Our History
Founded as Solana Recyclers in 1983, we are proud to have pioneered the first comprehensive curbside recycling program in San Diego - and one of the first such programs in the State of California. Together with our partners, we work creatively to promote the sustainable management of our natural resources and connect the community to real solutions. The San Diego region is constantly changing, and we change with it.
1983
Founded as Solana Recyclers by a group of local residents committed to educating the community about the importance of recycling in order to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
1989
Solana Recyclers named "Best Curbside Recycling Program in California" by the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) at that time serving 22,000+ households.
1991
Solana Recyclers' household recycling program was acquired by local waste hauler company resulting in a shift to direct community education prioritizing soil, water, and waste diversion.
1994
First Master Composter Course held at San Marcos landfill.
2003
Organization's name shifts from Solana Recyclers to Solana Center for Environmental Innovation to reflect the focus on education and action within public and private partnerships required to address the environmental challenges in our region.
2016
Awarded the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) California's highest environmental honor for demonstrating closed-loop community compost system between local restaurant and farm.
2016
Solana Center begins Food Cycle to demonstrate a closed loop community system for handling waste.
2019
Solana Center begins working on a pilot program to connect grocery store food waste to farmers to create a local closed loop food system.
2022
SB 1383 enforcement goes into effect across California, with Solana Center providing San Diego's jurisdictions and businesses expert assistance in legislative compliance.
2023
Proud recipient of the US Compost Council Organics Diversion Program of the Year Award.
Present
Curious what we've been up to recently? Check out our media and awards page.
The Impact
With the help of our dedicated community, Solana Center has:
Scroll through our latest report above, click the bottom right corner to expand, or click for a downloadable PDF.
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Staff & Board
Are you interested in joining the Solana Center team? Check out our job openings.
Leadership Team
Kayleigh Dearstyne-Hulin
Contracts Manager
kayleigh.dearstyne@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 716
Education & Outreach
Please contact (760) 436-7986 ex. 711 for education inquiries.
Sarah Van Horn
Education & Outreach Specialist & Rain Barrel Lead
sarah.vanhorn@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ext. 709
Natalie Mazur
Bilingual Environmental Educator
natalie.mazur@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ext. 725
Environmental Solutions
Please contact (760) 436-7986 ex. 724 for programming inquiries.
Larissa Amaral
Associate Manager of Environmental Solutions
larissa.amaral@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 718
Jackie Bookstein
Environmental Solutions Project Manager
jackie@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 706
Megan Phelps
Bilingual Environmental Solutions Lead
megan.phelps@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 721
Marketing & Engagement
Liz Davis
Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist
(760) 436-7986 ext. 707
Operations Management
Nicolle Selby-Thomas
Partnerships & Strategic Support
nicolle@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 722
Board of Directors
Russell Levan
Board President
David Levy
Board Member
Kristin Larson
Board Vice President
Chris Spielmaker
Board Member
Mary Ann Stone
Board Treasurer
Connie Adams
Board Member
Caroline Hobbs
Board Secretary
Aimee Newman
Board Member