Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Clemente public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
26 issues in general
Tree Removal
San Clemente locals are fighting to save 70 trees at Lantern Bay Park before the City Council votes on November 17. If you love the shade and green space at the park, this is your chance to make some noise.
Digester No. 2 Rehabilitation Completion
The city is officially accepting completed structural and mechanical improvements for Digester No. 2.
Ballot Measure
San Clemente locals are rallying behind a new ballot measure designed to protect the coastline and tighten up local development rules. If you love hitting the beach, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Sand Replenishment Public Outreach Initiative
Commissioners discussed a proposal by Chair Johnson to allocate funds for public education and outreach regarding coastal sand replenishment, ultimately voting to table the item.
OCTA Coastal Rail and Bluff Protection
OCTA officials updated the council on multi-million dollar stabilization projects along the coastal rail corridor and discussed long-term planning for the San Diego railway line.
Homelessness Strategy and Housing Solutions
The Homelessness Subcommittee is working to identify primary barriers preventing unhoused individuals from finding stable housing and is exploring potential locations for future housing solutions. Committee members are actively reviewing local point-in-time statistics to guide future interventions.
Fishing Closures
Heads up, San Clemente! Officials are considering expanding fishing closures along the coast. If you enjoy fishing, you'll want to know about this meeting and potential changes to where you can cast your line.
2026 PPA OC Cup Pickleball Tournament Temporary Use Permit
Lifetime Fitness is hosting its annual pickleball tournament in May, drawing up to 1,000 daily guests. To prevent neighborhood parking jams, organizers are using off-site parking at the outlets with shuttles and adding active parking monitors near the local school.
City Manager Compensation & Contract Review
Following a performance review, the Council approved a 3% salary increase and extended City Manager Andy Hall's severance package from nine to twelve months, acknowledging his strong leadership over the past three years.
New Off-Leash Dog Park and Dog Run Location Selection
The city reviewed survey results from over 800 residents to plan a new dog park and dog run. Officials recommended San Gorgonio Park as the top spot for a main off-leash dog park and Bonita Canyon Park for a specialized dog run.
Surveillance Cameras
San Clemente is installing Border Patrol surveillance cameras, and some locals are worried about privacy. It's like having a constant eye on the community, and not everyone is comfortable with that.
Border Security Infrastructure
San Clemente is beefing up its coastal defenses with a new surveillance tower. The city council approved the project to monitor the ocean for migrant activity, bringing new tech to the shoreline.
Beach Monitoring
San Clemente is letting federal agencies monitor its beaches, becoming the first city in Orange County to do so. This move could bring new insights into beach conditions and environmental factors.
Cars and Coffee Event Regulation and Traffic Impact
Residents and car enthusiasts debated the future of the weekly Cars and Coffee event at the Outlets. While attendees highlighted its community value and economic benefits, concerns were raised regarding off-site speeding and noise.
Homelessness Policy
San Clemente is fighting a state law that would prevent them from moving homeless people out of town. The city council feels the state is overstepping and wants to keep control over how they manage homelessness.
Public Space Regulation
San Clemente is considering a ban on picnics in parks and beaches. This could mean no more beach days with your favorite snacks or family gatherings in the park.
Legal Action
San Clemente's City Council is sitting out a lawsuit, meaning the city won't be part of the legal battle. They've chosen to stay on the sidelines instead of joining the fight.
Border Security Cooperation
San Clemente is partnering with Border Patrol to patrol its coastline for migrant boats. This initiative aims to enhance security directly on the beaches.
Sanctuary City Policy
San Clemente is staying out of the sanctuary city debate for now. The city council decided not to join Huntington Beach's legal challenge, meaning they won't be actively fighting sanctuary city policies.
Legal Challenge to State Law
San Clemente's city council is considering joining a lawsuit against California's sanctuary state law. This move could change how local police interact with federal immigration authorities.
Pickleball Court Closure
San Clemente's pickleball courts are closing down thanks to noise complaints. If you love the game, you'll need to find a new spot to play.
Voting Map District Boundaries
San Clemente just locked in a brand-new voting map that keeps the coastal neighborhoods together. This means you'll likely have different neighbors or a different representative when you head to the polls for local elections.
Abortion Ban Proposal
San Clemente's City Council just voted NO on a proposed abortion ban. After a really intense meeting, they decided to keep the current laws in place, meaning no new restrictions on abortion access for now.
Abortion Policy Debate
San Clemente's City Council is hitting the pause button on a potential abortion ban. They've decided not to put the controversial topic on the agenda for their upcoming meeting, meaning it's off the table for now.
Beach Access Restrictions
San Clemente beaches are back open this weekend, but there's a catch: only residents can get in. So, if you're not a local, you'll have to wait to hit the sand.
Drone Ordinance
San Clemente is thinking about new rules for drone flying. The city council is debating an ordinance that could change where and how you can operate your drone locally.