On Friday, August 21, Rotarians, their guests and civic dignitaries gathered to witness the dedication of a remarkable centennial gift from Coronado Rotary to the citizens of Coronado: the new CORONADO sign at Tidelands Park. The event marked a significant milestone in the Club’s year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Among the dignitaries present for the ceremony were District Governor Jeb Bakke, Immediate Past District Governor Luis Carranza and Past District Governor Dan Gensler. They were unanimous in their enthusiasm for the sign and what it signified in terms of Club teamwork and a concrete representation of service above self.
Speeches delivered during the ceremony recounted the story of how the project came to fruition. Suzanne Popp, chair of the Rotary 100th Anniversary Committee, introduced several key figures who played important roles in bringing the vision to life, including Port Commissioner Frank Urtasun, Coronado Mayor and Rotarian John Duncan, former Coronado Rotary President Natalie Bailey, and former City Council member and Rotarian Bill Sandke.
Committee Chair and past president Suzanne Popp recounted how the sign represents an entire year of celebration and the realization of “a dream for me.” Port Commissioner Frank Urtasun characterized it as “a great addition to Tidelands Park, to the Port of San Diego and to the City of Coronado,” calling out Bill Sandke’s tenacity in getting it done. Bill Sandke likened the 3-year journey to approval and installation of the sign to the current movie, “The Odyssey” with its myriad cast of characters including the Rotary 100th Anniversary Committee, the Coronado City Council and the Port Commissioners. Former Club President Natalie Bailey said, “What made this year so special are the club members who came out to support and celebrate all year together.”
Coronado Mayor John Duncan highlighted the sign as a prominent example of the amazing result from a successful partnership between government and private organizations. He recounted the many contributions Rotary has made to the City of Coronado, including Rotary Plaza, the thousands of dollars raised for wounded veterans and first responders through Low Tide Ride and Stride, Flags on the Avenue and much more. He said, “For a century, generations of Rotarians have worked often quietly in the background with a deep commitment to Service above Self, making Coronado a much better community. This is true even when Rotary’s work extends beyond Coronado to our region, our country, and around the world. Why does this matter? Because the Rotarian spirit of community service and generosity shown by hundreds of current members and thousands who came before us does more than support individual causes. It’s created a lasting thread in the fabric and character of this community.”
The sign also serves as the culmination of a full year of centennial activities celebrating the Club’s 100th anniversary. Throughout the year, members and the public participated in a wide variety of events, including a beach party, an ice cream social, a centennial exhibit at the Coronado Historical Association, and the collection of 100 Acts of Kindness performed by Club members throughout the community. Each event was designed to honor the Club’s history while reinforcing its ongoing mission of service.
Already a popular backdrop for photographs taken by tourists and locals alike, the CORONADO sign is expected to become an enduring icon of the city’s waterfront. Beyond its visual appeal, it will stand as a lasting symbol of the partnership between the City of Coronado and the Coronado Rotary Club, commemorating a century of service while welcoming residents and visitors for years to come.
