When Barbara and Dick Van Arsdale first experienced Coronado, it was 4th of July … about 25 years ago. “It was crowded and hot that day,” says Barbara Van Arsdale, recalling their day-tripping visit to the island from their vacation home in Del Mar at the time. “But we had really good friends here, Raedeanne and Skip Hancock, and we came back and stayed with them several times and it didn’t take any time at all for us to appreciate Coronado.”

They soon learned that the 4th of July is an unusual fast-paced day in town… and that heat? Also out of the ordinary, and certainly nothing that can hold a candle to Arizona’s thermometer.

Now, the Van Arsdales can call Coronado home…in August of 2006 they found a home in the Village, across the street from Village Elementary School. Now the couple has made it a goal to spend at least one weekend a month here, always driving over, the better to transport their recently adopted new buddy, a big, friendly English Sheepdog.

The Van Arsdales are celebrities back in Arizona, where they reside in Paradise Valley, stemming largely from Dick Van Arsdale’s basketball fame. Even here in Coronado there are those who do double takes when they spy the lanky gent with the ready smile hanging out at the Brigantine, chowing down on his favorite fish tacos.

He was known as the “Original Sun” and his Number 5 jersey was retired.

Dick Van Arsdale played 12 seasons for the National Basketball Association, beginning with the New York Knickerbockers where he was selected in the second round of the 1965 draft and where he played for three seasons. He continued his career playing with the Phoenix Suns, being selected for that team in the 1968 expansion draft. His identical twin, Tom, also played for the Suns. A three-time All-Star, Dick Van Arsdale was consistently one of the league’s most consistent free-throw shooters. He retired from play in 1977, later becoming the team’s manager, serving briefly as coach, and later as vice president of player personnel.

Now retired, Dick and Barbara work out together at the Coronado Community Center and sometimes take their four grandkids to the center’s swim complex. “Coronado is such a throwback,” says Barbara, “A simpler way of life. A place where there are lots of dogs and where we can ride our bikes and walk everywhere.”

One of the first things the Van Arsdales came to value in Coronado is what they consider a lack of traffic. “There’s no Highway 101 running through the center of town,” says Barbara, referring to the Coast Highway that traverses Del Mar. Yes, she knows that Orange Avenue is actually State Route 75, but it’s not even worth a nod, she contends. “You don’t know traffic till you’ve seen Phoenix,” she sighs. The proximity of the water and the ability to walk from one end of town to another – that’s what Zonies love about ‘Nado, she says.

They found their Realtor, Phyl Sarber, through their network of friends who are knitted together by “The Other Red Book.” (See preceding story.) “That book has really helped us keep in touch with each other here. The gals send out questionnaires each year and ask us to contribute our favorite places in and around Coronado.

“There are so many Arizonans who have second homes here,” Barbara says. ”And most discover Coronado by vacationing here. Two of my best friends are renting the whole month of August here…one on Encino Row and the other on Balboa. Once they experience this lifestyle, they’re pretty hooked.”

For Dick Van Arsdale, the Coronado lifestyle begins each day with a walk over to Starbuck’s where he gets the morning paper. In the evening, the couple can often be found at Rhinoceros or out on the patio at Tartine’s.

And one thing that Barbara does each and every time she reaches the summit of the Coronado Bridge as she comes into town is let out a big sigh; she feels the tension leave her body and her shoulders relax.

“Ask anyone from Arizona and they’ll tell you that when they get to the top of that span, it’s time to exhale,” she says. “It’s become a natural reflex…you see that little community before you and you’re just so content.

“We’re all just waiting to exhale.”