Lifesaver and community wins mark San Clemente year
Local resident Jay Merrifield saved a drowning swimmer off Calafia Beach. North Beach residents blocked the city North Beach parking plan, steering toward their design. the council shelved the project after two rejections. The FRA plan to quiet train horns earned approval, with more fencing planned and a March quiet-beach aim. The community mourned Saylor Voris, a 17 year old cheerleader, whose 19 month battle with leukemia inspired many. The Avenida Vista Hermosa opening added four miles of trail, San Clemente High marked 50 years with a Triton statue. A new trolley grant and a $230 million 1-5 widening project advanced. The Kmart Plaza renovation continued with new tenants. CPR heroes were honored for saving a man on a remote trail. Principal Mike Halt faced changes but continued leadership elsewhere. The city banned commercial mascots atop the new I-5 bridge. A San Clemente library renovation was completed. Beach-goers bid farewell to Beach Garden Cafe after 19 years. Local divers saved a Newport Beach man after a canoe collision at the Wedge. Former Police Chief Al Ehlow died in France at 77. The council rejected decorative topknots for the Avenida Pico bridge. Don and Linda Gascoigne profiled for Ocean Ranch Park in Costa Rica. NerdWallet named San Clemente 16th best US city to start a restaurant. Debate over nuclear waste storage at San Onofre continued. Linda Lane Park hosted a new beach concert series and Mayor Hamm pushed for larger park productions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jay Merrifield
Calafia Beach
North Beach
Coastal Commission
Federal Railroad Administration
Saylor Voris
San Clemente High
Avenida Vista Hermosa
Halt
San Clemente
Mike Halt
Capistrano Unified
CUSD
Estancia High
Costa Mesa
Liberty Tax Service
Joseph Bell
Philippines
Spain
Beach Garden Cafe
Pier
Nick Furlette
Jaren Harrel
Newport Beach
al Ehlow
France
Marylin
Avenida Pico
Don
Linda Gascoigne
Ocean Ranch Park
Costa Rica
NerdWallet
U.S
San Onofre
Linda Lane Park
Chris Hamm
San Clemente city notes and local milestones recap
City council debated closing the pier train station then kept both stations open. A profile spotlights Operation Underground Railroad. Local family funds a dog charity CD benefiting shelters. Beach funding legal win for homeowners reversed by court. A new pier bathhouse drew attention for visibility into dressing rooms. Parents form a potential San Clemente school district. Park tribute event honors 90 year old local. Rehab home zoning moratorium faces lawsuits and rule revision. Camp Pendleton neighbors honored for 10 years. Dana Point driver jailed 18 years for 2018 hit and run on El Camino Real. San Clemente Chile feature highlights regional wine and UFO lore. Outlets at San Clemente opens 18 years after development push. Marblehead Sea Summit unveils 309 homes. Local teens win global tech contest in Italy with app for elder reminders. Facebook aid group mobilizes residents to support a crash victim recovery.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pier
North Beach
Operation
Underground Railroad
Alexa
Avery Roemer
San Clemente
One Rehab Company
Camp Pendleton
el Camino Real
Poche Beach
Chile
Steve Craig
Marblehead
San Clemente High
Italy
Andrea Cooper
Irvine Sees reopening of El Portal stairway to the beach
In December residents celebrate the reopening of a new El Portal stairway seven months after the old one was removed, restoring beach access. The report revisits El Nifo lessons and winter outlook for rains and home prep while noting local civic activity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
el Portal
el Nifios
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
San Clemente
Tai Risko
Kainoa
Tai Jr
T-Street Beach
Kainéad
Bob Baker
Chris Hamm
Also Mentioned on This Page
Kmart Plaza
Sports Authority
Sprouts
Stein Mart
T.J. Maxx
Larry
Jeannie Moore
Ian
Jennifer Tarango
Fred Swegles
Avenida Presidio
Metrolink
San Clemente Pier
Inte
Jeff Gritchen
Chad Nash
Liberty
Nash
Leonard Ortiz
Mike Hart
Paul Rodriguez
Max Berg Plaza Park
Kelly Wolfe
Dana Point
Monrovia
Ear
Irvine
Ocregister
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