Anchored in local history ⚓

History of the SS Monte Carlo in Coronado, CA

Young explorers discovering history. | Photo via @breekeekee18

There are many ways to discover tales of San Diego’s past, but a historic treasure lies beneath the sands of Coronado Shores Beach. There, you might see the remains of the SS Monte Carlo.

This sunken ship has become part of Coronado’s history, and local lore continues each time it’s visible. Let’s dive into the story of the shipwreck + local legend.

🧭 The early journey
The concrete ship — originally named SS McKittrick — was built in 1921 in North Carolina, intended to be part of President Woodrow Wilson’s emergency fleet during World War I. By the time the war ended, the vessel was mid-construction. It was completed and then sold as an oil tanker.

The history gets a bit dicey in 1932 when it was sold again, renamed the SS Monte Carlo — and was believed to be operated by the mob. This was toward the end of Prohibition, and owners moved the ship to California to capitalize on crowds gathering for the 1932 Olympics held in Los Angeles by offering unregulated fun in international waters off the coast.

⚓ What went down?
In the mid-1930s, the 300-ft ship was the largest member of “Gambling Ship Row” — a fleet ranging from LA to San Diego — used for gambling, drinking, and other legally questionable activities. It anchored 3 miles off the shore of Coronado in 1936, and closed for the winter after a gala on Nov. 1, 1936.

On New Year’s Day 1937, the chains anchoring the ship broke during a strong storm that would lead to it sinking. But it wasn’t a titanic disaster — only two caretakers were on board, and the US Coast Guard rescued both. No one claimed ownership of the boat and its illegal activities, leaving it to break apart + become shipwrecked in Coronado.

A flyover shot of the SS Monte Carlo — An overview of the SS Monte Carlo | Clip via FlytPath

🗺️ Can you see the wreckage?
This piece of San Diego history is sometimes visible, making it a rare shipwreck you can actually visit. You might catch a glimpse during low tides — particularly in winter — while visiting Coronado Shores Beach. Storms may also increase exposure, like a notable El Niño in 2016.

There are rumors of buried treasure on this ship, but don’t go looking. In 2012 it was reported that a Coronado local found $410,000 in coins, but the real discovery: It was an April Fool’s prank.

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Today

Sunset Yoga at the Beach | Mon., Sept. 12 | 4-5 p.m. | Cuvier Park | Donations — $10 recommended | An all-level vinyasa style flow overlooking the La Jolla Children’s Pool. 🧘‍♂️
Sheet Pan Dinner + Dessert | Mon., Sept. 12 | 7 p.m. | Sur La Table at Fashion Valley | $89 | A chef instructs you to make two easy, healthy sheet pan meals — plus a dessert. 🍲
Special Interest | Mon., Sept. 12 | 8:30 p.m. | Casbah | $16 | The punk band performs with special guest Adios Mundo Cruel. 🤘

Tuesday

Imagine Dragons + Macklemore | Tues., Sept. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre | $39.50+ | The “Mercury World Tour” comes to the Chula Vista arena. 🐉
Tuesday Night Potluck | Tuesdays | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Store La Jolla | Free | Stand up for an open mic comedy night — with a two drink minimum. 🎤

Wednesday

2022 Student Mental Wellness Conference | Wed., Sept. 14 + Thurs., Sept. 15 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | San Diego Convention Center | $529+ | Thousands of educators + speakers present on mental health awareness. 🗣️

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Weather

79º | Cloudy morning, clearing to sun | 11% chance of rain
Tropical Storm Kay brought rainfall to San Diego International Airport exceeding one-tenth of an inch on Fri., Sept. 9., for the first time since March 29. And when it rains, it pours — multiple parts of the county broke daily precipitation records. The City of San Diego measured 0.59 inches, topping its 1976 record of 0.09 inches. ☔(ABC 7)

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:30 a.m.
Set: 6:58 p.m.

Tide

Low: 5:06 a.m. + 5:32 p.m.
High: 11:20 a.m. + 11:35 p.m.

Health

San Diego County has begun administering the new COVID-19 bivalent booster — designed to generate immune responses against the original COVID-19 virus + the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. Limited doses are being given at four county-operated facilities and will soon be available through the My Turn service. 💉

Civic

The Registrar of Voters is looking for poll workers to help San Diego County during the Statewide General Election, especially bilingual residents. Staff will need to work 11 days leading up to Election Day on Tues., Nov. 8, and it pays to vote — the gig pays $16 an hour. 🗳️

Environment

SANDAG is charging into the future with its updated plans to integrate wireless power transfers to support electric vehicle adoption. The whitepaper outlines plans to spend $2+ billion in funding to support infrastructure, address challenges, and identify areas for opportunities. 🔌

Open

Japanese fried chicken + sandwich shop Naegi found a new home. The eatery started as a pop-up and turned into a food truck, but put business in park at its new brick-and-mortar shop at 1902 S. Coast Hwy. in Oceanside — and promises to have plenty of sandwiches on hand. 🥪

Edu

UC San Diego broke ground on Pepper Canyon West adjacent to the campus’ Blue Line trolley stop. The new living and learning neighborhood includes the university’s tallest residential buildings — 22 + 23 stories — and will increase housing capacity by 1,310 when it opens in fall 2024. 🏗️ (San Diego Union-Tribune + KBPS)

Theater

If tickets to “The Nutcracker” are on your Christmas list, it’s time to start shopping. The Golden State Ballet will bring the production back to the San Diego Civic Center, running Fri., Dec. 16-Fri., Dec. 23, with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s score. 🎭

Featured

Kingfisher is catching on. The Golden Hill eatery earned a spot on Bon Appétit’s list of the 50 best new restaurants in the US and earned praise for its cocktail list + “brilliantly executed” menu. The Vietnamese and French-influenced restaurant can be found at 2469 Broadway. 🍲 (Bon Appétit)

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Events

Otay Ranch Town Center’s Hispanic Heritage Event returns

Otay Ranch Town Center Hispanic Heritage Event dancing

Celebrating with some dance. | Photo via Otay Ranch Town Center

Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista is preparing to say bienvenido de nuevo to its Hispanic Heritage Event. The celebration observes Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept., 15-Oct. 15, and impacts many communities throughout San Diego County (we’ll hit you with local events soon).

The fiesta goes down this Sat., Sept. 17, from 12-3 p.m., and the retail destination is celebrating in the best fashion possible. It will host booths from local Hispanic cultural and civic organizations and will feature family-fun with live music + art displays, a photo booth, and make-and-take crafts.

Of course, there will be food, too. Be on the lookout for options from local vendors + Otay Ranch Town Center tenants — buen provecho.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Happy Monday, San Diego. Into each life, some rain must fall, and we had a good amount of rain over the past few days. I’m not upset about it, because our plants will enjoy the drink, and now we’ll have greener pastures — particularly when it comes to our native plants.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? We said hello to rain + spy changes at The Marine Room.

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Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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