shown strength and ability as a local leader. He has taken on leadership roles with many community groups like Coronado Main Street, The Coronado Visitor’s Association, Christ Episcopal Church and

Coronado Visitor’s Association, Christ Episcopal Church and the Coronado Residential Association. He has also held management positions with the Coronado Rotary Club and the Coronado Yacht Club. Bill studied to become a 2010 LEAD graduate and a proud member of the San Diego Public Leadership Institute class of 2014. After serving the city as Planning Commissioner, Bill was first elected to the Coronado City Council in 2014, where he served for almost seven years. Many people have come to know Bill as the charming guy with a microphone in hand, who volunteers each year as the host for both the Fourth of July Parade and the Coronado Schools Foundation Telethon.

Currently, Bill serves on the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board, and Executive and Budget Committees. He also serves as the South County representative on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee, the Shoreline Preservation Working Group as well as the Borders Committee. It just so happens that Bill’s San Diego Model Railroad Museum offered an engineering lesson about the structure of bridges. experience as a rated private pilot with the Federal Aviation Photo courtesy of San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Administration (FAA) has helped

his career as a civil servant. Bill now brings his technical knowledge of flying to assist the San Diego Airport Authority build on its longterm commitment to integrating SANDAG more completely with San Diego County’s regional transit assets.

We hope our readers enjoy these festive photos Bill has taken of the Fourth of July parade. A Coronado resident for more than 50 years, Bill exemplifies a spirit of service that we can all appreciate and respect.

Bill is pictured here with his wife, Tami and their children, Emma and Will. Bill with his 1962 Buick Electra. This was his father’s first big purchase as a Naval Officer and Bill was brought home from the hospital in it!