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Anchors of Excellence Awards

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Help Us Celebrate Good Works in Our Member Cities

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

Any individual, business, or nonprofit can be nominated by community members, the Board of Port Commissioners, and Port staff. Read on to learn more and click the link to submit a nomination.

Submit a nomination here


September Honoree: The Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges 

On September 9, the Board of Port Commissioners recognized The Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges with an Anchors of Excellence Award for their continued service to the public in the areas of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and education.

“The Port of San Diego is proud to honor the Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges with our Anchors of Excellence Award,” said Chair Danielle Moore of the Board of Port Commissioners. “The Friends have been instrumental in supporting the initiatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services as well as California State Parks. Through conservation initiatives and engaging educational programs, they inspire residents and visitors alike to protect our natural environment, particularly along our southern border that has been dealing with the ongoing Tijuana sewage emergency.” 

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Click here to read more about this organization
 


 

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.

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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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Award Criteria

Here is some of the criteria Port staff will take into consideration when reviewing all nominations:  

  • 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. 
     

 Submit a nomination here

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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