San Clemente City Manager Andy Hall met with local residents at Sol Agave restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 8, for an “Appetizers with Andy” event hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. The informal gathering provided an opportunity for residents to engage directly with city leadership and ask questions about issues impacting their neighborhoods, bypassing the formal structure of City Council meetings.
Among the key topics discussed was the long-anticipated reopening of the San Clemente Beach Trail. City Manager Hall reported that the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has completed work on a redesigned section of the trail. This work replaced a pedestrian bridge near Mariposa Point, which had been damaged by a landslide in early 2024 and led to the trail’s closure. The new section features an elevated pathway supported by a retaining wall, alongside a new catchment wall designed to prevent debris from reaching the adjacent railroad tracks and the trail itself.
Coastal erosion continues to be a significant concern for residents. Hall indicated that OCTA is actively pursuing permits for additional sand placement along vulnerable sections of San Clemente’s coastline, particularly in the southern parts of the city.
Residents also inquired about the restoration progress at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, which sustained damage from a landslide approximately three years ago. City Manager Hall confirmed that hillside stabilization work has been completed. However, repairs to upper areas of the property, including portions of the patio and parking lot, are still needed, with the city’s insurance provider expected to assist with some of these repairs.
A pressing public safety issue raised was the planned closure of the emergency department at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. Hall acknowledged residents' concerns regarding access to emergency medical care. He explained that the city is currently evaluating the potential need for additional ambulance services to mitigate the impact of longer transportation times on the availability of local emergency responders, noting that the city will continue to work with emergency service providers to explore solutions.
With the possibility of significant storms linked to El Niño conditions, residents questioned the city’s stormwater infrastructure and readiness. Hall stated that city crews have intensified storm drain cleaning efforts, particularly in older neighborhoods and areas with natural drainage systems. He also encouraged residents in flood-prone locations to utilize sandbags and sand provided by the city.
Recreational topics were also part of the conversation, including a proposed pilot program to allow leashed dogs on a designated portion of the beach near Riviera Beach during specific morning and evening hours. Hall noted that this proposal is moving through the California Coastal Commission’s approval process and invited residents to provide feedback via QR codes posted near the proposed location.
Looking ahead, City Manager Hall addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with San Clemente hosting the surfing competition for the 2028 Olympic Games at Lower Trestles. While the event is expected to bring international attention, Hall shared that the city is still collaborating with LA28 organizers to address critical aspects such as transportation, security costs, and public access. He expressed concern about San Clemente potentially incurring event-related expenses without receiving the funding typically available to officially designated Olympic venue cities. Hall also discussed the possibility of organizing community viewing events, suggesting "some kind of a screen or a stage" near the beach, given that in-person spectator capacity is expected to be limited. This Olympic event will coincide with San Clemente’s centennial celebration.
Additionally, Hall announced that the German swim team and other aquatic athletes are anticipated to use San Clemente’s 50-meter pool for training ahead of the Games. The city hopes to create opportunities for residents and local swimmers to observe training sessions and interact with the visiting athletes. Other topics briefly mentioned during the evening included the proposed Doheny Desalination Project, the storage of spent nuclear fuel at San Onofre, and the city’s relationship with the California Coastal Commission.
Hall also introduced a new city mobile application designed to help residents report issues like potholes and access municipal information. As the event concluded, Hall encouraged attendees to maintain communication with city staff and actively participate in local government, reinforcing his view that he works for the residents. He also highlighted the city’s efforts to enhance public participation, including the ability for residents to watch and participate in City Council meetings via Zoom.
