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 goes into effect, with Solana Center providing San Diego's jurisdictions and businesses expert assistance in legislative compliance.
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.
Viewing on mobile? We suggest viewing it in PDF.
Staff & Board
Are you interested in joining the Solana Center team? Check out our job openings.
Leadership Team



Jessica Bombar
Director of Marketing & Education
jessica.bombar@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 705




Education & Outreach


Jennifer Galey
Senior Environmental Educator & Food Cycle Lead
jennifer@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 702


Jessi Goralski
Community Liaison & Volunteer Coordinator
jessi.goralski@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 707


Kate Kesner
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
kate.kesner@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ext. 719
Environmental Solutions


Jackie Bookstein
Environmental Solutions Specialist & Rain Barrel Lead
jackie@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 706


Larissa Amaral
Environmental Solutions
Specialist
larissa.amaral@solanacenter.org
(760) 436-7986 ex. 718




Operations Management


Emma Palmer
Internal Operations Support
emma.palmer@solanacenter.org
(760) 436.7986 ex. 726


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


Jeff Bishop
Board Member


Natalie Knopp
Board Secretary


Caroline Hobbs
Board Member


Mary Ann Stone
Board Treasurer


Connie Adams
Board Member