Coronado teen Daniel Vinegrad has been named an “environmental hero” across California’s 77th Assembly District, which includes more than half a million coastal residents of San Diego County.
Assemblymember Tasha Boerner recognized Vinegrad in her 2024 Environmental Hero Awards this month alongside nine other honorees for helping to preserve, protect and defend the environment.
“We are so lucky to live in a region so dedicated to conserving our planet,” said Boerner in a statement after a ceremony on Oct. 5. “The climate crisis may be a villain in our story, but we have environmental heroes who are taking the challenge head-on in San Diego.”
Vinegrad, 16, who received a “rising star” award for his work to resolve sewage pollution at local beaches, said he was nominated by his mom, Shari Jacobs.
That “rising star” category included three high school students and represents people who are new to the environmental action scene.
Vinegrad said he felt honored to receive the award with others who make him “feel optimistic for the future of the environment.”
Club leads against sewage pollution
Vinegrad loved building sand castles as a kid, he told guests during his speech at the award presentations.
“Years later, when I first heard about the sewage crisis affecting our coastline and how it impacted our community, I felt a deep sense of urgency,” Vinegrad said. “No longer could any children play in the water and the sewage was negatively impacting our communities.”
Last year, Vinegrad founded the Stop the Sewage Club at Coronado High School to work with local officials and organizations on combating the pollution.
The club initiated letter writing campaigns, organized beach rallies, and lobbied for funds. The club also received an award for school club of the year in June.
Vinegrad thanked his club mentors, members, family, and others who he said have supported the club’s mission.
Vinegrad said the club helped shape his future plans to major in environmental engineering with a minor in business.
“It’s really nice to be able to represent the Stop the Sewage Club … and show everyone that everyone in Coronado cares too,” added Vinegrad. “I’m grateful to do so.”
