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Anchors of Excellence Awards

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Celebrate Good Works in Our Member Cities

Each month in 2025, the Board of Port Commissioners celebrates Port community partners making a positive impact in communities around San Diego Bay.



December Honorees: Friends of Children United Society and Safe Harbor Coronado

On December 9, the Board of Port Commissioners recognized Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS) and Safe Harbor Coronado with Anchors of Excellence Awards for their continued service to the public.

“The Port of San Diego is proud to honor Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS) and Safe Harbor Coronado with Anchors of Excellence Awards,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Both organizations exemplify what it means to uplift, support, and strengthen our communities. FOCUS has made a meaningful impact by providing essential resources to children and families in need, while Safe Harbor Coronado has continued to provide mental health support across the community. Congratulations to FOCUS and Safe Harbor Coronado. Your dedication makes our region a healthier and more connected place where everyone can thrive.”
 

anchors of excellence FOCUS

 

Anchors of Excellence Safe Harbor


Click here to read more about these organizations
 


 

2025 Honorees

Meet January's Honorees!
Meet January's Honorees!

Clean Coast Collaborative and Youth Climate Advisors

On January 14, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Clean Coast Collaborative and Youth Climate Advisors. 
Click here to read more about these organizations.

Meet February's Honoree!
Meet February's Honoree!

February Honoree: Harvey Family Foundation

On February 11, the Board of Port Commissioners honored the Harvey Family Foundation.
Click here to read more about the Harvey Family Foundation.

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Meet March's Honoree!
Meet March's Honoree!

March Honoree: Sharia's Closet

On March 11, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Sharia's Closet.
Click here to read more about the Sharia's Closet.

Sharia's Closet

Meet April's Honoree!
Meet April's Honoree!

April Honoree: Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center

On April 15, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center.
Click here to read more about Olivewood Gardens.

anchors of excellence

Meet May's Honoree!
Meet May's Honoree!

May Honoree: Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee

On May 6, the Board of Port Commissioners honored the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC). 

Click here to read more about MAAC. 

MAAC graduation

Meet June's Honoree!
Meet June's Honoree!

June Honoree: Emerald Keepers

On June 6, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Emerald Keepers. 

Click here to read more about Emerald Keepers. 

Emerald Keepers

Meet July's Honoree!
Meet July's Honoree!

July Honoree: Ocean Connectors

On July 15, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Ocean Connectors. 

Click here to read more about Ocean Connectors. 

July AOE

Meet August's Honoree!
Meet August's Honoree!

August Honoree: Living Coast Discovery Center

On August 12, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Living Coast Discovery Center. 

Click here to read more about Living Coast Discovery Center. 

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Meet September's Honoree!
Meet September's Honoree!

September Honoree: The Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges

On September 9, the Board of Port Commissioners honored The Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges. 

Click here to read more about the Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges. 

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Meet October's Honoree!
Meet October's Honoree!

October Honoree: Circulate San Diego

On October 14, 2025, the Board of Port Commissioners honored Circulate San Diego.

Click here to read more about Circulate San Diego.

Photo in the Port boardroom, with the Port seal in the background, of Port Board members, staff and Circulate San Diego Board members and staff..

Meet November's Honorees!
Meet November's Honorees!

November Honorees: Community Rowing of San Diego and SBCS. 

On November 4, 2025 the Board of Port Commissioner honored Community Rowing of San Diego and SBCS.

Click here to read more about these organizations. 

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Meet December's Honorees!
Meet December's Honorees!

December Honorees: Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS) and Safe Harbor Coronado. 

On December 9, 2025 the Board of Port Commissioners honored Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS) and Safe Harbor Coronado. 

Click here to read more about these organizations. 

anchors of excellence FOCUS

Anchors of Excellence Safe Harbor

Award Criteria

  • Alignment with Port values of Accountability, Courage, Inclusiveness, Fairness, Fun, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, and Transparency.  
  • Geographic diversity to ensure representation from all five Port member cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego. 
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Themes

  • Youth engagement and leadership
  • Cultural heritage and diversity
  • Resilience and disaster preparedness
  • Sustainability and environmental stewardship
  • Maritime heritage and education
  • Port development and infrastructure
  • Community health and well-being
  • Transportation and connectivity
  • Climate action and green initiatives
  • Arts and Public Spaces
  • Economic Development and Innovation
  • Community service and volunteerism 
     

“The Port of San Diego is proud to highlight the positive impacts made by local community members, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. As a leader in community engagement, public participation, and open government, we will continue to acknowledge the incredible work being done throughout our member cities with the Anchors of Excellence Awards." - Port Chair Danielle Moore