Solana Beach Wins CPRS Spotlight Award for Spanish Academy Program

On Tuesday, April 8, the City of Solana Beach was honored with the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 12 Parks Make Life Better Spotlight Award for Best Program for its hosting of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Spanish Academy at La Colonia Community Center. This prestigious award recognizes a recreational program that has made a substantial and meaningful impact in the community. Solana Beach was selected from a competitive field of seven nominations.

The six-week Spanish Academy was the first of its kind to be held in Solana Beach and was offered exclusively in Spanish to better serve the City’s predominantly Spanish-speaking community in La Colonia de Eden Gardens. Designed to build trust and foster understanding between residents and law enforcement, the program included presentations and demonstrations on critical topics such as immigration law (SB54), domestic violence, drug awareness, human trafficking, and gang activity. With 52 community members graduating from the program, the Academy left a lasting impact.

What set this program apart was its accessibility, cultural relevance, and depth of engagement. Participants not only gained knowledge but also built strong relationships with Sheriff's personnel, including deputies, command staff, and even San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez, who attended the graduation. The program’s success inspired the Sheriff's Office to continue quarterly follow-up meetings, with the next focusing on emergency preparedness.

La Colonia Park, located in the heart of the La Colonia de Eden Gardens neighborhood, provided an ideal setting for the Academy. The program also connected with local youth through interactive activities with the Boys & Girls Club and featured a dramatic conclusion with the ASTREA helicopter landing on the field during the final session.

This award celebrates the City's commitment to community well-being through meaningful programming. The City thanks all involved in making this impactful program possible, including the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and La Colonia’s residents who helped shape and support the Academy.